Nanoleaf has finally announced the release of its much-anticipated smart switch after nearly a decade of development. The Sense Plus Smart Wireless “Anywhere” Switch brings physical control to Nanoleaf’s smart lighting system, allowing users to easily adjust their lights with the press of a button. This battery-powered device features built-in motion and light sensors, making it a versatile addition to any smart home setup.
In order to bring the Sense smart switch to market, Nanoleaf had to pivot from its initial adoption of Thread and create a new proprietary protocol called Litewave. This technology enables seamless communication between the switch and Nanoleaf’s lights, regardless of whether they use Thread, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. According to Nanoleaf co-founder and CEO Gimmy Chu, developing Litewave was crucial to ensuring a reliable and robust user experience.
While Nanoleaf is a strong supporter of Thread technology, the company faced challenges when implementing Matter over Thread for the Sense switch. The complexity of the Matter protocol and its multiple platforms presented obstacles in achieving seamless connectivity. To address these issues, Nanoleaf turned to Litewave to provide a reliable local connection that offers instantaneous control without the need for additional devices such as a Thread border router or Matter controller.
In addition to the Sense smart switch, Nanoleaf is venturing into new territory with its first Matter over Wi-Fi light bulb. The Essentials Matter Wi-Fi A19 Smart Bulb offers full-color and tunable white lighting options, catering to a broader audience beyond the niche Thread market. By embracing Wi-Fi connectivity, Nanoleaf aims to appeal to a wider range of consumers, including those shopping at major retailers like Walmart.
Nanoleaf isn’t the only company exploring alternative connectivity solutions in the smart home space. Aqara, for example, has diversified its product offerings to include both Thread and Zigbee-compatible devices to meet the evolving needs of its customers. As the smart home industry continues to evolve, manufacturers like Nanoleaf are being forced to adapt and innovate in order to stay competitive and address the changing demands of consumers.
As Thread technology continues to evolve and improve, manufacturers are hopeful that issues related to connectivity and interoperability will be resolved. The recent release of the Thread 1.4 update promises to address many of the current challenges, paving the way for greater feature parity and compatibility. While it may take time for these changes to be fully implemented, companies like Nanoleaf are determined to find alternative solutions in the interim to ensure a seamless user experience for their customers.
Nanoleaf’s foray into the world of smart home devices represents a commitment to innovation, adaptability, and user-centric design. By embracing new technologies and developing proprietary solutions like Litewave, Nanoleaf is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving smart home industry. With a focus on seamless connectivity and user experience, Nanoleaf is poised to continue delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance the way we interact with our living spaces.
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