Nanoleaf, a well-known name in the smart home industry, has been working on developing its smart switch for nearly a decade. The Sense Plus Smart Wireless “Anywhere” Switch is now available for pre-order, with an expected ship date in October. This battery-powered device offers physical control for Nanoleaf’s smart lighting system, allowing users to easily adjust lights, colors, and brightness with the press of a button.
In order to bring its smart switch to market, Nanoleaf made the decision to pivot from its initial adoption of Thread and create a new proprietary protocol called Litewave. This technology enables the Sense to communicate seamlessly with all Nanoleaf lights, regardless of whether they use Thread, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. The development of Litewave was crucial in ensuring a reliable wireless switch experience for users, as the company faced challenges with its Matter over Thread implementation.
The Sense smart switch not only offers standard lighting controls but also features two configurable buttons that can be customized through Nanoleaf’s app. Users can create scenes and automations to simplify their daily routines, such as setting up a “Movie Time” scene that adjusts lighting, shades, and thermostat settings with a single press. The integration with Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings through Matter expands the possibilities for controlling and automating smart devices in the home.
Litewave provides a robust and reliable local connection that allows for instantaneous control of Nanoleaf lights. With Litewave, users can expect lights to respond immediately to commands without any delay or “popcorn” effect. This technology operates independently of Thread border routers or Matter controllers, simplifying setup and ensuring a seamless user experience. Nanoleaf’s co-founder and CEO, Gimmy Chu, emphasized the importance of Litewave in delivering a reliable and fast control solution for smart lighting systems.
In addition to the innovative smart switch, Nanoleaf is introducing its first Matter over Wi-Fi light bulb, expanding its product lineup beyond Thread-only devices. The Essentials Matter Wi-Fi A19 Smart Bulb offers full-color and tunable white lighting options, catering to a broader audience that may not be familiar with Thread technology. This strategic decision reflects Nanoleaf’s commitment to reaching a wider market and ensuring its products are accessible to a diverse range of consumers.
As the smart home industry continues to evolve, companies like Nanoleaf are adapting to new technologies and protocols to meet the changing needs of consumers. The emergence of Matter as a standardized communication protocol is driving innovation and collaboration among manufacturers to deliver seamless and interconnected smart home ecosystems. While challenges persist, such as the complexity of integrating Matter over Thread, companies like Nanoleaf are pioneering new solutions and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in connected lighting.
Nanoleaf’s journey to develop its smart switch and embrace new technologies like Litewave and Matter over Wi-Fi highlights the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge and user-friendly smart home solutions. With a focus on reliability, control, and automation, Nanoleaf is shaping the future of connected lighting and empowering users to create personalized and immersive smart home experiences.
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