BenQ has recently announced the release of ScreenBar Halo – their vision to provide monitor users with a safer and better lighting environment.

Users are welcome to engage in the unrivalled experience by lighting up their personal space in accordance to personal preferences with an intelligent remote controller, enjoying the integrated experience of a monitor, night and reading light.

Technophiles and heavy screen users alike can now benefit from the newest edition of the BenQ Monitor Light series, ScreenBar Halo.An innovative design that provides independent workers or solo dwellers a comprehensive coverage of lighting demands.

In addition to the front and back illumination, the ScreenBar Halo features a wireless control that offers 100 levels of brightness and colour temperatures whilst also equipped with a patented clip that attaches to any monitor (including curved ones) without the need for screws or tape that might damage the screen. It is the world’s first intelligent lamp to present such effective,space-saving and non-slip technology.

Along with an exclusive illumination of a 63 x 40 cm2 desk area in front of the monitor, zero reflective glare or flicker, blue-light hazard prevention, intelligent touch-button design, built-in ambient light sensor and auto-dimming function, ScreenBar Halo provides users with greater control over light modes, according to their preferences and individual users with greater control over light modes, according to their preferences and individual scenarios.Whether you work in a dim area, during the evening or at night or are simply looking for lighting that takes up minimal space, ScreenBar Halo is the perfect choice.

“The ongoing pandemic has normalised remote working and learning on a large scale,resulting in an increase in average screen time for both adults and young digital consumers,” said Grace Tran, BenQ Australia and New Zealand Product Marketing Manager.“We are dedicated to revolutionising and paving the way for new concepts of home productivity and entertainment setups while safeguarding consumers’ eye health.”

Built on its previous success with BenQ ScreenBar and ScreenBar Plus, the monitor light series has been widely well received since its first launch in 2018.These predecessors of ScreenBar Halo have demonstrated how high-quality lighting could significantly contribute to the release of eye strain and eye fatigue, without compromising users’ experience. Besides such dedication to monitor users, BenQ e-Reading Desk Lamps have also strived to benefit those using a smartphone, a tablet, multi-monitor computers, or even crafters by providing similar functions with an extra wide illumination that is 150% wider than average lighting products.

The BenQ ScreenBar Halo is available now.

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Nanoleaf announces their plans to open up its border router to all Thread over HomeKit products, continuing to strengthen the Thread ecosystem and its capabilities for users.

Working closely with Apple and the Thread Group, the new update is set to be released in Q1 2022.

This new update will allow current Thread Border Routers (Nanoleaf Shapes, Elements and Lines) to work with all Thread over HomeKit devices including the Nanoleaf Essentials Bulb & Lightstrip, Apple TV 4K, and multiple Eve products (Thermo, Switch, Energy, Aqua, Weather, and Door and Window Sensor) in unison.

After Apple, Nanoleaf will be the first to open up Thread Border Routing to all Thread over HomeKit devices.This will allow the brand to lead the way in creating a stronger, faster and much more reliable smart home.

Nanoleaf is also working closely with the Connectivity Standards Alliance to build support for Matter in Nanoleaf’s current and future lines; the brands first products to be compatible with Matter will be available with the protocol launch in late 2022.

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It’s all about the shapes.

Triangles and Hexagons. Like a puzzle that you create as you go on the wall – Nanoleaf’s light tiles, or panels, are easy as to place together to create a multi-coloured light show to fit within anyone’s décor.

Having received two kits (Triangle kit and Hexagon kit) aswell as a mini-Triangle booster pack I got my creative juices going.

The Nanoleaf panels are held together by a circuit connector which clips in and joins the next shape to an existing one. Then via a back clip and super sticky pad on each of the light panels they will attach to any surface – and if you screw up your intended design they are easy enough to pull off the wall (this is surface dependent though).

Each set incudes both a controller and power supply – which also clip on to any of the panels.

The controller is used to connect the light panels to your home WiFi and has manual touch controls.

Once you have created your masterpiece wall-art and powered on the magic really happens with the Nanoleaf app.

Nanoleaf light panels are essentially super thin smartlights.

All functionality is governed by the free app for both iOS (iPhone / iPad) or Android.

The initial connection was seamless, either using NFC or the QR code on the box.

Compatible with every smart assistant imaginable, you can add the Nanoleaf lights to Google Assistant, Alexa and Siri via Apple Homekit.

Interestingly however – I had a less fuss experience with Android, where Apple iPhone and iPad initially struggled to connect with the controller on both the Hexagons and Triangles.

Android was straight forward.

It’s also within the app where you can customize your light array to your liking. There’s a zillion built-in or downloadable light shows available which is as easy to apply as a tap on the scene that you want.

