Great review Jon. I've used the Soma Tilt for my tilt-style blinds for a while and they have worked great with HomeKit the whole time. It has truly been "set it and forget it" with the solar panel and utilizing homekit automations based on sunrise, sunset, arriving, and leaving.
Soma really should add Open/Close buttons to the face of the device. Maybe even a physical switch to disengage the motor from the chain drive to allow for manual use if something goes wrong and it isn’t functional for whatever reason. I’m a firm believer that if automation prevents manual operation, then it’s bad automation. Maybe in a Version 3 🤞🏻
Great stuff mate. Love the video. I've had my soma's now for about 5 years love them but would like to upgrade to the version 2 bit didn't know if it was worth it. Also have been very unhappy with the Google assistant integration as I have to say it about 3 times now to open or closed the blinds and it doesn't also let me open the blinds to a % which it did with homepod. Soma have told me it should work but it's like 1-2 months reply from them every time I send an email so I just gave up.
I just got my soma shades 2 the other day, such a great product my brother went ahead an ordered another 3 motors for the other blinds in my home. I just placed an order for the soma connect which will arrive soon, they are quite noisy but for the ease of installation and battery capacity Its a pretty good trade off, I set my blinds to automatically open in the morning when my alarm goes off and I barely notice the noise, some others may not put up with the noise as well as me but I think its a great product. One step closer to having a full HomeKit home, loving it so far.
Wow! Was delighted to see a new version of this product BUT totally disappointed by the noise. Unfortunately a no go for me as I have 5 blinds in one room and if I was watching tv and had a movie scene or anything like that the noise would surely be deafening. Great review and thank you for this.
@@HomeKitAuthority Yes I suppose as it would depend on the weight of the material and length that is from roller to blind is fully closed point. But consider that when I say 5 roller blinds in one room (3 for bay window and 1 for each double doors out to patio) scenario the noise will be too noticeable. Have you reviewed any other smart shades (HK compatible) ?
Hey Jon great channel. I noticed it said on the box 2 X 2.5 blinds, my windows are bugger than that, would it work then? My understanding is that the motor keeps rotating until you set it to a specific point. Also, do you have any recommendations for similar products that work with homekit? This seems just a bit too loud. Thanks
Thanks for watching, it’s appreciated. I would suspect that if the blinds are bigger then that then I would not recommend as I think a 2m blind would be just on the limit. The only other blinds I have used are the Ikea full unit models
Hey Jon! Thanks for the video! Do you know if there's a maximum number of Soma smart blind that can be connected to 1 soma connect? I'm looking to connect 12 of them on it via Homekit. Thanks!
Hi fantastic video again I am using Ajax online smart blinds have 3 off them front off my property my neighbors are blown away when all 3 blinds go down at sunset I never had any problem with Ajax online smart blinds got 3 more windows to put smart blinds motors I will give these ago to see what they are like
Loved your video. Looking to use these with vertical blinds. Does it work with them as they only turn. You did not mention other blind types on your video. Cheers Liz
Hello there, my husband was thoroughly watching your review which he clearly enjoyed. I, on the other hand, really liked your wooden wall furniture 🤣 the one that shows behind you, on your left. Would you mind telling me where it’s from? Thank you 🙏🏻
Hi jon, Great Chanel you got. I have a question, the soma tilt is compatible with Xiaomi Gateway 3? Im Thinking to Connect them with Bluetooth and then get it in HomeKit.
Your reviews are costing me a fortune. I've got two Rio Arcs on their way and I've just ordered two of these, plus the connect. Can you review something for homekit a bit cheaper? ;)
@@HomeKitAuthority I've got every light bulb already replace with Phillips Hue versions. Did that before HomeKit was even released. I had the original Hue hub which needed replacing, but not had to replace a bulb yet! Expensive, but few options that many years ago.
Hello! it is necessary to use the SOMA HUB to activate them by voice with google home? it is possible to use or is it compatible with the Broadlink RM 4 pro hub? thanks!
I think on the controller which you attach to the wall, there should be buttons. One to act as a remote so you don’t have to use your phone (if you don’t want to) and to control the blind in case something dies or stops working like you said. If you have to send feedback I might mention this.
