The Nanoleaf Sense Plus Smart Wireless “Anywhere” Switch has been in development for nearly a decade, and it is finally available for pre-order. This $30 device offers physical control to Nanoleaf’s smart lighting system, allowing users to easily adjust their lights with the press of a button. However, the development process was not without its challenges, as Nanoleaf had to pivot from adopting Thread to creating a new, proprietary protocol called Litewave.
The Sense Plus Smart Wireless Switch features built-in motion and light sensors, allowing it to adjust the lighting based on room conditions. It offers traditional lighting controls, as well as two configurable buttons that can be programmed through Nanoleaf’s app or integrated with Apple Home and Samsung SmartThings through Matter. This versatile device can be mounted on a wall plate or used as a portable remote, making it a convenient addition to any smart home setup.
Nanoleaf’s co-founder and CEO, Gimmy Chu, faced various challenges in developing the Sense Plus Smart Wireless Switch. While Nanoleaf was an early adopter of Thread, the company struggled with its Matter over Thread implementation. Chu attributes these struggles to the complexity of Matter and its multiple platforms, which made it difficult for Nanoleaf to ensure the switch would work reliably with all its smart lights. As a result, Nanoleaf developed the Litewave protocol to provide a robust and reliable local connection for the Sense Plus Smart Wireless Switch.
Litewave allows the Sense Plus to control multiple Nanoleaf lights simultaneously with instantaneous response, without the “popcorn” effect of lights turning on one after another. This proprietary protocol works over the same 802.15.4 radio as Bluetooth/Thread, ensuring seamless communication with all Nanoleaf lights, regardless of their connectivity protocol. Litewave also simplifies the setup process for users by eliminating the need for additional devices like Thread border routers or Matter controllers.
In addition to the Sense Plus Smart Wireless Switch, Nanoleaf is releasing its first Matter over Wi-Fi light bulb, the Essentials Matter Wi-Fi A19 Smart Bulb. This decision to move away from Thread for this product was driven by the company’s desire to reach a broader audience, particularly through retailers like Walmart. Nanoleaf recognizes that the mass market may not be familiar with Thread and thus opted for Wi-Fi connectivity to cater to a wider customer base.
Nanoleaf’s shift towards Matter over Wi-Fi reflects a larger trend in the smart home industry, with companies like Aqara also offering products compatible with both Thread and Zigbee. While Thread continues to evolve with updates like Thread 1.4, manufacturers are exploring alternative solutions to ensure seamless connectivity and compatibility with various smart home platforms. As the industry navigates the complexities of interoperability, companies like Nanoleaf are paving the way for innovative solutions like Litewave.
The Nanoleaf Sense Plus Smart Wireless “Anywhere” Switch represents a significant milestone in Nanoleaf’s smart lighting lineup. By overcoming challenges in protocol integration and developing proprietary solutions like Litewave, Nanoleaf is setting a new standard for seamless smart home control. As the industry continues to evolve with technologies like Matter and Thread, companies must adapt and innovate to provide users with reliable and intuitive smart home experiences.
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