Philips Hue smart lights are taking the lighting experience to a new level with the introduction of two new lighting effects, Opal and Glisten. Originally launched with the latest version of the Philips Hue Festavia string lights, these effects are now reportedly available for additional Philips Hue products, elevating the ambiance of various settings with even more customizable features.
The Opal and Glisten effects have made their way to users’ homes following a firmware update. The Glisten effect enhances the atmosphere with its dynamic and intense sparkle, whereas Opal provides a softer ambiance, gently phasing through a spectrum of calming pastel hues. While these effects have started appearing on devices like the Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Gradient lightstrip and smart bulbs, their availability seems to be gradually expanding and is not yet universal.
The rollout of these features is linked to a specific firmware update, version 1.116.3. Although this update hasn’t been formally announced, a number of users have observed the new capabilities on their smart lighting systems.
Additionally, an effect named Prism, which cycles through vibrant rainbow shades, was introduced alongside Glisten and Opal with the updated Festavia string lights. Prism became accessible for all Philips Hue lighting products with the release of app version 5.13.0, which was made available early this year.
These new additions complement the existing suite of effects within the Philips Hue app, such as the Fireplace and Candle effects that simulate the flicker of real flames, providing a cozy and warm atmosphere. Users can look forward to further announcements from Signify, the company behind Philips Hue, regarding official updates and availability for all compatible smart lights.
With the growing demand for smart home technologies that offer both functionality and aesthetic flexibility, Philips Hue continues to innovate, providing users with a range of lighting effects that can transform any room into a dynamic or serene haven, depending on the chosen ambiance. The Philips Hue ecosystem encourages users to get creative with their lighting, setting the right mood for every occasion with just a few taps on a smartphone or tablet.






