Question 1

do you need a hub to connect these to alexa?

Accepted Answer

I have one that came with my Echo Show 10, it paired with the Echo Show and the other Echos can control it no issue.
But you have to have an Echo with Zigbee function - that means the older Echo Plus, or the new 4th gen Echo or an Echo Show 10.
If not, you'll need to use Hue's hub and use the Hue skill to link to your Alexa network.

Of the choices, I recommend the show, because it gives you visuals when installing.  however most my smart devices are wifi using the Smart Life app and intergrate using that skill.

Question 2

Can you change it to cool white?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which model you’re looking at. I’m seeing your question on the “White Ambiance” hue listing, which DOES adjust between warm and cool white. They do sunrise and sunset gradients well, there’s a really neat pale “moonlight” mode, and you can get a spa-like blueish white if you like.

The “Soft White” hue bulbs are just a warm light similar to traditional incandescent bulbs.

Both kinds of lights can use smartphone settings to dim the lights, turn on and off on a schedule, and be grouped into rooms or zones (like all your upstairs lights), and turn on/off when you arrive/leave home. Ambiance are my favorite… I don’t use the colors on my other bulbs much, but these have all the smart features and can be relaxing or mood-lifting like seasonal depression treatment lights. The basic “soft white” lights are still nice, especially for a little lamp where you wish to dim the light comfortably or not have to reach for an awkward switch.

Question 3

Do these bulbs use zigbee or bluetooth to connect alexa devices? description mentions echo dot (3rd gen) which does not include zigbee hub.

Accepted Answer

I'm not entirely sure which Dot i have, it's not the cloth one though i think the previous gen, but it works with these lights even through a floor. I have it down in my kitchen and according to the app it's connected to the echo dot in my office upstairs! I have 2 Echo Flexs downstairs that are closer but their bluetooth might be weaker? My place isn't big so they're not too far away, but it does work through a floor and wanted to make sure that was mentioned. Your mileage may vary!

Question 4

Can anyone explain what you mean when you say you need a hub to connect to Alexa?

Accepted Answer

The hue hub directly controls the bulbs (one hue hub can control 50? bulbs).  Alexa can install a “skill” (an app/program) that communicates with the hue hub. The end result: You say “alexa turn on bedroom light", Alexa passes the request to the hue hub, hub turns the light on, Alexa gets a reply that the request was fulfilled and lights are on.  You can control the hue hub directly with an app, or you can use an apple or google smart device to do the same thing that alexa does.

Product Dimensions	6.1 x 6.1 x 10.92 cm; 380 g
Item Weight	0.38 Kilograms
Specific uses	Light
Form factor	A19
Finish types	Soft White
Specification met	Energy Star
Warranty description	3 years.
Batteries required	No
Included components	4 White A19 60W Smart LED Bulbs

Philips Hue Smart 60W A19 LED Bulb - Soft Warm White Light - 4 Pack - 800LM - E26 - Indoor - Control with Hue App - Works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Homekit

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