Philips Hue: MotionAwareTM

With the introduction of the latest version of the original Hue bridge known as the Bridge Pro, the updated hardware included a new feature known as MotionAware™ that "transforms Philips Hue lights into motion sensors by creating a Motion area using 3 to 4 lights in a room"^[1]

Utilizing the Zigbee communication protocol, MotionAware™ monitors variations in signal strength of its source of measurement using the connections of 3 or more compatiblePhilips Hue Smart Lights with the intention of eliminating the need of connected motion sensors within the environment of the monitored space.^[1]

• To set up MotionAware™, a minimum of 3 compatible Philips Hue bulbs are required^[1][2]
• If bulbs are arranged in a coplanar arrangement (i.e a flat ceiling), then principals of Trilateration applies

• MotionAware™ functions through the principal of "triangulation"^[3] which utilizes the position of existing smart lights known positions to create presence of user in a 3D space.
• Philips Hue CTO George Yianni on the HomeKit Insider Podcast Describes the technology as "The Bridge Pro analyze radio frequency traffic between pairs of lights inside a room in order to work out is someone moving in that room"^[4][3]

• As explained by Hueblog.com and appgefahren, SpatialAware is similar technology used by Philips Hue that accounts for the placement of each smart light in a space and adjusts its lighting characteristics in respect to where light is emitted in the room. ^[5][6]

MotionAware™ tackles the need of seamlessly integrating convenience of motion detectors while also reducing clutter of wiring around a living space, however there are potential trade-offs regarding privacy.

• According to Signify] the setup requires users to make a scan of their room utilizing a smartphone camera to map out a room to determine the position of the lights.^[2][6]
• It must be noted that the means of setup requires use of Augmented Reality in respect to gyroscopic positioning of a smartphone to detect the position of each light in the space. That positioning data is then recorded into the app, that can be tied to the user's account for customization.^[6]

• Concerns regarding privacy involves the need to sharing partial images/videos of personal spaces to the app in order for the feature to work.
• As of now (Feb 2026) there are no reports of image/video data being discarded after set-up.

• The core intent of the technology of MotionAware™ focuses on RF sensing as means of determining occupancy in a monitored space, however similar technology of space mapping utilizing consumer grade hardware is possible as demonstrated utilizing a similar method through the use of consumer grade Wi-Fi-router as demonstrated by researchers at Carnegie Mellon^[7]
• It is theoretically possible given the hardware capabilities for Philips Hue bulbs to enable support for trilateration should it be needed to map out a 3D environment, though it will require a revamp on how the technology works as the bulbs reportedly does not collect XYZ data points; just presence detection.^[1] As of right now the technology is not "there" yet, but expect further improvements in how radio-signals are used to measure a space.
• Alternative potential technology known as Bluetooth (BLE) Channel Sounding (Archived) utilizes Bluetooth 6.0 technology that creates more accurate means of "measuring" a space, though this technology is not currently present in any Hue Products (as of Feb 2026).^[8]

Utilizing the new Hue AI-powered assistant, automations can be created based on user activities over a period of time while allowing customization to fine tune the automations.

• Due to the requirements of registering a Hue account to utilize this feature. The app has expanded its capabilities of not only knowing when the user is home, but also which part of the house they're in which can be cross-referenced to what activity the user is likely doing.
• Founder/CTO George Yianni describes efforts to make the AI function locally in order to minimize need for communication in the cloud^[9]

• Hue States that with a subscription ($0.99 per month or $9.99 per year), MotionAware™ can be configured to detect motion and provide a timeline of the event^[1]

According to Fabian at Hueblog.com, Philips Hue Germany has removed means of customer support from direct channels and have redirected customers for inquires via social media and other 3^rd party resources.

"The German website (Archived) now only offers written contact options via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. All of these services require registration. Alternatively, the only other option currently available is the telephone support hotline, which is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There is still a link to a contact form, but the form itself can no longer be found." - Fabian^[10]

• As noted by Fabian, communications are now done through social media in which requires individual registration, meaning Philips Hue customers will need to create a separate social media account in order to communicate with Philips Hue customer support as a substitute for direct email with the company. He further concludes that the US branch "still offers support chat that does not require prior registration"^[10]

• As of February 20, 2026: Philips Hue US site has also switch to primarily social media sites for direct communications
• Direct phone communications is still offered for their customer services.
• Link to "Send Form" no longer sends customers to a form, they are instead redirected to the Support Page

• Hue Bridge Pro
• MotionAware™

• Philips Hue starts requiring an account for the Hue app
• RSSI (Received signal strength indicator)
• Trilateration
• Triangulation