RYSE SmartShades Bring Motorized Action, Smart Home Integration to Your Manual Window Shades
Designed to retrofit to existing shades, the SmartShades can integrate with Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit through an optional gateway.
Canadian entrepreneur Trung Pham has launched a crowdfunding campaign designed to bring smart-home capabilities to existing window shades, using an add-on motor gadget: the RYSE SmartShades.
"Are you all about smart home automation," Pham asks, rhetorically. "Looking to get motorized blinds but don't want to pay the high price tag or deal with the complex installation and having to replace the perfect window shades you already own?
"RYSE SmartShades is the most affordable motorized blind solution - simply upgrade the window shades you already own. Automate any blind or shade with App, Scheduling, Group Control, and more. Works with any shade or blind that has a beaded chain or cord loop — regardless of size or weight. Installs in 10 minutes — just in time to enjoy that beautiful sunset. Voice control with Alexa, Google Home, and Siri/HomeKit via our SmartBridge."
The SmartShades motor units themselves can be controller through existing home automation systems, via a dedicated smartphone app, or using on-device buttons — meaning they should be controllable even in the event of lost network connectivity. An optional battery allows for wire-free installation — though will require recharging every three to six months to keep the system operational.
Full functionality, however, is only unlocked with the optional RYSE SmartBridge accessory. Without a SmartBridge, the SmartShades motors only offer control via the dedicated app and on-device buttons; with the SmartBridge, the system offers schedules, timers, remote control, groups and user sharing, and integration with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple's HomeKit platforms.
The SmartShades are funding now on Kickstarter, priced at $89 per unit plus $40 per battery pack and $50 for the SmartBridge.