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.
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:
Arguably the best way to use your Nanoleaf Matter Outdoor String Lights is with the Nanoleaf app. After downloading the app (Android, iOS) and following the instructions to sync your lights to your smartphone or tablet, you’ll be able to do the following:
Since each bulb is individually addressable, using the Nanoleaf app gives you much more functionality than the built-in controller (which only lets you cycle through a few preset Scenes). Be sure to download and sync your lights with the Nanoleaf app, as you’re missing out on the coolest features of these lights if you’re not using the app.
Though you won’t have as many functions as with the Nanoleaf app, you can sync your smart lights with various smart home platforms such as Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and SmartThings. Best of all, the lights support Matter – allowing them to interact with thousands of other smart devices. Once you’ve linked the smart lights with a smart home platform, here are a few of the features you’ll be able to access:
Functionality varies by platform, but here’s a look at what platforms the Outdoor Smart Lights play nicely with:
Additionally, you’ll gain access to voice commands. For example, if you connect the lights to Apple Home, you can say “Hey Siri, turn [Smart Light Name] Off” or “Hey Siri, brighten the lights to 90%” to quickly modify your settings without needing a mobile app or messing with the built-in light controller.
Voice controls are currently limited to Apple Home, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung SmartThings.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
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With AI progressing so fast, it's only a matter of time before we start getting AI companions like the ones we used to see in movies like R2-D2, Wall-E, or Baymax. Now, Singapore-based OKA Technology has unveiled Mori, a cute little AI companion that looks less like a conventional home robot and more like someone turned the Pokémon Foongus into a table lamp.
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