By Cal Stewart, Sales Manager Brax Blinds
IF you watched the most recent series of The Block, you would know that all sorts of smart home automation featured across each of the apartments, but probably the biggest leap in technology we’ve seen was the introduction of voice control.
The convenience of automation, particularly for items such as motorised blind or awnings, just got even simpler. Now you can control your window coverings with voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Home devices.
Imagine that: asking someone to turn off the lights or open and close your blinds for you and it actually happens. No more nagging your partner or the kids!
How does it work?
Current voice activation systems available in Australia operate through IFTTF (if this, then that) technology. IFTTT is a free web-based platform that launched in 2011 with the aim of “putting the internet to work for you”. Basically, it gets all of your apps and devices talking to each other and uses ‘applets’ to trigger actions; hence “if this, then that.”
By talking to either your Google Home or Amazon Alexa, you can use simple commands such as “Alexa trigger good morning” or “ok Google good night” to trigger actions for your motorised window coverings or turn your lights on and off.
Can it be retro-fitted to existing homes?
The good news here is yes it can. If you already have internal or external blinds that are automated with Somfy and operate via remote control, we can quite easily get you set-up.
The Connexoon Window RTS app is the simplest way to control your motorised window coverings. Enjoy the experience of controlling your Somfy-powered motorised solutions from your smartphone and maximise the many benefits they provide such as natural light, privacy and convenience.
You are now in control of all your Somfy RTS motorised products such as blinds, curtains, awnings and external screens. Then you simply link up with your Amazon Alexa or Google Home and set up your commands.
What if I don’t have automated blinds?
There’s probably never been a better time to invest in motorised awnings or blinds for your home or business.
Motorised blinds add a level of ease and convenience but there are also other benefits that come with having automatic blinds beyond just the comfort.
Awnings and blinds can be an essential addition to your home or business for energy savings as well as improved security. Your windows release a lot of the temperature from within the home – heat in the winter and coolness in the summer.
Studies show that windows lose as much as 75 percent of energy compared to a wall space of similar size and shape. Internal blinds and external window coverings help reduce solar heating during the summer and heat loss during the summer.
In addition, interior blinds that move via automation make your home less of a target. Burglars look for unoccupied, easy targets. Even when you’re not at home, your blinds can move up and down on a set schedule to similar activity within the home.
Motorised blinds may sound complicated, but that’s really not the case. As most are controlled via remote control, all that is required is a power supply. This can be as simple as a power-point nearby or if you prefer to have the wiring concealed, we can advise you on the best way to do so.
If you can’t get power to the window, there is also a range of wire-free or battery operated options that are also compatible with voice control.
And the best part of asking Alexa to close the blinds – provided you give her clear instructions – she never argues or complains!