Thanks for the video. Did you happen to test the maximum proximity between the connect module and the blinds controller? I am seriously considering getting a bunch of them (5 or 6) but unsure if I’m going to need to get 1 or 2 connect modules due to its bluetooth range. i’ve got 3 adjacent rooms with windows all on the same side (so there will be walls between these windows), distance from on end of the windows to the other is about 10 metres. It would be really helpful if you could comment on this. Or even better, test it out. Thanks in advance!
The Bluetooth range of the blind unit is about 15 meters. However I tested the soma in different locations in the house and had no issue with around 20 meters range
Hi! I’ve just got another smart blind controller and I’m having a small controlling issue inside Home app. You see, the motor I got is controllable through TuyaSmart and I’m using a HOOBS hub to being able to control it in Home. Here’s the issue: in TuyaSmart App, I can set the blinds opening at any percentage, but in Home, I can only fully open or close de blinds. Is it a limitation of Home? I saw you in your video controlling your blinds in Home, but you did not stop it midway let’s say. Is it because you simply can’t in the Home app? Thanks.
Can you unscrew the round 'gear' in the Soma Shades device to put a bead-chain in and then screw the gear back in with the chain on? Looked like a small Philips head screw so might be possible...
Did you have to replace your chain with the one in the box? My current chain has a oval connector to join the balls and it doesn’t look like it will run through the soma
I had the same issue. I could not change the chain out. However I positioned the oval bit in the right place I was ok. It would all depend on your blinds and length
Single set? Is that one blind or two? Also any ideas on HomeKit blinds for skylight windows? Love the Soma but the noise is just too much for me personally.
Sigmund Judge I completely agree about the noise, I mean I know it’s quicker but it’s noisy! Also I’m sure velux do ones for skylights that works with a hub. Don’t quote me though
I have the same question. Probably using Somma Connect you can do that. It support unlimited number of SOMA Smart Shades, SOMA Smart Shades 2 and SOMA Tilt devices. HomeKit Authority, Could you confirm if is it possible with and without the Somma Connect? Thanks in advance!
You need to remember that the company can’t control the quality of adhesive of the third party wall paper. The manual makes no reference to wallpaper. Just a clean surface
![J.P., NLE Choppa - Bad Bitty (Remix) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rBDa6BCvw10/mqdefault.jpg)
Great review Jon. I've used the Soma Tilt for my tilt-style blinds for a while and they have worked great with HomeKit the whole time. It has truly been "set it and forget it" with the solar panel and utilizing homekit automations based on sunrise, sunset, arriving, and leaving.
They are a great option and I am glad they have improved the speed on them for the version 2
Soma really should add Open/Close buttons to the face of the device. Maybe even a physical switch to disengage the motor from the chain drive to allow for manual use if something goes wrong and it isn’t functional for whatever reason. I’m a firm believer that if automation prevents manual operation, then it’s bad automation.
Maybe in a Version 3 🤞🏻
I’m thinking about picking this up!! Great video Jon!!
🙏
Got the soma 2 and connect last month and love them. Work great with HomeKit.
Agree, HomeKit support is faultless
Good stuff Jon. Glad they are listening to their customers. It did sound a bit loud but not too bad.
Thanks Eric... the video does make them sound harsh. But they are not that bad
Looking for blind controllers...and find myself here. Very nice, thanks!
Thanks Ray! Hope all is well with you
Great stuff mate. Love the video. I've had my soma's now for about 5 years love them but would like to upgrade to the version 2 bit didn't know if it was worth it. Also have been very unhappy with the Google assistant integration as I have to say it about 3 times now to open or closed the blinds and it doesn't also let me open the blinds to a % which it did with homepod. Soma have told me it should work but it's like 1-2 months reply from them every time I send an email so I just gave up.
I just got my soma shades 2 the other day, such a great product my brother went ahead an ordered another 3 motors for the other blinds in my home. I just placed an order for the soma connect which will arrive soon, they are quite noisy but for the ease of installation and battery capacity Its a pretty good trade off, I set my blinds to automatically open in the morning when my alarm goes off and I barely notice the noise, some others may not put up with the noise as well as me but I think its a great product. One step closer to having a full HomeKit home, loving it so far.
