Nanoleaf Adds Thread Border Router Support to Shapes and Elements in Latest Update

Nanoleaf today announced the addition of Thread Border Router technology to the Nanoleaf Shapes and Elements Controllers, with the functionality available through a firmware update in the Nanoleaf app.

nanoleaf elements main
With the Nanoleaf Border Router, Nanoleaf Essentials devices will be able to connect to the Thread network automatically when the Shapes or Elements Controller is connected to WiFi.

Nanoleaf is also partnering with Eero for similar capabilities. The Eero Pro, Eero Beacon, Eero Pro 6, and Eero 6 will function as Border Routers with the Nanoleaf Essentials line. Eero will expand compatibility with other products in the future.

Nanoleaf is one of the first companies bringing Thread Border Routers to the HomeKit network, making Thread technology available to other Thread-based smart home devices.

Thread technology is designed to improve the smart home networking and usage experience. Thread is a networking protocol designed for smart home products, and it offers improved connectivity, reliability, and range compared to the single connection points of Bluetooth and WiFi. Border Router technology connects a Thread network to another network like WiFi and is essential for the Thread system.

With Thread Border Router functionality built into the Nanoleaf Shapes Controller, Elements Controller, and Eero routers, there is no need for an extra hub because these devices serve as a bridge to connect the WiFi network and the Thread network together.

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Top Rated Comments

59 months ago
I experienced buzzword burnout by the end of the first paragraph
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
59 months ago
Extremely expensive lights!!
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
aesc80 Avatar
59 months ago
Won't lie - kinda want these for my place. Just wish the entry price wasn't frickin $300.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
PlasmStudios Avatar
59 months ago

So trying to understand thread.. Is it essentially a separate network that allows smart home devices to talk directly to each other without pinging services like Homekit?
Essentially yes. It's a self-healing network that doesn't rely on only one main node (i.e. a Wifi router for example). So the more nodes the stronger/better the network as compared to Wifi that only gets slower with increasing devices. Eve has a great explainer page: https://www.evehome.com/en-us/thread
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
59 months ago

I’ve never even heard of that beosound thing. Nanoleaf has been around forever
You need to check your facts mate. Bang & Olufsen - a danish company - has been around since 1925, and has been a pioneer in top notch designer Audio products for a century now. Don’t quite think Nanoleaf makes that cut - but what they obviously do make, is the long list of quick and respectless companies that copies what B&O designs.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Housebound Avatar
59 months ago
This is totally a rip off of Bang & Olufsen speakersystem Shape!
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)