Tag Archives: Glow

Nanosheet lines

RRP $ 200.00

"The Nanoleaf lines are an excellent product with incredible versatility in design and pattern creation."

advantages

• Easy setup via thread

• Two-zone lighting makes full use of the colors

• Customizable faceplates

• More design and pattern options than ever before

• Works with multiple intelligent assistants and IFTTT

disadvantage

• Plastic bars feel thin

• Connection caps are difficult to snap into place

Smart lighting is one of the first ways many people experience smart home technology. Simple smart lightbulbs make it easy to turn lights on and off, but smart lighting is so much more than just convenience. Companies like Nanoleaf have transformed the perception of lighting from utility to decoration. Just check out the Nanoleaf Canvas, Shapes, or even the original Aurora. They have become a staple of most Twitch streamer setups, or just a way to add flair to a home.

Now, with the Lines, the company has launched a new product that perfectly matches its aesthetic theme. These new lights are basically like glow sticks for your wall – a series of two-zone lights that are linked together and can be arranged in a variety of shapes. The package contains a suggestion of possible shapes, but the lines are connected by hexagonal hubs. This means that there are far more options than before.

installation

The Nanoleaf Lines are relatively easy to install. Each line is attached to a mounting connector. The connections each have six possible areas in which the line can snap into place. You can place many lines starting from a single connector or use the connector as an endpoint in your design. The only requirement is that the controller cap, a special mounting plug with physical controls, must be connected to the configuration in one place. I placed it at the end of the design, closest to the socket.

It only takes light pressure to snap the lines into the connectors. Once connected, cover the connections with a cap that will secure the leads in place. The main problem with the installation came from the caps. At least at first glance, there doesn't seem to be a particular way to snap them into place – but on closer inspection, it's clear that the caps are meant to slide into the ports in a certain way. The caps feel slightly thin which I feared applying too much pressure for fear they would break.

I suggest connecting the pipes on the floor and then attaching them to the wall. Each connector cap has an adhesive strip on the back. After peeling off this strip, you need to press it against the wall for about 30 seconds. Make sure the system is level as there is no easy way to remove it from the wall. The caps separate from a base piece. Although you can remove this base piece from the wall, the glue won't work as well a second time.

The connection of the lines with intelligent assistants is very easy. Nanoleaf Lines are compatible with HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Samsung SmartThings and IFTTT. Alexa automatically picked up the lines and added them after they were set up.

Nice patterns and lights

One thing Nanoleaf has long been known for is how amazing its lights look, and the lines are no exception. Each line has two-zone lighting that can display two different colors at the same time. Combined with the motion effects, this results in an almost unlimited number of scenes and patterns that create stunning effects on your wall. I counted 19 built-in scenes, from Cotton Candy to my personal favorite, Kaleidoscope. Each of these scenes look different, although some are pretty simple, like the daylight scene. Lines are perfect when you want a little lighting on your wall.

Other scenes, like Starry Sky, look a lot like their namesakes. You can almost see the stars shooting across the darkness of the sky. If you can't find a scene you like in the pre-made list, you can head over to the Explore tab and search through literally thousands of user-created scenes. And if you still can't find a scene you like, you can easily create your own using the Scene Creator. While it's not the most intuitive system, Nanoleaf's step-by-step guide will help even beginners figure out how to create their own look.

software

The Explore tab is divided into three sections: Scenes, Playlists, and Motions. In the "Scenes" header, users can find user-defined scenes. The Playlists tab is made up of collections of different scenes that go from one to another and all of which are user-created. It's especially useful at this time of year as there are both Halloween and fall playlists.

The coolest aspect, however, is in the Motions header. This includes a collection of different, moving scenes such as rhythmic northern lights or meteor showers. These create a completely different effect and can offer everything from high-energy transitions to meditative experiences.

There is also a music visualization mode that responds to music. The various music scenes have been specially developed for different types of music; For example, a scene created for smooth jazz does not have the fast transitions that a scene created for EDM does.

The screen mirror function also really stands out. With the Nanoleaf desktop app you can connect your lines to a computer monitor or television. It makes a viewing or gaming experience more immersive. Match mode provides a one-to-one match of the colors on the screen and changes quickly and easily to keep up with the action. Melting mode is a more subtle transition that is better suited for cinematic experiences.

characteristics

The shape and design of the Nanoleaf Lines stand out from other products. You can display 16 million different colors, with two colors per zone. There will also be devices called Flex Connectors that you can use to add corners to your design. According to Nanoleaf, these should be available in December.

Other than these features, the lines work similarly to any other Nanoleaf product. If you've used one, the lines will look familiar. You can plan times for the lights to be switched on and off and connect the lines to other devices via IFTTT. You can also activate an automatic brightness function, where an integrated sensor adjusts the light intensity based on the ambient light in the room.

A major difference is in the setup, especially through the use of thread. Thread makes it incredibly easy to install and set up, and shows what the future of smart home technology could look like as more products adopt the technology.

Our opinion

The Nanoleaf lines are an excellent product with incredible versatility in design and pattern creation. The lower price is also more appealing. At $ 200 for the starter kit and $ 70 per extension, users can create extensive designs without breaking the bank. Whether you're looking to add a bit of grown-up decor to your home or want the coolest streamer setup anyone has seen on Twitch, the Lines are a great way to do it.

Is there a better alternative?

The Nanoleaf Lines have a unique shape. Although there are alternatives on the market, no product offers the same design options. You could be looking for alternative products like the LIFX Beam, but the lines are in a league of their own.

How long it will take?

The lines are LED, which means that they have a long lifespan. The plastic of the lines can weaken over time because it doesn't feel as strong as I would like it to be. However, if handled and used carefully, these lamps should last for many years. Unlike its competitors, Nanoleaf offers a two-year limited warranty that covers it against defects.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. The Nanoleaf Lines are unique in appearance and look great on the wall. Well worth the investment with just a few minor setbacks to set up.

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