Introducing Nanoleaf’s Sense Plus Smart Switch

Nanoleaf, a company known for its innovative smart lighting solutions, has finally released its long-awaited smart switch. The Sense Plus Smart Wireless “Anywhere” Switch is available for pre-order at $30 and is set to ship in October. This battery-powered device allows users to have physical control over Nanoleaf’s smart lighting system, with the ability to turn lights on or off, dim or brighten, and change colors with the press of a button. Additionally, the Sense features built-in motion and light sensors that adjust the lighting based on the conditions in the room.

Nanoleaf’s journey to develop the Sense was not without challenges. Initially, the company planned to adopt the Thread protocol for its smart switch. However, after encountering difficulties with Thread implementation, Nanoleaf decided to create its own proprietary protocol called Litewave. This new protocol ensures reliable communication between the smart switch and Nanoleaf lights, regardless of their protocol (Thread, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi).

According to Gimmy Chu, co-founder and CEO of Nanoleaf, it took eight years to find the right technology for a reliable wireless switch experience. The company recognized the importance of a low-power networking solution like Thread and a common communication protocol like Matter. However, the complexity of Matter and its multiple platforms posed challenges for Nanoleaf. As a result, they developed Litewave to reduce dependence on the platforms and provide a robust and reliable local connection for instantaneous control.

Litewave allows the Sense to control multiple Nanoleaf lights without the “popcorn” effect, where lights turn on one after another. During a video interview, Chu demonstrated the instant control capabilities of the Sense, with a dozen lights turning on and off immediately with the press of a button. The reliability and performance of Litewave have been extensively tested by Nanoleaf, with over 100 devices across 10,000 square feet showing instantaneous control with nearly 100% reliability.

In addition to the release of the Sense, Nanoleaf is also expanding its product lineup with the introduction of its first Matter over Wi-Fi light bulb. Unlike its current bulbs, which use the Thread protocol, the Essentials Matter Wi-Fi A19 Smart Bulb operates over Wi-Fi. This move was made to cater to a broader market, as many consumers are not familiar with Thread.

Nanoleaf’s adoption of alternative solutions and proprietary protocols reflects a growing trend among companies in the smart home industry. As the development of protocols like Thread and Matter continues, manufacturers face challenges in implementing these new standards. In the case of Nanoleaf, the company’s decision to create its own protocol and explore Wi-Fi connectivity demonstrates the need for flexibility and innovation in navigating the evolving landscape of smart home technology.

Nanoleaf is not alone in its approach to explore alternative solutions. Aqara, another smart home company, has also opted to support both Thread and Zigbee for its latest lighting products. This decision was made to provide users with a choice and take advantage of the features offered by Zigbee while waiting for Matter over Thread to mature.

The recent release of the Thread 1.4 update, aimed at addressing existing issues, signifies progress in the development of the protocol. As Matter continues to evolve and achieve feature parity, manufacturers will gradually incorporate the new Thread specifications. In the meantime, companies like Nanoleaf are taking proactive measures to ensure reliable and seamless experiences for their customers.

In conclusion, Nanoleaf’s release of the Sense Plus Smart Wireless “Anywhere” Switch marks a significant milestone after nearly a decade of development. The company’s decision to create its own proprietary protocol, Litewave, showcases its commitment to providing reliable and instantaneous control over its smart lighting system. By exploring alternative solutions and embracing Wi-Fi connectivity, Nanoleaf demonstrates the need for flexibility and innovation in navigating the evolving landscape of smart home technology. Ultimately, as protocols like Thread and Matter continue to mature, manufacturers will continue to adapt and evolve their products to provide optimal smart home experiences for consumers.



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