Lighting brand Philips Hue has quietly rolled out updates to its Pillar and Runner spotlights in Europe. Their respective lines consist of several models with a number of similarities between them.
Starting with the Pillar line, they hang from the ceiling pointing downwards and replace the main luminaire. The series houses the company’s recently launched GU10 bulbs, capable of reaching a maximum brightness level of 400 lumens and a “total lifespan of 25,000 hours.”
The lights also feature a white ambiance. As NotebookCheck explains, the feature allows users to set the color temperature from 2200K for warmer tones up to 6500K to mimic daylight. You can remotely control up to 10 individual Pillar luminaires via the official Philips Hue app for Android or iOS. The light brightness can be dimmed by pressing buttons on the side of the Pillar or through the mobile app.
Voice commands are supported by Google Assistant and Alexa, however, you'll need to have a “compatible Google Nest or Amazon Echo device.” Philips Hue says owners can connect the Pillar lights to a Hue Bright to unlock additional features, such as the ability to set up automated lighting.
There are three individual Pillar models available for purchase in the EU. The base light costs €89.99, the double spotlight €159.99 and the extendable light costs €69.99. However, the latter does not have a dimmer switch.
Double and triple lights
The Runner lights from Philip Hue feature the same GU10 bulb with the same amount of lumens and colour temperature. As expected, the bulb life is also set at 25,000 hours. The main difference between these and the Pillar series depends on the model. For example, the Runner main light is arguably more flexible. It sits on a wall with its light beam at a 40-degree angle, so it can be considered a small personal lamp.
Next to it are the Runner dual and triple spotlights. These, like the Pillar, sit on the ceiling, but have the potential to be brighter. Each of the fixtures outputs light at 400 lumens. Adding it all up, the Runner dual model has a maximum output of 800 lumens, and the triple model tops out at 1,200 lumens.
Other than that, the Runner series has all the same features as the Pillar line: voice commands via Alexa, Hue Bridge compatibility, the ability to control 10 lights via the app, and so on.
Availability
The Runner lights are available for purchase in the EU and UK. The basic model costs €89.99 and the switchless option costs €69.99. UK customers can only purchase the latter for £59.99. The Runner double spotlight is priced at £134.99/€159.99, while the triple is priced at £189.99/€219.99. It is important to mention that all UK products are currently out of stock and in the EU, the same products are running out.
It's unknown if there are plans to restock soon, so we've reached out to Philips Hue for more information on that and to see if they plan to release both products in the US. We'll update this story if we hear back.
Be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the best smart lights for 2024.
