Source: matteroftrust.org
Published: October 29, 2015
The Nanoleaf Smarter Kit uses the Zigbee protocol to communicate with up to 50 compatible lights in a 50-meter wireless range
Internet-connected LED bulbs offer greater energy efficiency and remote-controlled operation over their standard counterparts. As the use of mobile apps to switch and/or dim lights becomes more mainstream, some companies are taking the next step towards futuristic sophistication. The Nanoleaf Smarter Kit is designed to provide smart lighting control through voice commands given to Siri.
It may not be too long before the smart home becomes the “voice-controlled smart home.” Owners can adjust their Nest Thermostat using Google Now’s voice commands, Amazon Echo’s Alexa understands a host of spoken tasks, Insteon’s smart home system interacts through Microsoft’s Cortana, and Philips’ upgraded Hue Bridge engages with Siri via Apple’s HomeKit platform.
While Nanoleaf’s Smarter Kit may not be the first to incorporate voice commands with LED lights, its unique bulbs address heat issues and are one of the most energy-efficient. The Nanoleaf One (formerly NanoLight) was recently declared as a winner of the international SEAD (Super-efficient Equipment and Appliance Deployment) Global Efficiency Medal competition. Nanoleaf’s new Smart Ivy bulbs, included as part of the Smarter Kit, are equivalent to a 60-Watt incandescent and use even less energy than the Nanoleaf One.
The heart of the Nanoleaf Smarter Kit is the dodecahedron-inspired Nanoleaf Smart Hub, which uses the Zigbee protocol to communicate with up to 50 bulbs within a 164-foot (50-meter) range. The Nanoleaf Smart Hub is designed to connect to a local wireless network in order to receive interpreted voice instructions from Siri (Android support with Google Now will come early 2016 as a no-cost software update to the hub) before passing the message along to the appropriate light(s). Those who aren’t in the mood for voice control can manually adjust lighting through Nanoleaf’s mobile app.
The Nanoleaf smarter app allows users to name bulbs, create rooms and scenes, and assign bulbs to rooms. Once set, Siri will be able to understand commands such as “lights on/off in the bedroom” and “dim the living room lights to 35 percent.” Rooms and scenes can be named and configured as desired, so it’s possible to have most lights shut off, with a few set to dim, upon telling Siri “movie time!” for the ideal theater experience.
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