A third-party developer has released a new Mac app that allows control of Philips Hue light bulbs from a menulet in the Mac menu bar. Hue Menu, available on the Mac App Store, uses the Hue API to change the colors, brightness and more of Hue lights.

A year ago, Philips released its Hue iOS-controlled LED light bulbs exclusively on the Apple Store. More recently, the company released new LED 'LightStrips' and an accent lamp called 'Bloom'.

Hue Menu

Hue Menu is a simple and delightful way to control your Philips Hue light bulbs right from your Mac's Menu Bar.

This 3rd party App is the best companion for your Philips Hue light bulbs striking the perfect balance between ease of use and powerful features, making it as delightful to use as the official iOS Apps

Hue Menu is available for $2.99 on the Mac App Store. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

robodude666 Avatar
157 months ago
Just a BTW, Colors for Hue (http://www.ambiancelabs.com/) does basically the same thing but is free (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/colors-for-hue/id581915465?mt=12) on the Mac App Store.

Does everything, except it doesn't have random modes, presets, or relax/energize modes Philips includes.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Generik777 Avatar
157 months ago
as for security I think you're mistaken. I think any client must 1) be on your network, 2) have paired with your bridge.

This is correct.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mdelvecchio Avatar
157 months ago
Now all we need are brighter bulbs (75/100 watt equivalent options), and better security so anyone walking by with the app can't change your lights!

agreed on the wattage.

as for security I think you're mistaken. I think any client must 1) be on your network, 2) have paired with your bridge.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
3282868 Avatar
157 months ago
I don't understand the need for this product....when would you ever need to turn your lights on through wifi?

Couple of reasons:

- Handicap: My father is a 77 year old double leg amputee from diabetes [neglect], I installed these throughout my family's home which allows them to control lights he couldn't normally reach

- Deaf: IFTTT recipes allow for a myriad of actions, and some are coming around that may allow the deaf to be alerted if an alarm is sounded (fire or break-in)

- Geo-fencing: Turn lights on when arriving at home and soon lights will be able to track your presence through the device currently connected and controlling the system (walking through rooms turns lights on and off)

- Monitoring: Control lighting away from home, saves energy and possible burglary attempts

- Energy: LED lights last a long time and are much more energy efficient, unlike most LED lights these allow for warmer whites in addition to colors (I've had mine since day 1, not one needing replacing, however a friend busted his and Philips sent him a free replacement)

- IFTTT recipes allow for certain lights to activate based on changes in weather forecast, stocks, emails from specific people, alerts - just about anything.

- Recipes: Install and name each light, then create recipes. Recipes can be made as one touch macros, select which lights, their colors and brightness, then decide if the lights should turn on automatically at dusk/dawn, a set time, through geofencing, etc. and save. The recipes will be available across all iOS and OS X attached devices.

There's a lot more, but it goes well beyond a novelty. I also installed a second gen Nest for my parents' and my own 2 and 3 stage HVAC Trane systems, saved money/paid for itself while simplifying home energy control.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
madsci954 Avatar
157 months ago
I don't understand the need for this product....when would you ever need to turn your lights on through wifi?

A possible use, though I'm not sure if it's implemented yet, setting timers, so you can simulate someone being home, ie turning the lights on and off at random intervals, when you're on vacation or away on a business trip.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GoCubsGo Avatar
157 months ago
I don't understand the need for this product....when would you ever need to turn your lights on through wifi?

Laziness. I wouldn't mind it if I didn't have to run downstairs to turn off a light I left on by mistake when I am comfy in bed. :)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro 3 4ths Perspective Aluminum Camera Module 1

New iPhone 17 Pro Details: Brighter Display, Best Battery Life, and More

Wednesday September 3, 2025 5:33 am PDT by
Apple's iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max models will feature a number of significant display, thermal, and battery improvements, according to new late-stage rumors. According to the Weibo leaker known as "Instant Digital," the iPhone 17 Pro models will feature displays with higher brightness, making it more suitable for use in direct sunlight for prolonged periods. The iPhone 16 Pro and...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro Prices Estimated Ahead of Apple Event Next Week

Tuesday September 2, 2025 1:50 pm PDT by
Just one week before Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series, an analyst has shared new price estimates for the devices. Here are J.P. Morgan analyst Samik Chatterjee's price estimates for the iPhone 17 series in the United States, according to 9to5Mac: Model Starting Price Model Starting Price Change iPhone 16 $799 iPhone 17 ...
Apple Watch Ultra 2 Complications

Apple Watch Ultra 3 Coming Next Week: Eight Reasons to Upgrade

Thursday September 4, 2025 7:38 am PDT by
We're only days away from Apple's "Awe dropping" fall event scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 9 – and along with the new iPhone 17 series, we're going to get a new version of the Apple Watch Ultra for the first time since 2023. By the time the Ultra 3 is unveiled, it will have been two years since the previous model arrived. The intervening period has left plenty of room for...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 AIR Loud Feature

iPhone 17 Air Could Start at $1,099 With 256GB Storage, 1TB for $1,499

Thursday September 4, 2025 2:54 am PDT by
Apple's upcoming iPhone 17 Air will have a $1,099 starting price providing 256GB of base storage and will max out at $1,499 with a 1TB option, according to the latest TrendForce report. Apple will offer three price/storage tiers for the all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17 model, which replaces last year's iPhone 16 Plus in the lineup. Here's how TrendForce sees them breaking down: 256GB — $1099...