Just how far will technology take us?

WITH CAL STEWART FROM BRAX

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 blinds 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?

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.

By talking to either your Google Home or Amazon Alexa, you can use simple commands such as “Alexa, trigger good morning” or “Okay Google, good night” to trigger actions for your motorised window coverings or turn your lights on and off.

Can it be retrofitted 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: natural light, privacy and convenience.

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 per cent 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.

And the best part of asking Alexa to close the blinds, provided you give her clear instructions – she never argues or complains.