TL;DR
Philips Hue is introducing SpatialAware, an AR-based feature that maps the positions of Hue lights in a room so scenes can be applied more intelligently. The system remasters existing scenes to distribute colors and effects based on fixture placement and will arrive in Spring 2026 for setups using the Hue Bridge Pro.
What happened
At CES, Philips Hue demonstrated SpatialAware, a new capability that uses a smartphone’s AR tools to scan a room and locate Hue fixtures. The app builds a 3D layout of bulbs and stores that map so lighting scenes can be apportioned according to where lamps and ceiling lights actually sit. Philips has updated roughly half of its preconfigured scenes to take advantage of the placement data; in demos the remastered versions delivered more even color spreads and behavior that matched intended design choices. For example, a sunset-themed scene applied warmer tones to lamps on one side of the room while dimming or darkening overhead lights across the space, and a nightlight scene turned ceiling fixtures off where appropriate. Philips says SpatialAware will be released in Spring 2026 and will work with Hue systems connected to the Hue Bridge Pro.
Why it matters
- Scenes will appear more cohesive because colors and brightness are distributed based on actual light placement, not generic presets.
- A room-aware approach reduces odd or uneven results that can occur when fixtures are treated identically.
- The feature changes how users set up and tune lighting scenes—scanning the room becomes part of configuring Hue.
- Compatibility limited to Hue Bridge Pro means some existing users may need hardware upgrades to access SpatialAware.
Key facts
- SpatialAware uses a smartphone’s augmented reality capabilities to scan and map the locations of Hue lights in a room.
- The map generated by the scan is saved in the Hue app and used to adapt scenes to fixture placement.
- Philips reworked about half of its scene library so those scenes can use SpatialAware’s placement data.
- In demo comparisons, remastered scenes produced more even color distribution and more appropriate fixture behavior.
- Examples shown at CES included a remastered sunset scene with consistent warm tones across ceiling lights and a nightlight scene that switched ceiling fixtures off.
- The feature was demonstrated by Philips at CES in a hotel suite during a hands-on demo.
- SpatialAware will be made available in Spring 2026.
- The capability is compatible with Hue setups connected to the Hue Bridge Pro.
What to watch next
- Rollout timing and exact availability window within Spring 2026 (confirmed in the source: Spring 2026).
- Whether Philips will update the remaining scenes beyond the roughly half already remastered (not confirmed in the source).
- If SpatialAware support will be extended to Hue systems that do not use the Hue Bridge Pro or to third-party lights (not confirmed in the source).
- How users respond to the requirement to scan rooms as part of scene setup and whether that affects adoption (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- SpatialAware: A Philips Hue feature that maps the physical placement of lights in a room so scenes can distribute colors and effects based on fixture location.
- Augmented reality (AR): Technology that overlays digital information on the real world, often used on smartphones to capture spatial data or place virtual objects.
- Hue Bridge Pro: Philips Hue’s network bridge/hub model that connects and manages Hue lighting devices and enables advanced features.
Reader FAQ
How does SpatialAware determine each light’s location?
It uses your phone’s AR functions in the Hue app to scan the room and create a 3D map of light placements.
Which scenes will use SpatialAware?
Philips has reworked about half of its scenes to be compatible with SpatialAware; specific titles beyond examples shown were not enumerated in the source.
When will SpatialAware be available?
Philips plans to roll out SpatialAware in Spring 2026.
Will SpatialAware work with all Hue setups?
It is compatible with Hue lighting connected to the Hue Bridge Pro; wider compatibility was not confirmed in the source.
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Sources
- It turns out I’ve been using my Hue lights all wrong
- Far more than intelligent lighting: Philips Hue reimagines …
- Smart Scene Mapping: Colours of scenes are more …
- MotionAwareTM: Transform Your Hue Lights into Motion …
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