We tested the new Nanoleaf lights, with triangular shapes, combinable with each other and with touch functions that allow you to control your home automation system in addition to changing to the rhythm of the music.
Unlimited combinations
Nanoleaf launched its “Nanoleaf Shapes” luminous panels a few months ago and started with “Hexagons”, some hexagonal coke panels we already analyzed on our channel last year. With the same functionalities as these hexagons, we now have “Triangles” and “Mini Triangles” available, with larger and smaller triangular shapes. Hexagons, triangles and mini triangles can be combined with each other to form those decorative figures you want, thanks to its assembly system and your imagination, aided by the Nanoleaf application for iPhone (link) that will allow you to see the design on your screen before placing it on your wall.
This time we combine the triangular panels of both sizes. When deciding what to combine, you should bear in mind that each controller handles up to 500 panels, but you will need a charger for every 28 triangles or 77 mini triangles. All panels have connectors, so you can place the controller or charger where it interests you most, and since they are all interconnected, the energy passes from one to the other.
Different Kits to choose from
When buying your panels you can choose between different Kits. You will need at least one Starter Kit, which will include the charger and controller in addition to the panels, and then you will need to add Expansion Kits that only come with the panels. Considering the limits I mentioned earlier per charger and controller, put your imagination to work and choose the combinations you want.
In this review we have chosen a Mini Triangles Starter Kit and a Triangles Expansion Kit. Combining them with each other, with a total of 8 light panels, you can close different geometric shapes. I have decided to give it an “L” shape. When combined with each other, the controller ensures that they all have the same intensity and show the same color although they are different panels and their specifications are different. In the image of the panel already placed and illuminated, you can check it by looking at the small blue triangle and the larger blue triangle ... same color and same brightness.
Installation and configuration
When you see these kits online, you always think that the installation must be something very complex, nothing is further from reality. It will take longer to create the idea of what you want than to carry it out. Nanoleaf includes everything you need, and the good news is that you don't need any drills or screwdrivers. The stickers included in the box are perfect for sticking the panels to any smooth surface, even on a rough wall as is my case, although it is not ideal. As you can see in the video, a little patience is the only thing necessary for the final result to be excellent.
Once we have it installed, the configuration to add it to the Nanoleaf App and the House application is also very simple, and following the instructions given in the application you will not have the slightest problem. The connection is made via WiFi, so you will not have range problems either and you can control it from anywhere, even outside the home. Nanoleaf's compatibility with different home automation systems is total: HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, SmartThings… We, as usual, focus on HomeKit.
Control with iPhone
Nanoleaf allows us to control your lights from the Home application, like any light bulb, and also from the Nanoleaf App itself. Both applications are different but complementary. With the Nanoleaf App we can download an infinity of colored, static or dynamic designs, we can create our own, or even we can make the lights "dance" to the rhythm of the music or reflect what is seen on the screen thanks to the application for Windows and macOS that is also available. We can also make each panel have touch functions that perform actions in HomeKit, or control the brightness or design of the panels by sliding your hand over them.
With the Home application, everything is much more limited. The color is unique for the whole set of panels, as well as the brightness, we cannot create animations, but instead we have all the power that HomeKit environments and automations allow us. By the way, Nanoleaf allows you to create environments for each design you create, a rather ingenious way to change the colors of your panels from Home. Home compatibility also allows you to use Siri on any compatible device to control panels.
Editor's opinion
Nanoleaf creates different lighting products and after years in the sector, its experience shows in every detail. A very simple mounting system, a very well developed application and very well finished products that are now not only expandable but can be combined with each other. Details such as that the colors are identical even if you combine panels of different kinds, the automatic brightness or the animations according to the rhythm of the music make them without any doubt unique in their category. And to the decorative functions we have to add the possibility of executing actions in HomeKit by touching the panels.
- Pack Starter 5 Mini Triangles for € 106 (link)
- Starter Pack 4 Triangles for € 99 (link)
- Extension Pack 10 Mini Triangles € 106 (link)
- Extension Pack 3 Triangles € 71 (link)
- Editor's rating
- 4.5 star rating
- Exceptional
- Triangles and Mini Triangles
- Review of: Luis Padilla
- Posted on:
- Last modification:
- Integrated
- Durability
- Finishes
- Price quality
Pros
- Compatibility of different panels
- Good gloss and finishes
- Simple installation system
- Full application
- Possibility of expansion
- Compatibility with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Assistant
Cons
- Limitations of application Home for control
