Aqara’s new $89 Curtain Driver E1 automates your existing curtains

Image: Aqara

Aqara's retrofit curtain solution is available in the US and Europe. The Aqara Curtain Driver E1 can be mounted onto an existing curtain track or rod to open and close curtains. It works with Aqara's own system as well as with Apple's HomeKit. The new smart home standard will be compatible with Aqara.

Automating shades, blinds, and curtains is a smart home trick. If you have a voice command, smart window coverings can be set to open and close based on the time of day and even the weather, even if it's cloudy outside. They can also use a smart home system to respond to other things.

Aqara has a built-in light sensor that you can use to set the curtains to open and close. The Aqara app will allow you to program the curtains to open slowly over a period of up to an hour. It's a better fit in a bedroom because of the reduced noise from the motor. Motorized solutions to window coverings can be noisy, as the motor that controls the opening and closing can be loud.

Image: Aqara

The Aqara E1 is a large device that can be attached to a curtain rod or rail. There are two versions of the device, one that hooks into U-rails and another that hooks into I-rails.

You will need two devices if you have curtains on the same rod. The models are on sale for 20 percent off with the promo code USCURTAIN. The 6000mAh battery will last up to a year and can be charged with ausb type-c cable.

A compatible Aqara Hub is required for the Aqara Curtain Driver. The SwitchBot Curtain costs the same but doesn't need a hub for local use. If you want to integrate your curtains with a smart home system, you need a $40 switchBot hub. HomeKit isn't compatible with it, but it's compatible with other platforms. Aqara claims that its curtain driver can be controlled with hand gestures.

The Aqara version claims to shift fabric loads up to 26 pounds. The smart buttons on the Aqara and SwitchBot can be used as a remote control for your drapes. The curtain drivers will be tested in the coming weeks and we will review them.