Create a party at yours with the Nanoleaf lights pulsing, flashing and chasing to the beat.

Another initiative in the Nanoleaf app is to create a schedule. If you place the Nanoleaf light panels in your bedroom and don’t really want to try to fall asleep to a party scene, you can schedule on and off times.

Control the brightness, turn on, turn off and as they are connected via your home WiFi you can control them remotely when you’re out and about. Mistakenly kept the party going after you left the house, no worries – tone it all down from where ever you are.

The Nanoleaf light panels are also excellent for chilling out.

Literally set the mood by choosing a scene that’s more relaxing, and as mentioned you can ultimately create your own scene from one individual panel to the next as each panel, Triangle or Hexagon are multi-coloured.

Nanoleaf light panels are something that you don’t know you should have until you have them.

Now I feel that my living room would be empty without the atmospheric lighting.

Both an eye catching enhancement to your room, gaming den or lounge aswell as making your home feel that more personalized and inviting.

Nanoleaf light panels – absolutely in love with them.

The post Nanoleaf Light Tiles Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Signify is extending the Philips Hue outdoor collection with a new range of smart wall lights, pathway lights and low-voltage fixtures to bring any outdoor space to life with mood settings for any occasion.

The new range has 16 million colours and 50,000 shades of warm-to-cool white light for effortless personalisation.

The highlight of the range includes uplights and downlights that create strong and unique directional light effects and are new to the Philips Hue family.

The Hue Outdoor extension range also offers low-voltage lighting solutions, providing outdoor lighting that requires minimal installation effort and high energy savings.

Commenting on the new release, Duane Shore, Channel Marketing Manager for the Pacific, said, “The Hue Outdoor range allows you to discover the magic of using colour to completely transform your garden or entertainment spaces. With the cooler months approaching, this new range can transform your outdoor areas into a warm space for entertaining or relaxing.”

All new products connect to the existing Hue ecosystem, meaning renovators, DIYers or smart lighting enthusiasts can now enjoy the endless possibilities on offer of bringing your outdoors to life with light.

The new Philips Hue Outdoor range allows you to experience the comfort of your outdoor lights turning on automatically as you arrive home, and off as you leave. By simply setting your Hue app to the Home or Away mode, the outdoor lighting system will adjust to your movements. The geolocation feature on the app can also be used so that your lights turn on or off based on your proximity to your home, giving you peace of mind and an added sense of safety.

By using the pre-set light recipes built into the Philips Hue mobile app, users can select to have their lights mimic their presence at home adding another level of safety, as a deterrent to thieves during the longer nights of the winter months.

Your smart outdoor lights become even smarter when you connect your Philips Hue Outdoor lighting system to a smart home assistant. With this feature, you can transform any outdoor space to suit the ambiance and mood all with the ease and convenience of managing your lights all with your voice. Once linked to your smart home assistant, the Hue Outdoor lighting will listen to your voice commands and react in real time.

The Philips Hue system works with all the popular home voice assistant systems including Google Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa, Samsung SmartThings and Apple’s Siri among others.

With the Philips Hue lighting schedule feature, you’ll never again worry whether you’ve left your lights on. The Hue app allows you to set scheduled timers for your lighting system based on your daily routines and requirements. Now, you can enjoy longer evenings outside or have the lights turn on automatically as your loved ones arrive home.

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New research has revealed that Kiwi households are in the midst of a poor-sleep epidemic with more than half (60%) of the nations’ parents admitting their children struggle at bedtime.

According to the study, commissioned by Signify, families are losing out on up to three hours of sleep per night, due to troubles with being able to drift into the land of nod.

Common factors contributing to bedtime restlessness included excessive energy (46%), having an overactive imagination (36%), being afraid of the dark (30%), general anxiety (25%) and excessive screen time (23%).
These sleep troubles are having a knock-on effect to parents, with 38% reporting that they’ve suffered from broken or poor sleeping patterns as a result of their child’s bedtime behaviour. One in ten parents (11%) state that it’s put a strain on their personal relationships or work life.

With the majority of kids not getting the recommended amount of sleep, Signify Eye Comfort believes small changes – such as to the lighting in a household – may support Kiwi families’ in rectifying their bedtime woes.

The study revealed that despite half (50%) of Kiwi parents understanding the negative impact of lighting on eyesight, only a quarter (25%) of parents believed it could negatively affect sleep patterns.

Responding to questions about lighting in the home, an overwhelming 91% of parents said they would change the lighting in their child’s bedroom in order to make a positive change to their wellbeing.

