Skip to main content

Nanoleaf’s triangular panels offer a new, modular take on lighting

If you can say one thing about Toronto-based Nanoleaf, it’s that its light bulbs don’t look boring. From the dimmable Bloom to the smart Ivy, the folded-circuitboard bulbs are eye-catching. The same can be said for the company’s newest product, the Aurora, debuting at CES 2016.

The Aurora isn’t something you’ll stick under a lamp shade. In fact, it moves home lighting onto the wall (though you could also put them on the ceiling or a table, too). It’s a series of triangle-shaped LED panels that fit together in various shapes. The Wi-Fi-enabled color-changing panels are also meant to work with HomeKit. That means you can ask Siri to set one of your predetermined scenes, such as for movie night.

“The Aurora is set to redefine the category and eliminate the compromise between choosing ambient light or productive light,” Nanoleaf’s CEO, Gimmy Chu, said in a press release.

The product is now available for preorder for $185 through August 12 and will cost $200 after.

If talking to your lights isn’t your thing, maybe you need a clicker. Awox’s SmartPebble is a two-piece kit, the “pebble” and a wall plate, also on display at CES 2016. It’s sort of like a remote for your lights that you can stick on the wall or carry between rooms. You click bulbs on and off, turn the device to brighten them, or shake it to turn on colors. Double clicking the round, battery-powered object switches to another set of lights. The remote connects to Awox’s special smart bulbs via Bluetooth and can control up to eight of them, separated into two groups.

Also back at CES and contributing to the smart lighting explosion is Sengled, which has a new product, Voice, that has microphones to help it double as a security voice. It can detect glass breaking, for example.

Check back throughout the week for more smart-home products for lighting and beyond.

Updated 8/11/2016: Nanoleaf Aurora is now available for preorder. 

Jenny McGrath
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jenny McGrath is a senior writer at Digital Trends covering the intersection of tech and the arts and the environment. Before…
How to control the Nanoleaf Matter Outdoor String Lights
The Nanoleaf Matter Outdoor String Lights with a smartphone.

Nanoleaf smart lights are always highly customizable, but that's especially true of the Matter Outdoor String Lights. These unique lights can be controlled in a variety of ways – and if you're new to the world of smart lights, you might be missing out on cool functionality by not knowng them all. From using the built-in controller to using the Nanoleaf mobile app and smart home platforms, here's a look at all the ways you can control your Nanoleaf Matter Outdoor String Lights.
Control the Matter Outdoor String Lights with the built-in controller
The most obvious way to control your Nanoleaf Outdoor String Lights is with the included controller. You'll find a variety of buttons here that let you quickly access a variety of features without the need for a mobile app. Here's a look at what all the buttons do:

Minus Sign: Single press to decrease your light's brightness.
Plus Sign: Single press to increase your light's brightness.
Right Arrow: Single press to change to the next preset Scene. Double press to change through colors.
Power Button: Hold for one second to turn the lights on or off. Hold for 10 seconds to reset the device.

Read more
Arlo’s new Security Tag lets you arm/disarm your security system with just a tap
The Arlo Security Tag pressed against the Arlo Video Doorbell.

Arlo recently launched a home security system, expanding its lineup of cameras to include a multifaceted sensor that detects motion, opened windows, environmental hazards, and more. It can also be bundled with professional monitoring, giving owners an affordable way to secure their property. The company is now expanding the system with the all-new Security Tags, which arm or disarm the system when tapped against your Arlo Video Doorbell or Keypad Sensor Hub.

The NFC tag is available in a two-pack and costs just $20. It brings some unique (and long-awaited) functionality to the Arlo Security System, as being able to quickly arm or disarm the entire home with a single tap from the Security Tag streamlines your home security. Prior to the launch of the tag, you'd have to enter a password into the Keypad or open the mobile app. This turns the process into something that takes just a few seconds.

Read more
Blink Mini 2 vs. Blink Mini: Is Amazon’s new security camera a worthy upgrade?
The Blink Mini 2 installed outside.

Amazon recently introduced the Blink Mini 2, the successor to the wildly popular Blink Mini indoor security camera. The smart home device adds a few new tricks, including support for outdoor use and Person Detection, making it a nice improvement over the aging Blink Mini. But what exactly is the difference between the Blink Mini 2 and Blink Mini? And, more importantly, is it worth rushing out to replace your Blink Mini with the newer security camera?

From resolution and pricing to Person Detection and more, here's a look at everything you need to know about the Blink Mini and Blink Mini 2.
Pricing and monthly fees

Read more