Many indoor spaces lack natural daylight, especially windowless rooms or home offices. Philips aims to solve this with the launch of the Philips Skylight, a ceiling light that mimics the look and feel of a real skylight. According to TechRadar, the Skylight uses advanced LED technology and Philips' NatureConnect technologies to replicate natural lighting.
Product Models and Pricing
The Philips Skylight comes in four models: the Skylight Medium, Skylight Large, Skylight VitaUp Medium, and Skylight VitaUp Large. Prices start at 499.99 euros (approximately $580 or £430). All models include a slim ceiling profile, a remote control, five preset lighting scenes, and the Day Rhythm tool that automatically adjusts color temperature and brightness throughout the day.
| Model | Key Feature | Price (starting) |
|---|---|---|
| Skylight Medium | Standard daylight simulation | €499.99 |
| Skylight Large | Larger coverage area | €499.99+ |
| Skylight VitaUp Medium | Integrated UV-B module | €499.99+ |
| Skylight VitaUp Large | UV-B module + larger size | €499.99+ |
Technology and Features
Signify, the manufacturer of Philips lighting, stated that the Skylight is "inspired by the natural brightness, depth and rhythm of sunlight." The Day Rhythm tool adjusts the light's color temperature and intensity to follow the natural daylight cycle. The VitaUp models include an integrated UV-B module designed to support the body's natural vitamin D production indoors, with safety features such as automatic shut-off after eight hours. All models have an IP44 rating, making them suitable for bathrooms and humid environments.
Smart Home Limitations
Despite its advanced lighting capabilities, the Philips Skylight is not a Hue product and lacks any smart connectivity. According to TechRadar, it does not connect to Wi-Fi or support Matter over Thread, so it cannot be integrated into existing smart home setups. Control is manual via the included remote. This is a notable omission given the high price and the growing demand for smart lighting integration.
Availability
Previously, the Skylight was limited to professional settings such as offices and medical environments. Now it is available for everyone. Signify announced that the ceiling light will launch later this month in most regions, with US availability scheduled for September.
Implications for Indoor Workers
As more people work from home or spend time in windowless rooms, products like the Philips Skylight offer a way to bring the benefits of natural daylight indoors. The UV-B module in VitaUp models aims to support vitamin D production, which is typically obtained from sunlight. However, the lack of smart home integration may be a drawback for tech-savvy users looking to automate their environment.
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