CES 2023: Switches and a learning assistant headline the announcements
Riding high from the announcement of its Matter-compatible Essentials lights in November, Nanoleaf has used the stage of CES 2023 to unveil a range of new smart lights and switches.
Alongside a new Nanoleaf 4D TV Mirror Camera Kit and a Nanoleaf Skylight, the company has also unveiled its first switches, the Sense+ Controls, and the Nala Learning Bridge.
While the two switches – one a wired-in switch, and one a wireless switch – offer the typical automation features aided by built-in motion and light sensors, the Nala Learning Bridge (above) offers something a little bit different.
All run on Matter over Thread, but the Nala bridge is able to double up as Thread Border Router and a nightlight. Crucially, it also powers an all-new learning assistant – that’s Nala – which is able to sync up with the Sense+ switches in order to create predictive actions.
This can include automatically adjusting color and temperature, selecting particular Scenes and even turning lights on or off.
Handily, the company also indicates that existing Nanoleaf Thread Border Routers (including the Shapes, Lines and Elements range) can also be upgraded to gain the same powers, meaning it’s not just limited to the Nala Learning Bridge.
No price has been set for any of the Sense+ Controls lineup, though we do know it’ll begin shipping in Q3 2023 (with the hardwired switch not coming to the EU until 2024).
Before then, though, we’ll see the arrival of Nanoleaf 4D, as well as the already-announced Essentials line that’s scheduled for Q1.
Nanoleaf 4D is a little like what we’ve seen from Philips with its Hue Sync Box and Ambilight TVs. Once the Screen Mirror Camera is set up, either on top of your TV or underneath it, it’s able to channel what’s on the screen onto the included Matter-compatible 5m Nanoleaf Lightstrip.
Thanks to the company’s new Sync+ tech, this lighting is also able to be projected onto your other Nanoleaf devices. It arrives in Q2 2023 with two sizing options – one that works with 55-inch to 65-inch TVs, and another that’s compatible with 65-inch to 85-inch screens.
Joining the Sense+ range in Q3 is also the Nanoleaf Skylight.
Working with Matter, the square, modular setup is designed to sit on ceilings. It appears to look and works roughly akin to the company’s wall-mounted options, though it does feature built-in Sense+ sensors to link up automation via Nala.
Like others in the Nanoleaf range, it has the ability to act as a Thread Border Router, too.
We’ll be looking to test out all of these new Nanoleaf wares as 2023 rolls on, so stay tuned for more details and our full verdicts.
