Are you an “Alexa” fan? Do you trust her to know what music you’d like to listen to? When you might need to reorder toilet paper and batteries? Do you turn to her when you aren’t sure what to get for your mom for her birthday? Most importantly, did you depend on her to make sure you got everything right for the big game? Alexa gets most things absolutely right. However, if you consider her a bit of a mind reader, you may want to check out one of our favorite 202 Super Bowl commercials.

Mind Reader: Amazon’s 2022 Super Bowl Commercial

What Would Alexa Do For You If She Could Read Your Mind?

Streaming football on Prime Video, closing the blinds, chilling rosé (wait…what? We second Scarlett’s question on that)…What’s your perfect game day setup? What would Alexa do for you if you trusted her to prep for the big game? Think about it. And then think about the fact that most of us aren’t aware of the extent of Alexa’s talents. She can likely manage more automated tasks than you expect.

Did You Know Alexa Can Control Your Window Shades & Blinds?

We even recommend turning to her for help around the house. We’ve found we get more success with “Alexa, open the window shades” in comparison to “Honey, could you open the window shades?” Sometimes the simplest tasks are a huge ask when you’re already settled into the couch – particularly if it’s game day! Simple and intuitive voice commands can allow you to control your motorized shades (along with other connected devices) like lighting, thermostats, TVs, etc. using Alexa’s Smart Home Skill*. Connecting your motorized shades to Alexa for automated smart home control makes. your life more convenient, helps you save energy, and even offers privacy benefits.

*Alexa Smart Home Skill allows users to incorporate compatible Radio Technology products into their Alexa routines. 

Popular Alexa Voice Commands: Alexa Smart Home Automation Window Shade Collection

Wake up and say, “Alexa, good morning,” to automatically raise the shades in the kitchen and bedroom, but leave them down for privacy in the bathroom. If you have additional devices connected, the save voice command can turn off the outside lights, and lower your thermostat.

Say, “Alexa, I’m going on vacation,” to automatically move your shades to a certain position (for a lived-in look). If you have additional devices connected, the same phrase can also turn on certain lights, close your awnings on the home’s exterior, set your thermostat to save energy, etc.

How to Create Alexa Routines: Alexa Smart Home Automated Window Shades

If you’re interested in making your life easer, saving energy, and managing your privacy better, you’ll want to know how to incorporate your motorized window shades into Alexa routines. Build the routines around your lifestyle, your schedule, your home, and your family.

Window Shades & Blinds Compatible with Alexa:

There are several window shade options for those who are ready to depend on Alexa to know what they want and when they need it. We call it the Alexa Home Automation Collection.

The latest in home automation, Smart Home motorized lift blinds can be opened and closed with Alexa (or Google Home or Apple Home Kit). Simply download a free app from Google Play Store or the Apple App Store to control your blinds or window shades from your smartphone.

How to Order Alexa Compatible Blinds or Shades:

Order your Alexa compatible window shades or blinds by adding the Motorization upgrade as well as the Smart Home Hub to any of the products listed on the Alexa Home Automation Collection  page. Your Smart Home Hub controls each blind or shade and connects to your home or office’s network through WiFi. Just plug in your Smart Home Hub and place it in a centrally located area. Many homes can operate on one Smart Home Hub, but depending on the layout of your home and the location of your device, you may need to order more than one*. The app to control your shades may be downloaded on multiple smart devices, and you choose how to group your window shades for control within the app. Once you have added your devices (window shades), you can schedule opening and closing times for your window shades or control them remotely from your phone, tablet, laptop, etc. wherever you go.

*(The Smart Home Hub will generally control blinds or shades at a range of about 150 ft., but the distance may vary based on the layout of your home and the materials of the walls the signal needs to pass through). 

Hints & Tips to Maximize Alexa’s Efficiency:

There’s also a feature called Follow-Up Mode that makes it easier and faster to issue multiple commands to Alexa without having to keep repeating the wake word, but you need to enable it.