Smart home technology is making everyday items more convenient, and window blinds are no exception. SwitchBot Blind Tilt promises to turn your regular Venetian blinds into smart ones with minimal fuss. In this review, we'll look at Mark's experience with this new gadget, as shared on his YouTube channel, Mark's Tech Vlogs. Mark got to test SwitchBot Blind Tilt for a month before its Kickstarter launch, giving us an early peek at its features and performance. We'll explore how this device works, what it offers, and whether it's worth adding to your smart home setup.
What is SwitchBot Blind Tilt and what does it do?
SwitchBot Blind Tilt is a clever little devicehott that aims to make your life easier by automating your Venetian blinds. Instead of manually adjusting your blinds throughout the day, this gadget does the work for you. It attaches to your existing blinds and can tilt them open or closed with just a tap on your phone or a voice command.
How does SwitchBot Blind Tilt look and feel?
SwitchBot Blind Tilt is designed to go with your existing blind without revealing itself. It is clean, modernly designed, and can easily match most blind rods because of its rounded shape.
When you hold SwitchBot Blind Tilt, you'll notice the device is quite light. It weighs just 130 grams, about as much as a small apple. This lightweight design ensures it won't put too much stress on your blinds.
It has two parts: the larger one is a cylinder that contains the motor and battery, serving as the 'brains' of the operation, while the smaller part is a clip that attaches to your blind rod through which the device controls your blinds.
Another nice feature is the solar panel that is included. This thin panel sticks to a window and connects to the Blind Tilt via a cable. It recharges the device using sunlight, so you don't have to change batteries. SwitchBot also thought of tidiness: they include some cable management accessories to help you keep that wire from the solar panel neat and out of sight.
What's inside SwitchBot Blind Tilt box?
When you open up your SwitchBot Blind Tilt package, you'll find everything you need to get started. Let's see what's inside:
- Main device: This is the SwitchBot Blind Tilt itself, the gadget that'll do all the work in operating your blinds.
- Solar panel: Stuck to your window, this handy add-on keeps your device charged thanks to the sun.
- Measuring sticker: This small tool will serve to measure your blind rod and position the device appropriately.
- Cable mount: This allows for neat attachment of the cable at the top of your blinds, keeping everything in order.
- USB-C charging cable: With the solar panel keeping your device powered, SwitchBot has added a long USB-C cable for charging manually, if needed.
- Set-up and use instructions: Any instructions that shall serve as a guide towards setting up and using the new device.
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Rod clamps: Different sizes, allowing the Blind Tilt to fit on lots of blind rod thicknesse
Will SwitchBot Blind Tilt fit my blinds? Tech specs and compatibility
Fits most blind rods:
Good news! SwitchBot Blind Tilt is designed to work with a wide range of Venetian blinds. It can attach to blind rods that are between 6.3 and 10.2 millimeters thick. It also works with 12-millimeter rods. This means it should fit about 90% of Venetian blinds out there.
Long-lasting battery:
Once fully charged, SwitchBot Blind Tilt can run for up to 10 months. But remember, if you use the included solar panel, you might never have to worry about charging it at all!
Quiet operation:
The device has two operating modes:
- Quiet mode: This runs at 37 decibels, which is about as loud as a whisper.
- Performance mode: This operates at 47 decibels, similar to the hum of a refrigerator.
You can choose which mode suits you best, depending on whether you prioritize silence or speed.
Easy connections:
SwitchBot Blind Tilt connects to your phone using Bluetooth, making it easy to control from your smartphone. If you want to control it when you're away from home or use it with voice assistants, you'll need SwitchBot Hub Mini. This hub lets you connect your Blind Tilt to your home network, opening up more ways to control your blinds.
Easy setup for your SwitchBot Blind Tilt
Setting up your SwitchBot Blind Tilt is a straightforward process, but it might take a bit longer than you expect. Here's what you need to do:
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Use the App: SwitchBot app guides you through the setup process step by step. It's like having a friendly assistant right on your phone.
- Measure and Adjust: With the measuring sticker that comes with it, check the thickness of your blind rod. If it is too thin, you take one of the adjustment clamps and make it fit just right.
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Attach the Device: Clip SwitchBot Blind Tilt onto your blind rod. Then, stick the solar panel on your window and connect it to the device. The app will show you exactly how to do this.
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Calibrate Your Blinds: This is where you train your SwitchBot on how your blinds work. The app will guide you through full opening, full closing, and upward facing using the device. In this way, you help SwitchBot understand how many turns it needs to achieve adequate control of your blinds.
