Yeelight Set to Release its First Matter Over Thread Ceiling Lights
As first spotted by CyberModStudio (x.com), Yeelight is preparing to launch a new pair of smart ceiling lights, with Matter over Thread connectivity, tuneable white main lighting, and separate RGB ambient lighting.
The new Yeelight Smart Ceiling Light S1 will be available in two sizes, with 320mm and 450mm models. Both models have also recently received Matter certification from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), confirming their use of Matter over Thread.
The smaller S1 320 is rated at 23W and can produce up to 1,900 lumens, while the substantially larger S1 450 increases output to 4,000 lumens from its 50W lighting system.
MATTER OVER THREAD
Unlike many of Yeelight’s earlier smart ceiling lights, which relied on WiFi, the new S1 models use Matter over Thread. This provides compatibility with the major Matter platforms, including Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings, all of which are shown as supported in promotional material for the new lights.
As Thread devices, the S1 models require a Matter Controller and Thread Border Router. For Apple Home users, a HomePod mini or compatible Apple TV 4K can provide the necessary functionality, without the need for a proprietary Yeelight hub. Bluetooth is also included for the initial Matter commissioning process. The CSA certification for the new lights lists support for Matter 1.4.2, along with Thread and Bluetooth connectivity.
MAIN AND RGB AMBIENT LIGHTING
Aside from their use of Matter over Thread, one of the more interesting aspects of the S1 models is the inclusion of two different light sources. The downward-facing main light provides conventional white room lighting, with adjustable brightness and colour temperature. A separate RGB ambient light projects coloured light from the upper portion of the fixture onto the surrounding ceiling.
According to Yeelight’s specifications for the S1 450, the main light offers a colour temperature range of 2700–6500K, while the RGB ambient lighting can reproduce up to 16 million colours.
Importantly, the CSA certification indicates that these are separately controllable via Matter. The main light offers on/off, brightness, and colour temperature controls, while the RGB ambient light has its own on/off, brightness, and colour controls. This should allow users to employ the main light for general room illumination while using the RGB lighting independently to create more subtle ambient lighting. Exactly how the two light sources will be presented within individual smart home platforms, including Apple Home, remains to be seen.
TWO SIZES
The smaller Yeelight Smart Ceiling Light S1 320 measures 320mm in diameter. It is rated at 23W and offers a maximum light output of 1,900 lumens. For larger rooms, the S1 450 measures 450mm in diameter and 95mm deep. Its power rating increases to 50W, with a maximum output of 4,000 lumens.
The S1 450 also features a 2-lumen Moonlight Mode, providing very low-level illumination for situations where even the lowest conventional brightness setting may be too bright. The larger model is designed for 200–240V, 50–60Hz electrical supplies.
YEELIGHT APP
Alongside control through Matter platforms, Yeelight also lists support for its own app. This should provide access to additional lighting options and effects beyond those exposed through Matter, although it isn’t yet clear which features will be exclusive to the Yeelight app.
Promotional material for the S1 450 states that a “hub” is required. As the S1 uses Matter over Thread, this refers to the requirement for a compatible Matter Controller and Thread Border Router, rather than a dedicated Yeelight hub.
AVAILABILITY
The Yeelight Smart Ceiling Light S1 320 and S1 450 are currently listed as coming soon, with pricing and a firm release date yet to be announced. The S1 range represents a notable change from Yeelight’s previous generation of WiFi-based smart ceiling lights. In addition to adopting Matter over Thread, the combination of powerful tuneable white main lighting and independently controllable RGB ambient lighting gives the new models considerably more flexibility than a conventional smart ceiling light. With the S1 models already receiving CSA certification, it appears Yeelight’s latest Matter over Thread products are now moving closer to release.
