Signify has collaborated with Google to bring consumers the ability to use voice commands with the Google Assistant to activate sleep and wake light effects, using Philips Hue functionality, that replicate the optimum light performance for winding down before bed time and waking up naturally in the morning. It represents the first integration of the Philips Hue sleep and wake up feature with a digital assistant platform.
From launch, features will include:
- One-time alarm sync: Users can say "Hey Google, Turn on Gentle Wake Up" which will sync their Philips Hue lights with subsequent morning alarms with the Google Assistant. Every time the user sets their alarm on the Google Assistant, Philips Hue lights will naturally wake the user up with a sunrise effect commencing 30 minutes beforehand.
- Scheduled sleep / wake: Users will be able to set sleep by saying "Hey Google, sleep the lights at 10pm", changing the lights to a warm tone of white light which gradually fades over thirty minutes. This functionality will work similarly to when you would like to wake up.
- Direct action: Users can instruct their Philips Hue lights via the Google Assistant to sleep and wake immediately, meaning the Philips Hue lights will activate the sleep and wake process directly for the 30-minute duration.
- Multi Person activation: Just like the Hue app - the Google Home app lets you manage your lights in different rooms which means you can set the wake-up routine not only for your own bedroom, but also for other rooms, e.g. Kids Bedroom, Jimmy's Bedroom, etc
What light can do
Research is increasingly showing the important role light plays in how we feel and how well we sleep. Melatonin, the hormone that helps to regulate our wake and sleep cycle, is influenced by light, whether that's natural or artificial light. By having the right light as we prepare for bed, we can get a better night's sleep, whereas waking up with the right light can help us start the day feeling more energized.
While many people need an alarm clock to wake up in the morning, by using light that simulates sunrise by gradually increasing light levels before the alarm goes off, you can improve well-being, mood and cognitive performance even much later in the day.
"Sleep plays such an important role in our health and well-being, so we're pleased to be adding yet another option for our users to help them relax before bedtime and wake up in a way that prepares them well for the day ahead," says Duncan McCue, Head of Partnerships for Philips Hue at Signify.
The new feature will be accessible to all consumers in English speaking countries by March 2019.