The Philips Hue app just got a much-needed design overhaul

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If you’re a Philips Hue owner, keep an eye out for the app redesign which should be rolling out today. According to Signify, which makes Hue’s range of products, the new app has been completely redesigned to make it easier to use.

We got the update earlier this morning, and so far, that claim of being easier to use has held up. The home screen hasn’t changed too much, but everything else has.

The biggest change we’ve noticed is that tapping on a Zone or a Room from the home screen brings up a grid showing every light and pre-set scene for that room. Before you needed to tab between multiple screens to control these, so this is a welcome simplification of steps.

READ MORE: This Home Kit relay switch turns regular light bulbs into smart lights

You can also add new lights from the Room page, so you don’t have to go hunt in the Settings tab anymore. A new button on the home screen will show up if you have multiple Hue Bridges, which power users will find more user friendly.

READ MORE: Philips Hue announces new table lamp, track lighting, and more

Other tweaks include the “Routines” page being renamed as “Automations,” which will have more options for triggering your lights based on times or geofencing of your mobile device. It’ll also take into account multiple people when triggering the “coming home” or “leaving home” automations, so it won’t change the lights just if the Hue app’s user has left the home. I’ve had to avoid using automated changes because of this in the past, as it used to turn off the lights on my partner when I went to pick up the mail. Oops.

The new redesign is rolling out today for both iOS and Android. Later this summer, you’ll also get an update that brings more dynamic lighting to the options, so you can cycle your lights through color options over time.

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Editors’ Recommendations:

• Review: Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrip – absolute game-changer
• The new Philips Hue gradient lightstrip can match all the colors on your TV
• Review: Philips Hue Play Bars and Sync Box – immerse yourself in color
• How to check and update your Philips Hue firmware to prevent you from future hacks

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

Joe Rice-Jones

Maker, meme-r, and unabashed geek with nearly half a decade of blogging experience at KnowTechie, SlashGear and XDA Developers. If it runs on electricity (or even if it doesn't), Joe probably has one around his office somewhere, with particular focus in gadgetry and handheld gaming. Shoot him an email at joe@knowtechie.com.