To me, the fact that Philips Hue requires a hub device is a good thing. Its local API, accessible over ethernet, ensures I will always be able to use these lamps in the future. Protocol changes do not affect it. I.e. it doesn't bog down the WiFi in some future where new protocol versions have arrived (remember all the 802.11b devices). And I like the fact that each device also gateways for other devices that cannot reach the hub directly, either to deal with interference by walls or floors, or to extend the range. This also works for firmware updates.