In this review for Mark’s Tech Blogs, I take a detailed look at the SmartWave Shades, which is a set of fully custom smart blinds designed to work with the Matter smart home standard.
Verdict and Summary
After three weeks of use, the SmartWave Shades have proven to be quiet, responsive, and reliable. The blackout function works well, build quality appears durable even surviving a curious cat testing them, and the build is high for such products. I generally open my shades to about 70% to keep sunlight off my monitor while maintaining privacy using these smart blinds. Aside from the small LED light quirk which could be distracting in a bedroom setup if not taped over, they are an excellent smart shading solution without needing a dedicated hub.
Overview and Brand Context
The ordering process provided me with a 100% discount voucher so I could order directly from their website. Unlike some alternatives, these blinds are recognised in Apple Home as being made by Smart Wave which is a nice touch even though they manufacture and ship products from China.
Ordering Process
The ordering process was straightforward when utilizing my coupon code: choose from a variety of shade types such as blackout, roller, cellular, zebra, roman, wood woven, outdoor, dual shades, and even curtains. I opted for white 100% blackout cellular shades specifically tailored to fit the room.
Technical Specifications
All blinds include a five-year warranty covering standard parts with motor noise rated at 20–30 decibels during operation which remains very quiet. The built-in battery can run for approximately 600 operations per charge, and charging is via USB-C if needed without requiring direct AC access always.
Pricing and Motor Options
Prices start at £151 increasing with width and depth depending on final configuration selected by you. Measurements are taken in inches, with clear guides available online for reference before purchase decisions were made after selecting colour mount type and size options chosen beforehand accordingly.
Installation and Pairing
I placed my order on 13th July where they arrived promptly from China shipping to UK address just over two weeks later. Installation was simple: I mounted brackets onto wall surface, attached blind then paired it with mobile application using smart home controller nearby.
Pairing and Connectivity
In Apple Home app, hit the plus button on main interface screen before scanning QR code found directly printed onto motor housing case itself clearly labelled for easy access during setup phase without needing any extra cables or manual guides included inside box originally supplied.
Mine paired easily though I had to check website documentation online for pairing instructions because none were physically packed inside shipping packaging upon arrival at my office residence location previously established prior installation date noted above accurately reflecting timeline delivery schedules observed over recent period of time.
Accessories and Remote Control
The Matter motor also supports remote control functionality allowing you to operate blinds using compatible devices like HomePod mini which acts as hub in many smart home scenarios or simply with standard remotes starting at £9 for a single-channel model or up to £19 depending on total channel count required within specific configuration setup.
Solar Panels and LED Indicators
Optional wireless wall switches are available from £12 per switch unit supporting channels 4,56 etc. Power can come from standard charger or an optional £37 solar panel which I recommend for maintenance-free operation to ensure batteries stay charged even without direct access nearby.
The LED indicator shows green when fully charged and red when charging so you should tape it over if installing in a bedroom setup where lights might disturb sleep quality negatively during nighttime hours due presence of visible light source on ceiling wall mount housing unit attached above blind panel itself positioned near top frame corner area usually occupied by sensor or motor.
Design Quality And Daily Usage
The blinds feel well-made and look great with the blackout material being effective against sunlight intrusion. Build quality appears durable even surviving curious cat testing which is a good sign for households with pets nearby constantly checking on new equipment functionality in general home environment setup previously described earlier during initial review period.
Everyday use experience shows remotes work well fast response times though I’ve mostly controlled them through Apple Home app interface using voice commands via Siri integration as primary control method rather than physical buttons unless needed occasionally when internet connection goes offline temporarily due to power fluctuation issues in region currently being experienced by user community online.
Downsides And Conclusion
The only negative I’ve found is constant status light on motor housing which could be distracting if placed near sleeping area without masking tape covering up red or green indicator light source visible during charging cycles whenever power input plugged into standard wall outlet connection point used for device operation.
Verdict After three weeks of use, the SmartWave Shades have proven to be quiet responsive reliable overall making them suitable purchase considering their Matter compatibility makes integration seamless within existing smart home ecosystem using Apple Home or other supported platforms directly without needing dedicated bridge hardware box usually required otherwise in similar setups found elsewhere today online.
Purchase Information
You can view the SmartWave Shades available from website listed above for those interested in purchasing them themselves via direct ordering links provided on their official site platform located at URL mentioned previously during review introduction segment covering product availability and purchase options relevant to general public looking into buying smart shading solutions currently offered by this specific brand.
