I like gadgets that provide hands-free operation and automation for ease. Numerous everyday actions may be programmed to run automatically to simplify routines. For example, you could ask Siri to switch off the bedroom lights from your bed, or have your door automatically lock behind you when it senses that it is closed.
SwitchBot Automatic Curtain Opener
SwitchBot recently introduced the SwitchBot Curtain 3, a new smart home automation device, in the name of convenience. Room-darkening curtains are a must-have if you’ve ever raised a child; they should be the first item on the baby registry. My kids have come to equate bright lights with waking up, so it’s a standard that I now rely on. When the sun sets two hours after bedtime in the summer, consider the implications of this.
It took a few minutes to set up the SwitchBot Curtain 3, and during that time, some time was spent fiddling with the manual and parts to figure out what went where and which way it needed to face. I would advise allotting approximately one hour for installation if you have never installed any prior versions. It just takes a few minutes to add the device to your curtains once you get the hang of it.
Two 84-inch-long room-darkening panels that connect in the center to close are the curtains in my toddler’s bedroom. To maintain the ability to open the curtains in the center, I added two SwitchBot Curtain 3 bots, but you can simply add one to move the curtains from one side to the other.
It was easy to couple the SwitchBot Curtain 3 with the SwitchBot app by using Bluetooth, pressing a button on the robot, and then following the on-screen instructions. If you use more than one device, you can name them once you’re in and indicate which room they belong in. In the nursery, we already have multiple SwitchBot devices: a thermometer/hygrometer, a bot to change the sound machine from rain to white noise, and a smart plug to operate the monitor, nightlight, and sound machine.
SwitchBot Curtain Opener 3
Our testers’ favorite device by far was this one. Simply hang it behind the curtain end, and it will move the fabric along with it without requiring you to modify your rail, hammer anything into the wall, or even switch out your curtains. The ease of installation on both tab and eyelet curtains was praised by our testers. Even extensible rods can be used with it. However, if your curtains are thick or lengthy, keep in mind that they can only support a maximum weight of 15 kg.
It operated smoothly in the lab, and although some testers thought it was a little noisy overall, it was almost silent when in the “Quiet Drift” mode, which is a feature intended for the bedroom that gently opens the curtains to wake you awake.
With a 6,000mAh battery that lasts for 12 months and Zigbee 3.0, the Curtain Driver E1 attaches to curtain rods and employs a motor to push or pull curtains open or closed. According to Aqara, the Curtain Driver E1 will eventually be updated to enable Matter, just like Apple’s Home app.
