Nanoleaf Adds Thread Border Router Support to Shapes and Elements Light Panels [Update: Rollout Next Month]

Since this article was published, Nanoleaf reached out to MacRumors to explain that the information was incorrectly shared early in Europe, and that Thread Border Router support will be in fact be rolled out next month.


Nanoleaf, the company that makes wall-mounted modular light panels in various shapes, today rolled out Thread border router support for its Shapes and Elements light panels, which can be arranged in multiple positions.

nanoleaf elements night time
As a quick explainer, Thread is a low latency and low power mesh-like network for smart devices. Unlike Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the Thread standard doesn't depend on a router or hub. Instead, the smart device itself extends the network by talking to other Thread-enabled devices, thereby boosting the signal between them.

Apple's HomePod mini and the latest Apple TV 4K act as Thread border routers, and by adding Thread-supported devices around the home, users can typically expect improved connectivity compared to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, a wider control range, and more remote scheduling options.

The new Nanoleaf Thread border router support also means Android users will be able to control the Essentials devices, too. Other devices that work with Thread include smart home products from Eve, the Nest Hub Max, and Nest Wi-Fi by Google.

(Via Trusted Reviews.)

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Top Rated Comments

A.wang28 Avatar
52 months ago
I appreciate the company's honesty in showing the cable in their promo photos. Most companies would do all sorts of trickery to hide it.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mw360 Avatar
52 months ago

the only flaw with these is always going to be the ugly cable running down the wall.
Yes, they need to include some of those invisible wires that come with wall-mounted TVs and speakers.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Macintosh IIvx Avatar
52 months ago
Love my Nanoleaf Essentials lights. Work great and super quick with my HomePod mini.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hellosil Avatar
52 months ago
Thread becoming more standard is great!
Nanoleafs products are more interesting to me because of this.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
52 months ago
Pretty unique and interesting design. I like it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
chenks Avatar
52 months ago
the only flaw with these is always going to be the ugly cable running down the wall.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)