Nanoleaf ditches the smartphone with its 12-sided Aurora Remote

Thanks to the prevalence of Amazon Echo, Siri and other internet connected gadgets, smart home tech seems to have finally hit the mainstream. Now with smart lights, outlets and even coffeemakers, there’s something for almost everyone. Falling into that first category, Nanoleaf has impressed us with its HomeKit-enabled Aurora smart lighting kits. Now the company has added a remote to the Aurora ecosystem.

For those who aren’t aware, the Nanoleaf Aurora is a HomeKit compatible light system comprised of several multicolor LED panels that can be arranged in a variety of configurations. Earlier this year, Nanoleaf unveiled the Aurora Rhythm upgrade kit to add a reactive lighting setup. The company has also released yet another addition in the form of a smart home remote.

Simply deemed the Nanoleaf Aurora Remote, the device takes the shape of a 12-sided die with etched-in numbers on the sides. One interacts with the remote by physically altering the state of the object. Thanks to the device’s internal gyroscope and accelerometer, you can select different pre-configured scenes as well as alter the brightness of the lights all by flipping and twisting the die.

Aside from offering a unique and interesting designs, the remote’s main goal is to provide control for your smart home and connected gadgets without the need of a mobile device. The last thing you want to do when setting the mood is pull out your phone or shout out to a voice-enable assistant. Simply rolling a dice-remote is far easier. And because the remote works without Wi-Fi, there’s no need to worry about controlling your gadgets when facing network troubles.

Being a concept of the final device Nanoleaf intends to release, there aren’t any final dimensions of the remote. However, it appears to roughly the size of a softball. There also aren’t a lot of compatibility details available. While it is geared to work specifically with the the Nanoleaf lighting system, there’s no word if it too will support HomeKit, or other platforms for that matter.

As of now, there isn’t any word on the pricing of the Nanolead Aurora Remote, however it is said to be launching this fall. Over on the company’s site, you can sign up for updates and offers on the product, so you’ll be the first to know about its release.

While definitely not as nifty or unique looking, there are still various remotes currently on the market to control your smart home. If you’re looking to add a single physical switch, Koogeek has your back with its wall-mounted controller. However if you’re in the market for something a little more comprehensive, Lutron’s Caseta Wireless Lighting system is highly rated and includes four remotes. 

Tech companies often ignore simple. That’s why we created the Aurora Remote—to be the stylish, simple wireless remote for your Nanoleaf Aurora. The Nanoleaf Remote boasts an internal gyroscope and accelerometer, allowing for a wide range of motion commands. Plus, it’s fully customizable. Use the remote to control your Aurora without a smartphone, WiFi, or a care in the world.

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