First smart lights available for the new alliance standard
Nanoleaf has revealed its revamped Essentials range; a smart light bulb and smart lightstrip that are officially the first smart lights to be compatible with Matter.
Update: Nanoleaf Essentials Matter review
The new A19/E26 bulb and the lightstrip look a heck of a lot like the Thread-enabled Nanoleaf Essentials lights that went live last year, but boast that all-important Matter logo on the box.
Like the first-gen Essentials lights, these smart lights work over Thread but the big difference this time is that Thread connectivity, when combined with a Thread border router and Matter controller, will open up the Matter smart home ecosystem.
That means simplified setup, seamless controls and personalized routines that are brand agnostic and will work across multiple platforms via Matter’s Multi-Admin capabilities.
Matter over Thread is currently powered by a whole host of Matter controllers that you probably already have in your house such as an Apple HomePod mini, Apple TV, Nest Wifi, Google Home smart speaker or a SmartThings Hub.
Explained: What is Thread and why does it matter for your smart home
Amazon will also make its range of Echo speakers and displays become Matter controllers / Thread border routers soon, as well.
The reason that Thread is a big selling point is that, unlike Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it should provide more instant results when it comes to smart lighting.
The new Nanoleaf Essentials will decide what is the best route to take in terms of connectivity within a Matter setup – there’s no need for the user to even concern themself about it.
The new light bulb, like its predecessor, is a bonkers Rhombicosidodecahedron shape, with multiple color temperatures (2700K-6500K), with a 2200 lumens max brightness.
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The lightstrip comes in 2m starter packs, with 1m extension kits; and a 5m kit is also set to arrive as well.
Everything is available to pre-order now from nanoleaf.me, with shipping set for April. Prices range from $19.99 to $49.99.
Nanoleaf tells us that the Matter Essentials line will be expanded to include a GU10 spotlight and a BR30 bulb in the coming months.
There’s also word that the existing Nanoleaf modular light panels and light bars (Shapes, Elements, Canvas and Lines) will be firmware blasted later this year with Matter compatibility too.
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