I use Apples HomeKit in our house and garage and needed something in the garage to turn the lights on automatically when someone opens the door and walks in. The first Homekit enabled motion sensor I purchased from another manufacturer constantly dropped off the network giving me "Unreachable" errors in the Home app.
Because I have several Philips Hue lights in our home and have had great luck with them I decided to give their motion sensor a try. I'm very glad I did as it solved my lighting issue in the garage perfectly.
Setup was pretty straight forward, although I do find the Philip's Hue app a bit cumbersome to get around in. Once the app found the device and installed it in the Home app I was able to create a new automation. Now when motion is detected it turns on three of my Smart Plugs connected to shop lights. I wasn't sure if the Hue motion sensor would be able to turn on non Philips Hue products but it works great. From the time it senses motion to activation of all three lights is under a second so it's very responsive.
In the Home app automation I created for the sensor and lights I've set the lights to turn off after 20 minutes of no motion detected. As long as i'm moving around in the garage the lights will remain on. Perfect for what I need.
The motion sensor comes with a magnet which when attached to the device allows you to place the sensor on metal surface. I placed mine on the side of my gun safe which is facing my garage door. I do find it odd that Philips included the magnet but the screw they include to attach the magnet to the sensor is a wood screw. The sensor housing has fine threads. It still works as there is virtually no weight too sensor so you only need to turn the screw a quarter turn to get it to bite. But it's still not correct and a dumb oversight on Philips part.
Another nice feature of the motion sensor is the inclusion of a temperature sensor. Now I can see the temp of my garage from my Home app anytime I want. However, the Home app doesn't let you use the temperature sensor for any automation. I'm not sure if this is a Apple issue or Philips but it might be nice to say turn on a fan in the garage if a certain temperature is reached.
All in all though I would highly recommend this product to anyone wanting to add a motion sensor to their Homekit setup.
| Brand | Philips Hue |
|---|---|
| Color | white |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Item Weight | 2.75 ounces |
| Maximum Range | 12 Meters |
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount |
| Product Dimensions | 1.1"D x 2.44"W x 2.44"H |
| Manufacturer | Signify North America Corporation |
| Part Number | 570977 |
| Item model number | 570977 |
| Size | No Size |
| Style | Sensor Only (New Version) |
| Material | Plastic |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Special Features | Motion Sensor |
| Included Components | Motion Sensor |
| Batteries Included? | Yes |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
| Battery Cell Type | Alkaline |
| Warranty Description | Warranty |
