Ikea smart blinds make unexpected and limited US debut
The 'Fyrtur' range of smart blinds from Ikea are appearing in a few US stores, despite the company's recent announcement of delays.
Note the "Not available online" button. You can, though, buy them in five of Ikea's 50 US stores
While furniture store Ikea recently revised its release date for the "Fyrtur" range of smart blinds to "later this year," a very few of its US stores have begun stocking them. Only five of Ikea's 50 US stores have them in stock, and while the company's website lists them, it's not currently possible to order them online.
Furthermore, according to HomeKitHero, the stores that are confirmed to have the blinds on display are selling them in sizes not listed on the Ikea website.
Ikea has repeatedly delayed the release of the smart blinds and but has been introducing more smart devices to its stores and online.
Significantly, Ikea's "Fyrtur" range of smart blinds is not HomeKit compatible, though the company claims that both Apple's system and Alexa will be supported later. The blinds work with Ikea's Tradfri smart devices, however, and that system does include HomeKit-compatible plugs and bulbs.
Smart blinds in a bedroom. (Photo: Ikea)
This is reason to believe that HomeKit will come to the smart blinds, but as other companies have shown, it's not a guarantee.
There's also no indication yet whether the confusingly different online and in-store sizes and availability just mean that the blinds are rolling out US-wide.
This rollout is similar to the initial deployment of Ikea HomeKit compatibility. The smart bulb line by the manufacturer arrived after several delays and false starts, and this most recent confusing availability of the smart blinds is only the latest chapter in the saga.
Note the "Not available online" button. You can, though, buy them in five of Ikea's 50 US stores
While furniture store Ikea recently revised its release date for the "Fyrtur" range of smart blinds to "later this year," a very few of its US stores have begun stocking them. Only five of Ikea's 50 US stores have them in stock, and while the company's website lists them, it's not currently possible to order them online.
Furthermore, according to HomeKitHero, the stores that are confirmed to have the blinds on display are selling them in sizes not listed on the Ikea website.
Ikea has repeatedly delayed the release of the smart blinds and but has been introducing more smart devices to its stores and online.
Significantly, Ikea's "Fyrtur" range of smart blinds is not HomeKit compatible, though the company claims that both Apple's system and Alexa will be supported later. The blinds work with Ikea's Tradfri smart devices, however, and that system does include HomeKit-compatible plugs and bulbs.
Smart blinds in a bedroom. (Photo: Ikea)
This is reason to believe that HomeKit will come to the smart blinds, but as other companies have shown, it's not a guarantee.
There's also no indication yet whether the confusingly different online and in-store sizes and availability just mean that the blinds are rolling out US-wide.
This rollout is similar to the initial deployment of Ikea HomeKit compatibility. The smart bulb line by the manufacturer arrived after several delays and false starts, and this most recent confusing availability of the smart blinds is only the latest chapter in the saga.
Comments
I have some Bali motorized shades on some high windows that would be impractical to have cords on and they natively use zwave - very easy to integrate, it will be interesting to see what these are using for their underlying tech.
I think blinds, whether via voice control, schedule, geo fencing, or motion sensor are the slickest application of home automation. A little dramatic touch. Very cool.
I think I'll wait.