Jaimie Bloch, Clinical Psychologist and Behavioural Specialist says: “There are a number of factors that are contributing to Kiwi kids sleep troubles. Whilst some, such as a fear of the dark, may not have such have quick fixes – there is one that can make a noticeable difference to our ability to fall asleep better – and that’s lighting.

“Lighting is so important as it sets our circadian rhythm, or body clock, via light sensors within our eyes. Thereby, if we can create a lighting environment in the home that’s more attuned to relaxation – such as warmer lighting that has less glare – this will in turn support our body as it transitions into ‘sleep mode’.”

“We spend around a third of our lives asleep and our sleep-time plays a vital role in our bodies health – from clearing toxins to optimising brain function. Since even short-term sleep deprivation can significantly affect our wellbeing, it’s important we do what we can to ensure our children not only get the best sleep they can now, but that we set them up with positive relationship with sleep for the future.”

Simon O’Donnelly, Signify ANZ Marketing Director says: “We hope this research acts as a lightbulb moment to Kiwi parents. Lighting is a powerful tool to our overall happiness, yet many Kiwis don’t realise how simply changing the lighting in their home has the potential to change their lifestyle.

“By providing lighting solutions that deliver less glare and no visible flickering, installing Signify EyeComfort lighting is an easy way for Kiwis to improve their homes night-time environment.”

To find out more about Signify EyeComfort lighting and how they can support wellbeing in the home, please visit the Official website.

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Global leader in lighting Signify has announced the release of the new Philips Hue Play.

The Philips Hue Play is a small and discreet LED lighting system designed to enhance the experience of PC gamers, movie enthusiasts and create the perfect ambience for music listening. By using the Hue Play with the Hue Sync desktop app, users can extend the effects of their computer screen to their Philips Hue Play and transform their entire room into a personal entertainment area!

Playing a PC game with the Hue Play, explosions light up the room. Firing effects result in bright strobing stabs of colourful illumination. The gloom of spooky monster-ridden wastelands extend beyond the screen drowning the room in atmospheric greens and blues until a magical exchange of fire and wizardry sees the room awash in vivid pinks and whites. 

An exciting addition to the Philips Hue ecosystem of smart lighting products, the Hue Play consists of elegantly housed LED light bars that are flexible as well as easy to install with a full accessory kit included to help you set up your Hue play the way you want. 

Log into the Hue app on your mobile phone or tablet, and the Hue Play can be added to your existing Philips Hue Smart lighting ecosystem.

Users can choose from 16 million colours to craft their own unique lighting recipes or alternatively, select from a range of pre-created scenes to produce the look and feel they desire. The lighting effects of the Hue Play are made all the more impressive by mounting to the rear of your TV or monitor so that the lights reflect off walls and surrounds. You can use it to create a TV backlight feature, create the perfect ambience for a relaxed evening or dive even deeper into your games with synchronized lighting effects using the PC based Hue Sync app. 

Whether you are having friends over for dinner or relaxing with a book Philips Hue Play can add to your existing Hue ecosystem and help create the right atmosphere to suit every mood. Either laid flat or stood upright, the Philips Hue Play gives users the flexibility to be creative with their room design. 

With Philips Hue Play, you can now bring the mood of your favourite movie into your living room or bring the football stadium atmosphere to your sofa. Philips Hue Play visually lengthens the playing field making users feel like they’re in the stands. 

Hard core PC gaming enthusiasts will embrace the Philips Hue Play; connected via the Philips Hue Sync app, the in-game effects of PC or Mac games are translated into an immediate light script. No matter what game you’re playing, the gaming experience is deepened. Action packed FPS games benefit from the rapid-fire LED visuals responding to in-game fire control, explosions and ambient effects which bring the entire gaming area alive. 

Gamers will find further enhancements for those using Razer’s range of Chroma equipped peripherals such as gaming mice, keyboards and pads. Integration between the Hue lighting system to Razer’s Synapse 3 software gives gamers the power to immerse themselves in effects designed by the game developers themselves.

The Philips Hue Play is available as either a single or double pack, the latter featuring two LED light bars. An additional extension pack adds another light bar and connection cable to further expand your lighting system. The kits come with 240V power supply as well as an accessory pack that gives users multiple options for non-destructive mounting of the product to a TV or other furniture as well as bases that facilitate each light bar to be freestanding.

Each 6W Hue Play bar delivers 530 lumen output at 2000-6500 CCT depending on setting used and measures 253.3mm long by 44.3mm deep x 35.8mm width. You’ll find the Philips Hue Play in the lighting, tech or smart home section of your nearest major retailer or consumer electronics stores.

Keep a lookout for a product review coming real soon!

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