Exploring Smart Lighting Solutions: My Hue Experience

I recently decided to dive into the world of smart lighting and came across the Philips Hue White bulbs. After reading some community discussions, I learned that these bulbs can be connected directly to my SmartThings hub without needing a Hue bridge. However, I’ve encountered some challenges in getting them to work properly. I purchased the bulbs from someone who had a starter kit, including a Hue bridge. My first question is: are these bulbs factory-tied to the original Hue bridge? If so, is there a way to confirm if they’re still connected to it? I’d really appreciate any guidance on the correct procedure to connect Hue White bulbs directly to my SmartThings hub. Also, I’m curious about the device handler and how to reset them without a Hue bridge. I’ve heard about using a remote or even borrowing a friend’s Hue bridge, but I’m not sure if that’s feasible. I’m really excited about the potential of these bulbs but need some help to get them up and running smoothly. I’m also considering whether integrating multiple brands might complicate things, so any tips on that would be great too. Thanks in advance for your insights and support!