Philips Hue to gain support for Siri Shortcuts this fall

Credit: iCulture

Hue support for Siri Shortcuts will be present in the standalone Shortcuts app, and possibly within the Hue app itself, reports iCulture.

Siri Shortcuts is a new feature coming in iOS 12 that allows different tasks to be added to Siri. They can be simple or complicated multi-step commands encompassing both Apple's default apps and third-party applications. With Shortcuts, users can create their own custom Siri phrases to control smart home lights, as well as build them into more advanced workflows.

Onstage at WWDC 2018, Apple demoed Siri Shortcuts with the Tile app, showing off a workflow that triggers the Bluetooth tracker's ringtone when a user asks Siri to find their keys. Developers will be able to add similar functionality directly to their apps, as well as allow their software to show up within the upcoming Shortcuts app.

Since shortcuts works with first or third party apps, different sources can be integrated into single workflows. As an example, a shortcut might turn on a relaxing Apple Music playlist, set Hue lights down low, close the curtains, and more, all with a simple voice command.

Since Hue already integrates with HomeKit, most of the promised functionality will be immediately available to iOS and macOS users once Shortcuts sees release. For users opting not to use HomeKit or are stuck on the original Hue 1.0 bridge, the upcoming integration will be useful.

Shortcuts is still in developer beta and will be released later this fall alongside iOS 12. The latest developer beta four has added iCloud syncing and other features.

In related Philips Hue news, a new feature will be launching soon that allows lights to retain their color and brightness whenever there is a power outage or manually toggled off. Currently, whenever power shuts off and is regained, the light automatically goes to white and maximum brightness.

Recently, the Philips Hue lineup expanded with a pair of new ambient lighting solutions that work great with the Hue Sync app.