Shade control with google home how to#
Shade control with google home install#
Shade control with google home series#
Shade control with google home windows#

We evaluated available options for power (battery, wired, or plug-in), and how this impacted installation and ongoing use, including how easy it was to recharge or replace batteries (battery life is part of our long-term testing). Power options: We looked at how the shade or blind was powered.We ran multiple tests timing the speed of opening and closing, and we measured the sound each one made using a decibel meter app on a smartphone. Speed and sound: We looked at how fast and quiet the shade or blind was in operation.For each device, we evaluated whether we could control it with repeating schedules, sunrise and sunset set points, and temperature, motion, or contact sensors (a room warming up, someone entering a room, a door opening or closing). Smart features: We looked at what smart features could be added by connecting to the manufacturerвЂ™s bridge or to an Alexa or Google device.Ease of control: We studied how the shade or blind was controlled, and tested any controls that came with the shade.Build and design: We considered the style, design, and quality of the hardware, including the motor and any accessories.

Shade control with google home install#

Ease of installation: We looked at how easy it was to install each model, as well as to set up the app and associated smart features.

But the blinds themselves arenвЂ™t motorized, so to raise or lower them, you have to manually lift or pull down. As with the Lutron Serena Blinds, with MySmartBlinds you can control the tilt of the slats.

Google Assistant integration is technically available as well, but in our tests it didnвЂ™t work well, and it isnвЂ™t compatible with the Google Home app. And if you want to use Alexa voice control or be able to remotely adjust them when you arenвЂ™t home, youвЂ™ll also need to buy SmarterHomeвЂ™s optional Bridge-which is out of stock until 2022. TheyвЂ™re also much louder and work with fewer smart-home systems. To our eyes, MySmartBlinds arenвЂ™t as attractive as LutronвЂ™s options (due to an unsightly wand and cord). They can be set on Schedules-without the need to buy a smart hub-and can be configured to react to temperature changes and adjust accordingly (Lutron Serena Blinds can do this, but only if you buy an additional temperature sensor).

Shade control with google home windows#

If you hope to cover a number of large windows with smart blinds, SmarterHomeвЂ™s MySmartBlinds may make that more approachable budget-wise. Although the blinds can be tilted on command, you canвЂ™t use a controller to raise or lower them-you have to manually push them up or pull them down, as you would with other modern blinds.Д¬ompatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant (not Google Home)

Shade control with google home series#

And they can be configured on a Schedule or included in Scenes (a series of settings changes among one or more devices) with other Lutron devices. Serena blinds can also be set to close and open automatically whenever you leave or arrive home. An excellent Natural Light Optimization feature tilts the blinds automatically as the sun moves throughout the day, ensuring your room has balanced light while minimizing glare. And they work with LutronвЂ™s smart-home ecosystem for control with the Lutron app, which also enables integration with Amazon Alexa or Google Home (strangely, thereвЂ™s no HomeKit or SmartThings compatibility, as there is with Serena Shades). They are custom-made to order and available in eight color options. But theyвЂ™re also the most expensive, starting at $599. The Lutron Serena Smart Wood Blinds have the best smart-home integrations and most innovative features of any of the smart blinds we considered or tested.

Shade control with google home how to#

If the installation challenge is daunting, or youвЂ™re considering the YouTube videos that show you how to вЂњhackвЂќ Fytur shades so they fit your window, weвЂ™d say skip the headache-there are better options. But considering the reasonable price for these shades, we think itвЂ™s hard to complain. That said, the included remote is a bit finicky, and installation and setup can be just as frustrating as it is when youвЂ™re putting together an IKEA cabinet.

And the removable, rechargeable battery lasted six months before needing to be recharged. The Fyrtur shades are well made, and in our testing they worked reliably. The shades can be controlled using Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, as long as you buy IKEAвЂ™s $35 Tradfri internet gateway (a small device that wirelessly connects your shades and is plugged into your router). If your window openings fit one of the eight available sizes of IKEAвЂ™s Fyrtur shades (ours didnвЂ™t), and you like the industrial exposed hardware and gray blackout fabric look (we do!), then these inexpensive smart shades are a great, budget-friendly option. Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home