Control your blinds in many ways with SwitchBot
SwitchBot Blind Tilt has many features that make operating your blind easier and more intelligent. Let's see what it can do:
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Control from Your Phone: With the SwitchBot app, you open, close, or adjust your blind with just a tap. You can fine-tune the angle of your blinds using a slider in the app, and even set custom settings to store your favorite positions.
- Use Your Voice: Thanks to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, your blinds might just turn on with your voice. Just say something like "Alexa, open the office blinds" and it's done!
- Set It and Forget It: You can schedule your blinds to open or close at certain times. There's also a light-sensing mode which, changes with your blinds according to outside brightness; this is currently in beta, so that feature might not always work perfectly.
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Old-School Option: Even with all this, you can still adjust your blinders in an old-school manner by simply turning the rod as you have always done. SwitchBot is smart to remember this new position, thus not messing up your settings.
- Works with Other Smart Devices: SwitchBot Blind Tilt can work in conjunction with other smart home services such as IFTTT to further advance automation. However, they currently do not work with Apple HomeKit, so keep that in mind if you're using an Apple-centric smart home.
To use voice control or control your blinds when you're away from home, you'll need SwitchBot Hub Mini. This is a separate device that bridges your Blind Tilt with your home network and unlocks these additional features.
How much does it cost? Switchbot Blind Tilt pricing
Get SwitchBot Blind Tilt for just $69.99:
As of 2024, snagging SwitchBot Blind Tilt won't break the bank – it's available for just $69.99. This competitive pricing positions the device as an accessible smart home upgrade for those looking to modernize their shades without a hefty investment.
Is it worth it?
When you compare SwitchBot Blind Tilt to other smart blind solutions, it comes out looking pretty good value-wise. Here's why:
- No Need for New Blinds: Unlike some smart blind systems that require you to replace your entire blinds, SwitchBot works with what you already have. This can save you a lot of money right off the bat.
- Extra Features Included: The solar panel comes included, which means you shouldn't have to worry about battery replacements or recharging. Some other products charge extra for similar features.
- Compared to Competitors: Mark notes a preference for SwitchBot Blind Tilt over the pricier Soma Tilt 2, which stands at $149 in 2024. The nod to SwitchBot implies it's a real value-for-money option.
If you want to use features like voice control or control your blinds when you're away from home, you'll need to buy SwitchBot Hub Mini separately. This is an extra cost to consider if these features are important to you.
The good and the could-be-better: Switchbot Blind Tilt review
What's Great:
- Easy to Install: SwitchBot Blind Tilt simply attaches to your existing blinds with no complicated setup or modifications.
- Looks Good: It has a clean, modern design that looks good on most blinds.
- Works Consistently: Mark found it operates reliably every time he uses it.
- Plays Nice with Others: It works with lots of different smart home systems and voice assistants.
- Keep Manual Control: You can still adjust your blinds manually without messing up smart features.
- Solar-Powered: The included solar panel means you don't need worry about charging or changing batteries.
- Good Value: At its price point, it offers a lot of features compared to similar products.
What could be better
- Needs Hub for Full Features: To use voice control or control the blinds when you're away from home, you need to buy the separate SwitchBot Hub Mini.
Mark’s final thoughts on switchbot blind tilt
After testing SwitchBot Blind Tilt for a month, Mark has formed a clear opinion about this smart home gadget.
Overall impression
Mark is genuinely impressed with SwitchBot Blind Tilt. He finds it to be a well-designed, reliable product that does exactly what it promises. The device successfully turns regular Venetian blinds into smart ones without any complicated installation or modifications.
Should you buy it?
Mark's recommendation is a clear "yes." He believes that if you're looking to make your blinds smart, SwitchBot Blind Tilt is definitely worth considering. Here's why:
- Very easy to set up and use
- It works consistently
- Well-priced compared to other smart blind solutions
- Comes with some nice features such as solar charging and compatibility with a number of smart home systems
Mark said this device will change the game in the smart blind market. Considering a few minor drawbacks, Mark thinks SwitchBot Blind Tilt has an interestingly great solution for anyone looking to automate their Venetian blinds without breaking the bank or replacing all of their window treatments.
Should you get switchbot blind tilt?
SwitchBot Blind Tilt seems to be a great way to make your blind smarter, without breaking the bank. It looks fairly easy to use, so Mark tried it out for a month. You can open and close the blind using your phone or with your voice. If you're looking to make your blinds a little bit smarter but don't want to replace them, then this might be just the thing.