Great stuff! Hope you enjoy your HomeKit journey
Do you know if you can “sync” 2
Hello Jon! Are there any smart blinds that support heavier blinds? Great content btw!
Wow! Was delighted to see a new version of this product BUT totally disappointed by the noise. Unfortunately a no go for me as I have 5 blinds in one room and if I was watching tv and had a movie scene or anything like that the noise would surely be deafening. Great review and thank you for this.
I think the video footage is worse than it is. But they are loud for sure. But it also depends on the blinds you use I suppose
@@HomeKitAuthority Yes I suppose as it would depend on the weight of the material and length that is from roller to blind is fully closed point. But consider that when I say 5 roller blinds in one room (3 for bay window and 1 for each double doors out to patio) scenario the noise will be too noticeable. Have you reviewed any other smart shades (HK compatible) ?
Very thorough Jon! Decent option! Are you limited to a specific blind type?
Thanks Dustin, any blind type with a corded or beaded cable
Hey Jon great channel. I noticed it said on the box 2 X 2.5 blinds, my windows are bugger than that, would it work then? My understanding is that the motor keeps rotating until you set it to a specific point. Also, do you have any recommendations for similar products that work with homekit? This seems just a bit too loud. Thanks
Thanks for watching, it’s appreciated.
I would suspect that if the blinds are bigger then that then I would not recommend as I think a 2m blind would be just on the limit.
The only other blinds I have used are the Ikea full unit models
Hey Jon! Thanks for the video! Do you know if there's a maximum number of Soma smart blind that can be connected to 1 soma connect? I'm looking to connect 12 of them on it via Homekit. Thanks!
Hi fantastic video again I am using Ajax online smart blinds have 3 off them front off my property my neighbors are blown away when all 3 blinds go down at sunset I never had any problem with Ajax online smart blinds got 3 more windows to put smart blinds motors I will give these ago to see what they are like
Thank you 🙏
Loved your video. Looking to use these with vertical blinds. Does it work with them as they only turn. You did not mention other blind types on your video. Cheers Liz
It does I have them on our bedroom blinds which are vertical👍
👍
Hello there, my husband was thoroughly watching your review which he clearly enjoyed. I, on the other hand, really liked your wooden wall furniture 🤣 the one that shows behind you, on your left. Would you mind telling me where it’s from? Thank you 🙏🏻
Well thank you for watching both of you. The wall furniture is from Ikea and its called LACK wall shelf unit
Perfect thank you!
@@anne-sophielaurentliltorp2850 glad I can help, hope you and your husband watch more videos together!
any options for a corded tilt on wooden blinds??? not looking for lift seeing as how my large 10 ft long window wood blinds make the blinds too heavy
Hi jon, Great Chanel you got. I have a question, the soma tilt is compatible with Xiaomi Gateway 3? Im Thinking to Connect them with Bluetooth and then get it in HomeKit.
Thank you. I have not got a gateway 3 to test and I don't think it will though as its Soma's own software
Your reviews are costing me a fortune. I've got two Rio Arcs on their way and I've just ordered two of these, plus the connect. Can you review something for homekit a bit cheaper? ;)
Have you seen the Nanoleaf essentials reviews? Very affordable 😉
@@HomeKitAuthority I've got every light bulb already replace with Phillips Hue versions. Did that before HomeKit was even released. I had the original Hue hub which needed replacing, but not had to replace a bulb yet! Expensive, but few options that many years ago.
Regarding loudness could you do a dB test?
Thanks for another great review. I assume you’d still choose iKea blinds over Soma? Do you know of any other blinds that are HomeKit compatible?
For the U.K. the Ikea and soma are the only blinds I have used. I still have the Ikea blinds in my home
You forgot to talk about battery longevity with or without the solar panel. Thx
Hello! it is necessary to use the SOMA HUB to activate them by voice with google home? it is possible to use or is it compatible with the Broadlink RM 4 pro hub? thanks!
I think on the controller which you attach to the wall, there should be buttons. One to act as a remote so you don’t have to use your phone (if you don’t want to) and to control the blind in case something dies or stops working like you said. If you have to send feedback I might mention this.
