| Recurring |
one_organization, multiple_organization |
(a) In the provided article [57677], Philips faced a software failure incident related to a recent software update that ended support for third-party smart bulbs using the ZigBee wireless protocol. This incident led to interoperability issues with untested third-party products, causing confusion in setup and resetting, as well as affecting the functionality of the Philips Hue Wireless Dimmer Switch. As a response to the complaints from users, Philips decided to reverse the software update and continue allowing uncertified third-party Zigbee bulbs to be paired with the Hue Bridge. This incident showcases a failure in the software update that impacted a small number of customers using Philips Hue products.
(b) The article [57677] also mentions that Philips is launching a "Friends of Hue" program to certify third-party bulbs for use in the Hue ecosystem. This move is aimed at bringing some third-party bulbs back into the Hue fold. The article draws a comparison with Google's Nest Learning Thermostat, which certifies third-party device integrations through the Works with Nest program. This indicates that other organizations have implemented similar certification programs to ensure compatibility and streamline the development process, suggesting that software failure incidents related to third-party integrations are not unique to Philips. |
| Phase (Design/Operation) |
design |
(a) The software failure incident in Article 57677 can be attributed to the design phase. Philips issued a software update (version 1.11 of the Philips Hue operating software) that ended support for third-party bulbs using the ZigBee wireless protocol but not bearing the Hue name. This decision was made due to an increase in "interoperability issues" with untested third-party products, leading to confusing differences in setup and resetting, as well as instances of third-party bulbs affecting the functionality of the Philips Hue Wireless Dimmer Switch. The failure was a result of the design decision to restrict compatibility with uncertified third-party bulbs [57677].
(b) The software failure incident in Article 57677 does not seem to be directly related to the operation phase or misuse of the system. The failure was primarily caused by a software update that restricted compatibility with certain third-party bulbs, rather than any operational errors or misuse of the system [57677]. |
| Boundary (Internal/External) |
within_system, outside_system |
From the provided article [57677], the software failure incident related to the Philips Hue Bridge can be analyzed as follows:
(a) within_system: The software failure incident within the system is primarily attributed to the decision by Philips to release a software update (version 1.11 of the Philips Hue operating software) that ended support for third-party bulbs using the ZigBee wireless protocol but not bearing the Hue name. This decision led to interoperability issues with untested third-party products, causing confusion in setup and resetting, as well as affecting the functionality of the Philips Hue Wireless Dimmer Switch [57677].
(b) outside_system: The software failure incident outside the system is related to the impact of third-party untested lights on the Philips Hue ecosystem. Philips mentioned an increase in issues with untested lights from other brands, making it harder to use the Philips Hue system and hindering the addition of new features. This external factor of untested third-party products affecting the system's performance and user experience contributed to the software failure incident [57677]. |
| Nature (Human/Non-human) |
non-human_actions, human_actions |
(a) The software failure incident in this case was primarily due to non-human actions. Philips released a software update (version 1.11 of the Philips Hue operating software) that ended support for third-party bulbs using the ZigBee wireless protocol but not bearing the Hue name. This decision was made to address interoperability issues with untested third-party products, leading to confusing setup differences and instances of third-party bulbs affecting the functionality of the Philips Hue Wireless Dimmer Switch [57677].
(b) However, human actions were also involved in this incident. Philips made the decision to close off support for uncertified third-party bulbs and launch the "Friends of Hue" program to certify third-party bulbs for use in the Hue ecosystem. This strategic shift in policy was a human decision made by Philips to streamline the development process and ensure a seamless user experience [57677]. |
| Dimension (Hardware/Software) |
software |
(a) The software failure incident in Article 57677 was not due to hardware issues but rather due to software changes made by Philips. The incident involved a software update (version 1.11 of the Philips Hue operating software) that ended support for certain third-party bulbs communicating via the ZigBee wireless protocol [57677]. This change was made by Philips to address interoperability issues with untested third-party products, indicating that the failure originated in the software update rather than hardware issues. |
| Objective (Malicious/Non-malicious) |
non-malicious |
From the provided article [57677], the software failure incident related to Philips Hue Bridge's software update that ended support for uncertified third-party Zigbee bulbs was non-malicious in nature. The failure was attributed to interoperability issues with untested third-party products, confusing setup differences, and instances of third-party bulbs affecting the functionality of Philips Hue Wireless Dimmer Switch. Philips mentioned that the decision to restrict support for these bulbs was made to address these compatibility issues and ensure a seamless user experience. The company also announced the launch of the "Friends of Hue" program to certify third-party bulbs for use in the Hue ecosystem, indicating a non-malicious intent to improve compatibility and streamline the development process. |
| Intent (Poor/Accidental Decisions) |
poor_decisions |
(a) The intent of the software failure incident was due to poor decisions made by Philips. The decision to issue a software update that ended support for third-party bulbs using the ZigBee wireless protocol without the Hue name led to interoperability issues and complaints from users [57677]. Philips underestimated the impact this decision would have on a small number of customers and had to reverse the update, acknowledging the negative consequences of their actions. Additionally, the delay in launching the "Friends of Hue" program to certify third-party bulbs was seen as a mistake, as it could have streamlined the development process and avoided compatibility issues [57677]. |
| Capability (Incompetence/Accidental) |
development_incompetence |
(a) The software failure incident in this case seems to be related to development incompetence. Philips underestimated the impact of a software update that ended support for third-party bulbs using the ZigBee wireless protocol, causing interoperability issues with untested third-party products [57677]. The decision to reverse the software update and launch a certification program for third-party bulbs indicates a lack of foresight in considering the impact on customers and the ecosystem [57677].
(b) There is no indication in the provided article that the software failure incident was accidental. |
| Duration |
temporary |
From the provided article [57677], the software failure incident related to Philips Hue Bridge's software update that ended support for third-party ZigBee bulbs was temporary. Philips announced that they would reverse the software update and continue to allow uncertified third-party Zigbee bulbs to be paired with the Hue Bridge. This indicates that the failure was due to contributing factors introduced by certain circumstances (the software update) but not all circumstances, as the company decided to reverse the update based on customer complaints and issues with third-party products. |
| Behaviour |
other |
(a) The software failure incident described in the article is not a crash where the system loses state and does not perform any of its intended functions. The Philips Hue Bridge still functions, but the update restricts the ability to add certain third-party smart bulbs [57677].
(b) The failure is not an omission where the system omits to perform its intended functions at an instance(s). The software update intentionally ends support for certain third-party bulbs using the ZigBee wireless protocol [57677].
(c) The failure is not related to timing, where the system performs its intended functions correctly but too late or too early. The update to the Philips Hue operating software was released last week, affecting the compatibility of third-party bulbs with the Hue Bridge [57677].
(d) The failure is not due to the system performing its intended functions incorrectly. The update restricts the compatibility of certain third-party bulbs with the Hue Bridge, but the system still operates as intended with certified bulbs [57677].
(e) The failure is not a byzantine behavior where the system behaves erroneously with inconsistent responses and interactions. The update aims to address interoperability issues with untested third-party products, specifically citing confusing setup differences and issues with the Philips Hue Wireless Dimmer Switch [57677].
(f) The other behavior described in the article is a change in the system's openness and certification process for third-party bulbs. Philips is introducing the "Friends of Hue" program to certify third-party bulbs for use in the Hue ecosystem, potentially bringing some bulbs back into compatibility. This change may be seen as a shift towards a more controlled environment, akin to a walled garden approach [57677]. |