The makers of MySmartBlinds, a DIY slatted blind automation kit (and DMZ favorite product) has introduced a new line of products at CES 2018 dubbed MySmartRollerShades. Like MySmartBlinds, the shade product will allow you to personally convert your “dumb” rolling window shades to be smart. And if MySmartBlinds is any indication, this is truly smart—not just automation.
Using temperature sensors, onboard schedules, and an optional solar charging bar, MySmartRollerShades will raise and lower your store-bought window shades based on predefined schedules, temperature thresholds, and even sun position—all by the power of the sunlight you’re (ironically?) trying to block. Once it’s installed, you will be able to control your blinds with onboard physical controls, by Bluetooth, or remotely with the Smart Hub, which should be available later this quarter. The hub will also enable control through third-party services, like Amazon’s and Google’s voice assistants and SmartThings.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t yet another chain-pull solution. This is a motorized kit that goes into your roller shade. The company’s founder and CEO, Emily Brimhall, says that it will be even easier to install their DIY blind conversion kit than their MySmartBlinds product, which we found to take no more than 20-30 minutes. Basically, you just need to open the core roller rod of your shade, dump out the manufacturer’s mechanism, and insert the new motor and adaptors.
MySmartRollerShades is planned for the first half of this year and is expected to sell for around $150. The Solar Panel charging bar, which is already available today for MySmartBlinds, runs an additional $45. Add this to the cost of your store-bought blinds, and we challenge you to find a cheaper automated blind solution for your home.
In addition to the conversion kit, the company also plans to sell pre-built smart shades in a few different colors at a competitive price, making installation no more difficult than drilling a few holes and snapping the roller in place.
