The Development of Nanoleaf’s Smart Switch: A Critical Analysis

The Development of Nanoleaf’s Smart Switch: A Critical Analysis

Nanoleaf, a well-known brand in the smart lighting industry, has recently launched its long-awaited Sense Plus Smart Wireless “Anywhere” Switch. This battery-powered smart switch brings physical control to Nanoleaf’s smart lighting system, offering users the ability to control their lights with the press of a button. The Sense Plus also features built-in motion and light sensors for added convenience and automation capabilities.

One of the most significant aspects of Nanoleaf’s smart switch is the development of a proprietary protocol called Litewave. This protocol was created after the company had to pivot from its initial adoption of Thread. According to Nanoleaf co-founder and CEO Gimmy Chu, the development of Litewave took nearly a decade to perfect. The decision to create Litewave was due to the company’s struggles with implementing Matter over Thread and ensuring a reliable wireless switch experience.

In an interview with The Verge, Chu highlighted the complexities of Matter and its multiple platforms as a significant challenge for Nanoleaf. The company faced issues with the dependence on the Matter controller for functionalities such as pairing and network maintenance. This led to the development of Litewave, which provides a robust and reliable local connection for instantaneous control of Nanoleaf lights.

Litewave allows the Sense Plus switch to communicate with all Nanoleaf lights, regardless of whether they use Thread, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. This local protocol ensures immediate response times when controlling multiple lights, eliminating the “popcorn effect” where lights turn on one after another. Additionally, Litewave simplifies the setup process for users, as it does not require a Thread border router or Matter controller to function.

In a shift away from relying solely on Thread, Nanoleaf is set to release its first Matter over Wi-Fi light bulb. This move was prompted by the company’s desire to cater to a broader audience, particularly those who may not be familiar with Thread. The new Essentials Matter Wi-Fi A19 Smart Bulb is designed for mass-market appeal and will be available at Walmart, highlighting Nanoleaf’s commitment to expanding its product range and accessibility.

Nanoleaf’s decision to develop Litewave and venture into Matter over Wi-Fi reflects a broader trend in the smart home industry. Companies like Aqara are also diversifying their connectivity options by offering products that work with both Thread and Zigbee. As Matter continues to evolve and address current issues, manufacturers are looking for alternative solutions to ensure compatibility and feature parity across their product range.

Nanoleaf’s development of the Sense Plus Smart Wireless switch and Litewave protocol represents a significant milestone in the company’s journey to provide innovative smart lighting solutions. By addressing challenges with Matter over Thread and expanding into Matter over Wi-Fi, Nanoleaf is poised to continue leading the way in the smart home industry. As technology advances and industry standards evolve, companies like Nanoleaf must adapt and innovate to meet the changing needs of consumers and remain competitive in the market.

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