[inferiorhuman]

That changed with updated bulb firmware. Initially bulbs would reset to their default state on power on, but they're now able to save state. The way I read it this behavior is not dependent upon the hub or app.

The Phillips app is so junky I just use the hard power switches somewhat frequently.

https://huehomelighting.com/new-power-feature-to-retain-colo...

[filoleg]

Luckily, their protocol is interoperable, so I don't think you are required to use their app, even for their initial setup (not 100% sure on the last part, but I am about 90% there).

Their lights work great with HomeKit, as well as many other devices do. So instead of having a separate app for Kasa switches, app for Hue, app for LiFX, and an app for Nanoleaf, I can control them all straight from HomeKit. Considering that this is easily doable, it seems totally possible to do this with something other than just HomeKit as well.

[inferiorhuman]

Their lights work great with HomeKit, as well as many other devices do. So instead of having a separate app for Kasa switches, app for Hue, app for LiFX, and an app for Nanoleaf, I can control them all straight from HomeKit. Considering that this is easily doable, it seems totally possible to do this with something other than just HomeKit as well.

Ehhh... I can't speak to the rest of the HomeKit integration but the Siri stuff isn't so great either. First it required upgrading the hub, it still only works with Philips bulbs (even though the Hue can control other smart bulbs like IKEA whatevers). After setting it up I still get "device not responding" responses from Siri at least 1/5th of the time.

Using a different app would potentially improve the problems between the hub and phone, but not between the hub and the zigbee devices.