Over the years, we’ve seen a variety of automated window treatments. Having those window coverings automated makes it a lot easier to tweak the room’s lighting for a movie or block out blinding sun. It also makes it easy to cool down (or heat up) the room, so you can save a few extra bucks on your monthly energy bill.
Because of the cost, most automated window treatments aren’t something you’d find in every home. A company named Sonte is looking to change that with Sonte Film, the first Wi-Fi-enabled digital shade.
Sonte Film is insanely easy to install. Just measure the window and cut the window film to the size needed. An electrostatic cling adhesive back allows you to simply peel and stick the film onto the glass. Once it’s affixed to the window, place the quarter-sized proprietary conducting clip on the film and plug in the extra-slim cord to the Wi-Fi-enabled transformer.
From there, Sonte Film is paired with a smartphone app, which allows users to turn existing windows from opaque to clear in less than a second. It’s literally as simple as turning the app to “on” for see-through windows and “off” to make them opaque.
Because there’s an app component, it also means that you can adjust windows while on vacation, from halfway around the world. That’s a nice perk for both security and energy purposes.
According to Sonte, the digital shade doubles as a projection screen.
“Curtains have been around for thousands of years without much improvement,” said Bernard Kwan, CEO and co-founder of Sonte. “The small advances that have been made, such as motorized shades and smart glass, can be extremely expensive and complex to install. With Sonte Film, we set out to revolutionize the industry of windows and curtains to make digital shade technology affordable and easy to use for all.”
A typical kit comes with Sonte Film, the Wi-Fi-enabled transformer (one single unit), a connector and cables, and a cleaning kit. If you want to get in on the ground floor, Sonte has various kits available via its Kickstarter campaign, with prices starting around $65.