Right here’s a bizarre factor; again in April, Nanoleaf introduced that present Shapes, Traces, and different Wi-Fi lighting merchandise would not “instantly” obtain a Matter replace. We hoped to get some clarification at  the Matter launch occasion in Amsterdam, however once we introduced up the subject, Nanoleaf remained tight-lipped—what provides?

In principle, Nanoleaf Shapes and Traces are good for Matter. They already double as Thread border routers, due to a set of updates that rolled out from August 2021 to January 2022. Plus, Nanoleaf confirms that its upcoming Matter-ready Necessities will help Matter’s Multi-Admin protocol for compatibility with different firms’ apps and equipment.

So, why is Nanoleaf holding out? Within the previous April press launch that I discussed earlier, Nanoleaf defined that present merchandise are already arrange in prospects’ properties. Rolling out a Matter replace would “divert growth time and assets” for one thing that wouldn’t “change the best way you at present use” Shapes or Traces.

I’d say that that is some fairly sound logic. At the very least, it could be if Nanoleaf shut its doorways and by no means offered one other product. New prospects would completely profit from Matter-compatible Shapes and Traces, as they might streamline gadget setup and encourage Matter adoption throughout the good dwelling trade.

Whereas I don’t wish to make any assumptions, I fear that Nanoleaf will merely launch a brand new lineup of Matter-compatible Shapes and Traces. In any case, that’s what it simply did with the Necessities lineup! This technique would go away present prospects within the mud, which doesn’t appear to be a good suggestion (particularly if present Shapes and Traces are really “Matter-compatible,” as Nanoleaf claimed earlier this yr).

Now, to be clear, Nanoleaf was fairly clear in regards to the scenario with its Necessities. It initially designed Necessities as Matter-ready merchandise (two years in the past, thoughts you), however because the specification underwent delays and overhauls, Necessities instantly grew to become incompatible with Matter. Launching a brand new line of Necessities was Nanoleaf’s solely possibility, and it advised us so earlier this yr.

We want this sort of transparency for Shapes and Traces. Are present Shapes and Traces appropriate with Matter, or are they not? Will they get replaced by new Matter-compatible merchandise, or will they obtain an replace?

For what it’s value, Nanoleaf tells us that it has some Matter-related bulletins prepared for CES 2023. Maybe we simply want to take a seat and wait.