The integration relies on Silicon Labs’ MG26 and SiMG301 wireless SoCs, which allow hardware to handle multiple protocols at once. While current devices require users to select either Zigbee or Thread during the initial setup, a forthcoming software update scheduled for later this year will unlock the concurrent operation feature for select Philips Hue product lines.

This shift addresses a common friction point in the smart home market, where consumers often face a trade-off between the advanced, immersive lighting features exclusive to the Hue ecosystem and the broad, simplified connectivity offered by the Matter standard. By enabling both protocols to run in parallel, Signify aims to maintain the platform's proprietary entertainment and automation capabilities while ensuring seamless integration with Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings. George Yianni, Chief Technology Officer for Philips Hue at Signify, noted that the collaboration removes complexity for consumers, ensuring that the adoption of new industry standards does not come at the expense of the premium lighting experiences that define the brand.