The idea behind MySmartBlinds is simple: place a small WiFi/Bluetooth servo motor, hidden inside the existing housing of your window blinds, to open, close, and adjust the angle of the slats manually, or on a customizable schedule.
The MySmartBlinds Automation Kit is compatible with most US horizontal blinds, which range from 2 to 3 inches in width. Each window you intend to automate requires 1x Automation Kit. The kit comes with everything needed for a single window installation, including various sized adapters, clips, wires, etc.
The Automation Kit also includes a battery pack to power the blinds, however, without the add-on Solar Panel Charging Kit, you’ll have to manually charge the batteries in every blind every couple months.
Save $49: Automation Kit + Solar Panel Bundle
We strongly recommend the Automation Kit + Solar Panel bundle for each window. If you choose to add the solar panel later, you’ll have to pay $59 for a single solar kit.
By purchasing the bundled Automation Kit + Solar Panel for around $160, you only pay $10 for the solar panel, instead of $59 as a stand-alone product.
Battery Life & Charging
Battery life can vary extremely, depending on usage. If you only open/close the blinds once per day, a single battery charge can last upwards of 6 months.
Conversely, if you have extensive auto-schedules, opening or adjusting the blinds multiple times throughout the day, your battery could be critically low within 7-10 days.
Voice-control with Alexa & Google Home
MySmartBlinds does not offer native integration with Samsung SmartThings, or any other IoT home hub, out of the box. However, by purchasing the MySmartBlinds Hub (less than $100), these smart-home blinds can integrate directly with Amazon Alexa, and Google Home, to enable voice control and scene functionality.
Mobile App & Setup
The mobile app is nothing spectacular, especially when it comes to design and experience. However, it works reliably and effectively.
Once installed, use the MySmartBlinds mobile app to pair your blinds, and customize their settings and schedule. During the initial pairing process, you’ll be asked to calibrate the blinds (simple, takes 30s), and give each blind a name, and assign it to a room.
Schedules & Energy Saving Features
Each room setup can have a custom schedule, to open, close, or adjust the blinds at any specified time. Users can choose which days to apply the schedule, and if the trigger time should adjust as the seasons progress (pretty cool!).
The blinds also offer an Energy Savings Mode, which will close the blinds when the room temperature exceeds a customizable threshold, and re-open the blinds when the room has cooled off.
Types of Compatible Blinds
The MySmartBlinds Automation Kit is only compatible with 2-3″ horizontal blinds.
MySmartBlinds and will not work on the following types of shades and blinds:
- Mini blinds (thin, slightly curved, metal slats)
- Roller shades (continuous loop/string to pull back or forward)
- Cordless blinds (where there are no strings attaching each slat)
- Honeycomb shades (often used in temporary installations)
Bottom Line
While the practicality may be debated, the bottom line is: The MySmartBlinds Automation Kit is the simplest, most cost-effective way to automate existing horizontal blinds, without professional installation and programming.
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