Over the years, Nanoleaf has expanded its lighting arsenal to includesmart bulbsand LED strips. Still, most gamers associate the company with itswall panel lights, which brighten up drab gaming rooms. This week, the manufacturer finally unveiled Blocks, featuring a variety of square lights that combine to form custom designs. In addition to improved edge-to-edge illumination, some panels double as storage solutions. Blocks are now available forpre-order at the Nanoleaf sitein several configurations and are expected to ship by mid-October.
Nanoleaf released itsShapes panelsin 2020, and buyers have anxiously awaited a similar new product. However, Blocks more resemble the popular Canvas lights that preceded them, though they are significantly larger and brighter. Another drawback of the Canvas panels is that it wasn’t possible to connect them to lights of different shapes. Blocks address this shortcoming by offering smaller, compatible square and textured panels. Ironically, Nanoleaf’s latest lights interlock with Shapes, but not the older Canvas lights. Buyers simply must use the more rigid plastic linkers and updated power supply.
Blocks also represent a change in direction for Nanoleaf, where gaming or mood-enhancing lights become more functional. Storage is always a concern in gaming rooms, which quickly become filled to capacity with peripherals and collectibles. Buyers recently saw the manufacturer confront this dilemma with Nanoleaf x Fantaqi Smart LED Display Cases. Blocks won’t provide the same amount of storage space as the display cases, but theCombo XL Starter Kitships with an illuminated pegboard and shelf. Buyers can hanggaming headsetson the pegboard with attachable hooks or utilize the modular shelf to display collectibles.
Another surprising aspect of Blocks is how thick the panels are compared to past Nanoleaf wall lights. Besides making the lights sturdier, this may make buyers wonder about installation. Even though Blocks are significantly heavier than Shapes or Canvas panels, they are still designed to be affixed to walls using supplied double-sided tape. On the other hand, the pegboards and shelves require drilling holes in walls to withstand the weight of accessories. During the Nanoleaf Live 2024 launch event, Nanoleaf CEO Gimmy Chu revealed that he temporarily installed pegboards with adhesive pads. Of course, this would significantly reduce their load-bearing capacity.
As far as software features, Nanoleaf isn’t taking too many risks with Blocks. Even so, new lighting effects will be tuned to take advantage of the expansive lighted surfaces and 3D appearance of the panels. Some of these preset scenes are accessible in the Nanoleaf mobile app and include cooler and warmer white hues that reflect the time of day. With the smaller and textured Blocks able to show different colors, the potential for dazzling gaming room lighting is enormous. Meanwhile, the Rhythm Music Visualizer will respond to the pulsating beats from thePC speakerswhile AI Magic Scenes programs effects based on text prompts.
Nanoleaf Blocks
Blocks are the most dynamic-looking wall panels in Nanoleaf’s impressive smart lighting collection. These large and sturdy square-shaped lights connect with optional smaller and textured blocks. Kits and add-ons are also available with lighted pegboards and shelves, allowing gamers to display their gear without bulky storage solutions. Edge-to-edge illumination adds more dimensions to preset and custom lighting scenes. Buyers can control the Blocks with voice commands and a variety of Google Assistant, Alexa, and Apple Home apps.
Blocks aren’t the only innovations Nanoleaf announced this week. With the holiday season fast approaching, the smart lighting giant is taking aim at front and back yards with the Matter Smart Multicolor Permanent Outdoor Lights. Nanoleaf already sells weatherproofHoliday String Lights, but its latest creation is designed for year-round display. The well-built lights are available in sizes up to 147 feet and support Matter for simple integration with multiple smart ecosystems and apps. Buyers should note that the lights are best placed underneath overhangs, and fastening them with screws is recommended.
The other newly announced Nanoleaf product is something buyers have repeatedly requested. TheSense+ Smart Wireless Switchcontrols many Nanoleaf lights, like Blocks, regardless of their wireless protocol. Thissmart light switchoperates with batteries rather than electrical wiring, and easily mounts on walls with double-sided tape. Dimming capabilities and motion detection are just two of the switch’s key features. With Matter Early Access, the device could control lights from other brands in the future.
At least for gamers, Blocks will likely be the most anticipated out of Nanoleaf’s new releases. Game Rant plans to post a full review of Blocks shortly to see if it’s an essential upgrade to gaming setups.
