Smart lighting is one how to undervalue to transform any space, but it is especially suitable for gaming PCs. Colorful lighting sets the mood, and dynamic accent lighting can add an extra layer of immersion to music, movies, and games. The Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip for PC does exactly that. It attaches to the back of the display and works through the Hue app on your phone.
“Gradient” denotes the ability to display different colors simultaneously, and the lighting control panel syncs with the content via the desktop app. Philips Hue may be the brand that comes to mind when you think of smart lights, but its products are overpriced and the Play Gradient Light Bulb is no exception. There are three light steps for the display: 24 to 27 inches ($170), 32 to 34 inches ($190) or bundles for a trio of 24 to 27 inches ($280) — the latter two are not yet available in certain markets. You also need a Hue Bridge ($50).
Simple setup
Photo: Philips
I’ve long had my eye on the Philips Hue Play system for my big TV, but that setup also required Sync Box ($250) you have to run the content through (and it doesn’t work with smart TV apps). While still pricey, the Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip for PC is a much more affordable and understandable prospect.
Rubber and flexible lampshades with curved diffusers. You take the plastic guides in the box that stick to the back of the monitor and hold the strip in place. The instructions are clear and even with curved wide screen, strip mounting is quick and easy. The only hairy moment came when I tried to plug the wire in (be careful not to bend the pins).
The hardware is there, I was prepared to deal with the software, but the setup was even easier. I have the Hue Sync desktop app installed, and since I already have a Hue Bridge, a single tap of the button on the front panel is enough to add a lighttrip. It immediately appeared in my Hue app and also in Google Home App. If you have an RGB lighting setup on your desktop PC, you may also want to use Corsair’s iCue software to synchronize lighting effects with your PC components, keyboard, and mouse (the Hue app also provides a Razer integration level).
Most people will use the simple Hue Sync desktop app. You can choose Scenes, as well as other Hue lights, to suit different activities or just a mood blend. But there are also modes for synchronizing with different types of content.
Color coordination
Screenshot: Philips via Simon Hill
Screenshot: Philips via Simon Hill
The real reason to use the Philips Hue Play Gradient Lightstrip for PC is for lighting synchronization and the desktop app has modes for Games, Music and Video. In each mode, you can choose Fine, Medium, High or Extreme and tap a button to start syncing. These options determine how often the lightstrip tries to match the onscreen action or the sound you’re playing.
You will want to experiment. I find the higher frequencies work well with action movies, first-person shooters, and electronic dance music, for example, but I prefer the lower intensity for most content. Extreme mode can be a bit jarring when listening to music and distracting when watching movies, but overall transitions are smooth and the stock does a great job of matching colors.
The strip works especially well with games. It’s just a fun addition to Total War: Warhammer III, but it pulled me deeper Cyberpunk 2077 and really enhance the atmosphere of horror game alike Isolation aliens.
