According to Nanoleaf’s website, “it’s the perfect product for those who love design, who want to improve the quality of their life, and for those who just want to add some fun and excitement to their living space.”

Whether it’s greater energy efficiency or IoT-integration, the Nanoleaf Aurora Smarter Kit has a comprehensive list of features that make this the most innovative and futuristic alternative to smart bulbs:

1. Each Aurora Smarter Kit panel can be adjusted independently from the others – all without the need of a separate hub.
2. Aurora panels transmit a ZigBee signal to the Nanoleaf Hub. The entire system connects to any local 2.4 GHz b/g/n wireless router allowing you to control the panels from your phone.
3. If your iPhone is not in reach, Nanoleaf comes with a physical controller that offers on/off and scene toggling when a smartphone or tablet may not be in reach.

Each 2-watt, 100 lumen panel is 8.24” (21 cm) by 9.4” (24 cm), weighs 7.4 oz (210 g), and uses double-sided mounting tape to secure it to open wall space or the ceiling. The only requirement is a flat surface area and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Aurora Smarter Kit comes with 9 panels but if you’re interested in expanding your multi-colored creation, one power supply can support up to 30 LED panels.

Unlike other multi-color LED smart bulbs, the Nanoleaf Aurora Smarter Kit doesn’t need the standard A19 fixture to make it work. Instead, the kit comes with linkers that connect the panels together like a puzzle – except these puzzle pieces are able to communicate with each other through Nanoleaf’s iOS/Android compatible mobile app. It makes the process of syncing the panels a seamless experience. Just plug it in, or avoid exposed wires by connecting it directly to your home’s Wi-Fi. Once connected, you can customize colors, adjust for brightness, automate schedules, control temperature, and create lighting animations. According to a recent CNet article, one you sync the panels to the Nanoleaf hub, “you’ll be able to program color-changing lighting effects right from your phone.”

So why would someone lean towards the Aurora modular lighting system over using multi-color LED smart bulbs? According to Nanoleaf’s website: “The Aurora was built for those with a love of artful design – wake up with the sunrise, improve your mood with stunning colors, and automate your lighting throughout the day.” In other words, the Aurora was designed for those interested in expressing themselves through a blank canvas – just so happens this canvas is LED customizable and connects to a wireless network.

If you’re someone interested in an interior lighting display that combines art with technology, then the Aurora is the way to go. The panels also respond to Apple’s Siri or Amazon Alex voice commands, making this a hands-free lighting display whether you want bold, vivid colors or just low-key mood-setting colors during family movie night.