That’s a great idea
HomeKit Authority just popped into my head 😎
Can these be modified as a winch to roll venetian blinds up and down? I have already ordered 5 SOMA Tilt 2s and a Soma Connect.
Thanks for the video. Did you happen to test the maximum proximity between the connect module and the blinds controller? I am seriously considering getting a bunch of them (5 or 6) but unsure if I’m going to need to get 1 or 2 connect modules due to its bluetooth range. i’ve got 3 adjacent rooms with windows all on the same side (so there will be walls between these windows), distance from on end of the windows to the other is about 10 metres. It would be really helpful if you could comment on this. Or even better, test it out. Thanks in advance!
The Bluetooth range of the blind unit is about 15 meters. However I tested the soma in different locations in the house and had no issue with around 20 meters range
HomeKit Authority 🙏🏼 thank you. this is really helpful. Guess i’ll go for just 1 connect module then ;)
Hi! I’ve just got another smart blind controller and I’m having a small controlling issue inside Home app. You see, the motor I got is controllable through TuyaSmart and I’m using a HOOBS hub to being able to control it in Home.
Here’s the issue: in TuyaSmart App, I can set the blinds opening at any percentage, but in Home, I can only fully open or close de blinds. Is it a limitation of Home? I saw you in your video controlling your blinds in Home, but you did not stop it midway let’s say. Is it because you simply can’t in the Home app?
Thanks.
Can you unscrew the round 'gear' in the Soma Shades device to put a bead-chain in and then screw the gear back in with the chain on? Looked like a small Philips head screw so might be possible...
I have not tried that sorry
Can I also open and or close the blinds using the app when I’m not at home or do I have to set the timer function before I leave?
If you have a HomeKit hub yes
Hi Jon, what HomeKit smart plug would you suggest that doesn't require a hub from the OEM?
I used the Eve energy personally
HomeKit Authority I heard great things.
It’s too pricey for my budget. I hope the new alliance for home automations would help less the pricing.
Nice, where you can download soma soft for your own raspberry ?
From soma own site. Visit the support page and it’s listed
Did you have to replace your chain with the one in the box? My current chain has a oval connector to join the balls and it doesn’t look like it will run through the soma
I had the same issue. I could not change the chain out. However I positioned the oval bit in the right place I was ok. It would all depend on your blinds and length
Hi late comment here. What if my blind has two strings to control instead of a round one?
Where did you buy it? I can't find a UK reseller and trying to avoid any Brexit/customs related expenses/complications buying from the EU.
uk.somasmarthome.com/
What is the interface for guests who visit your house? Surely they don't need to use your phone.
Apparently Philips Hue Dimmer Switches can be used.
Does anyone know how to do this? IS anyone here?
Has any used this with Venetian blinds? If so, did it work?
No sorry
Use the Soma Tilt 2 to rotate but not lift Venetian blinds.
Why is it so bloody hard to find a motor with who cord controls, one for tilt too?
I don't like the solutions where the motors are visible. Or having to take the blinds down for any reason.
Single set? Is that one blind or two? Also any ideas on HomeKit blinds for skylight windows? Love the Soma but the noise is just too much for me personally.
Sigmund Judge I completely agree about the noise, I mean I know it’s quicker but it’s noisy! Also I’m sure velux do ones for skylights that works with a hub. Don’t quote me though
It’s one blind unit, I think the noise is worse in the video. But they are loud. Certainly louder than the Ikea smart blinds
Can you sync 2. I have 2 windows in 1 room
I have the same question. Probably using Somma Connect you can do that. It support unlimited number of SOMA Smart Shades, SOMA Smart Shades 2 and SOMA Tilt devices.
HomeKit Authority, Could you confirm if is it possible with and without the Somma Connect? Thanks in advance!
8:30 should start with this. Don’t need to review anymore.
Wires all over the place.
I had power sockets installed behind every pelmet in the ceiling.
'Affordable' aka 120 efin dollars!!!
Horrible product! Do not use it on your wallpaper.
Not meant to be stuck to wall paper
That is not what the user manual claims
You need to remember that the company can’t control the quality of adhesive of the third party wall paper. The manual makes no reference to wallpaper. Just a clean surface