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We're thrilled to announce the release of Photone for iOS version 4, bringing a major leap forward in smartphone-based light measurement technology. This update introduces our most advanced RAW camera image-based measurement algorithm, improved adaptations to different light sources, the addition of extended PAR (ePAR) measurements, and dramatically improved low-light sensitivity for precise dark period monitoring. Photone offers growers at any level a truly professional-grade light meter in their pocket. Read along to learn about the the key highlights included in this update:
🔬 Pro-grade Measurement Accuracy
At the core of this update is a brand-new measurement algorithm that taps into the full potential of the iPhone’s or iPad’s camera sensor through RAW image processing. This significantly boosts sensitivity, especially for bluish (400–500 nm) and reddish (600–700 nm) light – exactly the ranges that matter for a PAR meter.
Accuracy and precision are now pushed to the limits of what a mobile device can achieve. Thanks to these improvements, Photone is able to outperform even higher class PAR meters from established manufacturers.
💡 Enhanced Light Source Selection
The update also includes an improved light source selection: common options have been consolidated to make the interface simpler, while new, more specialized sources have been added for specific applications – such as “LED Full Spectrum + Red” for setups designed to promote flowering and fruiting or “Fluorescent Actinic” for marine aquariums. This allows Photone to further improve measurement accuracy by reducing the spectral mismatch error.
Check the detailed guide if you’re unsure which light source setting’s the right one for your lamp:
📊 Extended PAR (ePAR) Measurements
Photone Pro users can now enable ePAR readings in the app’s settings. Extended Photosynthetically Active Radiation (ePAR) expands the standard PAR range by including far-red photons (i.e. light) up to 750 nm instead of just 700 nm (PAR). This gives plant growers deeper insight into the total light available for photosynthesis and is especially helpful when working with lighting setups designed to boost flowering and maximize yield quality – a feature previously found only in expensive physical ePAR meters.
📷 Improved Automatic Diffuser Detection
Photone uses your device’s camera to detect whether a diffuser is attached – a crucial step for accurate measurements. In rare cases, a diffuser could previously go undetected, but we’ve completely redesigned the detection algorithm to make it significantly more reliable.
🌚 Excellent Low Light Sensitivity
The new measurement algorithm is highly sensitive and accurate, even in very dark environments. This is especially useful if you want to ensure your plants aren’t exposed to more than 0.1 μmol/m²/s during their dark period. Perfect for anyone who cares about proper rest cycles – or wants to dive deeper into photoperiodism, the way plants respond to the length of day and night.
What’s Changing for Current Photone Users
Good news, there’s nothing you need to do — the app will handle everything automatically. If you’ve previously set a custom calibration, it was cleared to prevent you from inaccurate measurements. That’s because calibrations based on the old measurement model can not be ported. In any case, there should be no reason to calibrate, as with the new RAW-based algorithm, Photone’s out-of-the-box accuracy is higher than ever.
If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to level up your lighting tools and get Photone Pro. By doing so you not only benefit from the latest features introduced and all future improvements that will be added to the app, but you also help us to keep improving the app and keep it the best light meter app available. Just activate ePAR or any of the Pro settings to reach the upgrade screen.
