The SwitchBot Curtain 3 is stronger and quieter than earlier than

SwitchBot has introduced the Curtain 3, a wise curtain controller it says can be quieter than the Curtain 2, and twice as sturdy. The corporate additionally claims a brand new, improved (and individually obtainable) photo voltaic panel will provide “true limitless battery energy,” one thing the earlier panel didn’t fairly obtain. The Curtain 3 and the SwitchBot Photo voltaic Panel 3 will retail for $89.99 (£89.99 / €89.99) and $25.99 (£25.99 / €25.99), respectively, once they launch on August twenty fifth.

The Curtain 3 is, because the identify suggests, the third iteration of the corporate’s good curtain controller. It could possibly now pull as much as 36 kilos (16kg), based on the corporate, which is greater than double the Curtain 2’s 17lb weight restrict. Just like the Curtain 2, the brand new curtain controller makes use of Bluetooth Low Power, giving it a variety of as much as 80m (262ft), assuming a direct line of sight.

SwitchBot’s specs say its new controller hums at about 45dB from 1m away (roughly as loud as a suburban neighborhood at night time), whereas its new 5mm-per-second QuietDrift Mode will drop it to 25dB, which is about as loud as a human whisper. Outwardly, the brand new design is just like earlier fashions, however it’s longer (by 30mm) and skinnier now than the Curtain 2. The corporate says it’s suitable with 99 p.c “of curtain tracks discovered all over the world.” Just like the Curtain 2, it may be purchased in rod rail, U rail, and I rail configurations.

SwitchBot says its new $25.99 SwitchBot Photo voltaic Panel 3 has “over twice the charging effectivity,” and can solely want three hours in direct solar, “the place clear shadows might be shaped,” to successfully get rid of the necessity to cost the Curtain 3. Battery life by itself hasn’t improved although — SwitchBot nonetheless expects the Curtain 3, just like the earlier mannequin, to final for as much as 8 months on a full cost.

Earlier this 12 months, SwitchBot launched its new $70 SwitchBot Hub 2, which serves as a Matter bridge and due to this fact provides Apple Residence compatibility to the Curtain 3 (and its different Bluetooth gadgets, just like the Curtain 2). With out the up to date hub, you’re caught with Samsung SmartThings, Google Residence, and Amazon Alexa — although the corporate additionally helps Apple Shortcuts, which you’ll be able to set off with Siri.

Should you haven’t heard of SwitchBot, it’s identified for its intelligent, easy-to-install good house retrofits, like its $99 good lock that isn’t a wise door lock in any respect, however a Bluetooth-connected motor that attaches to your door with a plastic piece that over the thumb flip of your deadbolt. It additionally makes a button-pressing robotic that may toggle paddle switches (amusingly, the corporate exhibits a Hue good swap as one it’s suitable with) or press different buttons, say to begin your espresso maker.