One of the main reasons that we chose to launch our product early on Kickstarter was for all the great feedback we knew that we would receive from the passionate community of Kickstarter backers.
By engaging with the community, we were able to learn a lot about our customers and what they are looking for in a product like RYSE SmartShade.
Here are 15 of the most common questions that we got about RYSE SmartShade from our experience running a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.
The Top 15 Questions
What type of window shades is RYSE SmartShade compatible with?
SmartShade will work with any window covering that has a beaded chain. This includes roller shades, roman shades, vertical blinds, and many more. It will also work with bead connectors.
What does it integrate with?
At launch, RYSE SmartShade integrate with Google Home, Alexa, Siri/HomeKit with our SmartBridge. More integrations will be available after launch.
What is the battery life?
The quick-release BatteryPack will power SmartShade for upwards of 6 months depending on usage. When it is low on battery, it will alert you via the app that it needs to be recharged. The BatteryPack is recharged via the included micro USB cable.
How many SmartBridges do I need?
In most cases you would only need 1 SmartBridge for your entire house.
For larger homes, we recommend purchasing 1 SmartBridge for every WiFi router you have in your home as they typically have the same level of coverage.
Do I need to connect my SmartBridge into a WiFi router or an ethernet port?
Yes. The SmartBridge needs to be connected via the included Ethernet cable to your WiFi router or an active Ethernet port.
What is the noise level when SmartShade is in operation?
We have selected materials and a motor designed to minimize noise. When in operation, SmartShade emits a sound level of approximately ~40 db.
At what speed would SmartShade open/close my window shade at?
Speed can vary based on the type of window shade you are installing SmartShade on. Please refer to these demos for real-world examples:
How heavy of a shade can it lift?
We’ve designed SmartShade to lift approximately 9 ft x 9 ft or 10 lbs of weight.
How long does it take to recharge the BatteryPack?
The BatteryPack can be recharged within 4 hours using the included Micro-USB cable
How do I know if the battery is running low?
The LED indicator light on the BatteryPack will turn yellow when your battery could use a top up. You will also get a notification in the RYSE app when your battery is running low.
Can I install RYSE SmartShades on metal window frames?
Yes. You can use the included double-sided adhesive tape to safely and securely install your RYSE SmartShade on to your metal window frame.
Can I install it on the vertical frame in between two windows?
Yes. This frame in the middle is called the “mullion”. Because these are so common, we’ve developed a specific Mullion Mounting Bracket just for this use case!
How do I install the BatteryPack?
Simply attach the BatteryPack on to the bottom of your SmartShades. There will be a click when the battery is secure. To remove the BatteryPack, simply press the quick-release tab.
Will SmartShades work without the SmartBridge?
Yes. But, we highly recommend using the SmartBridge with your SmartShade. Without the SmartBridge you can only use the app and on-device controls for basic up and down control.
Only when paired with the SmartBridge, you SmartShade can use smart home integrations, voice control, scheduling, groups, user sharing, and more!
Will SmartShade be HomeKit certified?
RYSE SmartShade is fully HomeKit compatible when using our SmartBridge which has a HomeKit MFI chip inside. This means that you will be able to control your SmartShade with more than just Siri Shortcuts.
To be as transparent as possible on this, we’ve created a short video demonstrating SmartShade’s HomeKit functionality.
Those familiar with HomeKit will notice that the way Siri responds here is how it would normally be when a device is HomeKit certified.
Become An Investor in RYSE, Inc.
Our vision is to put an RYSE product on every window shade. We want people to think of RYSE when they think of smart shades.
RYSE SmartShade, being an automated solution, just makes life easier – everything is done for you, so you can maintain a comfortable lifestyle. For example, you can have your shades open every morning at 8 AM to help you wake up and allow that morning light to brighten up your morning. Or, if you’re sitting on the sofa for an afternoon movie, you can easily tell Google or Alexa to lower the shades to prevent glare. It just makes life more comfortable and easy.
Investors, join our movement and get involved by investing in RYSE today:
