Nanoleaf Unveils $30 Sense Plus Smart Switch with Motion Sensing and Wireless Control

Nanoleaf Unveils Innovative Wireless Smart Switch for Seamless Lighting Control

Nanoleaf, a leader in smart lighting solutions, has announced the launch of its highly anticipated Sense Plus Smart Switch. This wireless device, priced at $30, is now available for pre-order and is set to ship in October, offering users unprecedented control over Nanoleaf’s lighting systems, including its new ceiling light.

The Sense Plus Smart Wireless “Anywhere” Switch represents a significant breakthrough in smart home technology. Nanoleaf has developed a proprietary protocol called Litewave to ensure reliable operation, addressing longstanding challenges in wireless smart switch functionality.

This battery-powered device provides physical control over Nanoleaf’s smart lighting system, featuring built-in motion and light sensors that adjust lighting based on room conditions. The switch can be mounted on a wall plate or used as a portable remote, offering flexibility in placement and use.

The Sense Plus boasts six buttons, including on/off, dim/brighten, and two configurable buttons. These customizable buttons can be programmed through Nanoleaf’s app or set up with Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings via Matter integration, allowing users to create complex automations and scenes.

Utilizing Matter over Thread and Litewave protocols, the switch operates on the same 802.15.4 radio as Bluetooth and Thread. This technology ensures reliable communication with all Nanoleaf lights, regardless of whether they use Thread, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi.

Nanoleaf’s CEO revealed that the development of the Sense Plus spanned eight years, as the company sought the right technology for a dependable wireless switch. The proprietary Litewave protocol was developed to overcome challenges with Matter over Thread implementation, providing a robust and reliable local connection for instantaneous control.

In performance tests, the Sense Plus demonstrated instantaneous control of multiple Nanoleaf lights with no “popcorn” effect, even when tested with over 100 devices across 10,000 square feet, achieving near 100 percent reliability.

Alongside the Sense Plus, Nanoleaf is releasing its first Matter over Wi-Fi light bulb, the Essentials Matter Wi-Fi A19 Smart Bulb, developed in partnership with Walmart to cater to a broader audience unfamiliar with Thread technology.

As the smart home industry continues to evolve, companies like Nanoleaf are exploring innovative solutions while awaiting improvements in Thread technology. The upcoming Thread 1.4 update aims to address current issues and bring feature parity with Matter, though implementation across manufacturers is expected to take time.

The launch of the Sense Plus Smart Switch marks a significant step forward in smart lighting control, offering users a reliable, versatile, and user-friendly solution for managing their Nanoleaf lighting systems.