Smart homes are coming into sharper focus these days, and one company aiming to ride the crest of that wave is Philips, specifically their Hue offerings. Philips Hue is designed to combine lighting solutions and smart home technology, and their latest product is a $40 (R577) motion sensor.

Like most motion sensors, this one works when a person passes it, turning on lights within the home according to specific settings. As such, homeowners can set lights within certain areas of the home to off when nobody has activated the sensor. This functionality would ideally be used in hallways, bathrooms or garages, according to Philips. 

What makes this motion sensor more intriguing than other options is the fact that it is battery powered, working on a pair of AAA batteries for between two to three years, depending on use says Philips. It also connects to the Hue Bridge, which serves as the hub of the Philips Hue system. Added to this is a Hue app, which can pair with the motion sensor and be set remotely from one's smartphone or tablet. 

The new motion sensor is set to go on sale within the next few weeks, but it's unclear if South Africa will receive it at this stage.