Signify’s Philips Hue colorful smart lights get a new software feature at CES 2026. The feature called SpecialAware scene allows all Hue lights in a particular space to be identified and their colors to be intelligently tailored according to the lighting condition for the most natural representation possible.
SpecialAware uses phone scans of the room to understand the position of various lights and, using an algorithm, can tailor a natural lighting scene. So, for instance, you want a sunset, all Hue lights – floor, ceiling, and wall – using SpecialAware, create a lighting scene together without having to deal with additional settings.
“In a sunset scene… the lights on one side of the room emit warm yellow tones to mimic the setting sun, while the ceiling lights on the opposite side reflect darker shades,” Philips Hue mentions in its press release.
To appear more immersive and natural, the SpecialAware feature requires Hue Bridge Pro, and it will be released in the spring of 2026. For its correct execution, the feature requires an iPhone camera’s LiDAR sensor to scan the desired room and determine the position of all individual lights (by pointing the camera at them), and then the algorithm ensures all light points are coordinated.
According to Gizmodo, the Hue SpecialAware scene “works with phones that lack LiDAR, but… would have to tag each light from multiple angles to triangulate their location.” That said, the feature can also accommodate any lamps or lights added after the setup. You can scan new lights, and it takes them into account as you grow your Hue light portfolio.
It is to be noted that SpatialAware will be compatible with half of the pre-installed light scenes in the Scenes Gallery. You can select any nature-based scene – mist, savanna sunset, or mountain breeze – activate the mode, and sit back and watch all coordinated lights tone their shades according to their position in the room, creating the most natural scene possible.
In addition to the SpecialAware feature, Philips Hue has also brought a significant Apple-friendly upgrade to the Hue Secure cameras at CES. These cameras will now work with Apple Home, so you can watch footage from the camera on the Hue app or see the live feed on Apple TV.
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