Slashdot Mirror


Lightbulb DRM: Philips Locks Purchasers Out of 3rd-Party Bulbs With New Firmware (techdirt.com)

sandbagger writes: Purchasers of the Philips Hue 'smart' ambient lighting system are finding out that the new firmware pushed out by the manufacturer has cut off access to previously-supported lightbulbs. Philips contends that this move will help their customers. A statement from the company reads in part: "While the Philips Hue system is based on open technologies we are not able to ensure all products from other brands are tested and fully interoperable with all of our software updates. For guaranteed compatibility you need to use Philips Hue or certified Friends of Hue products."

2 of 358 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Well there by Darinbob · · Score: 5, Funny

    Send a packet to your Roomba to roll over to the wall and turn on the light.

  2. Re:Box it all up and send it back for a refund by Darinbob · · Score: 5, Funny

    How many lightbulb manufacturers does it take to screw up a market?