First hands-on video with IKEA's much delayed smart blinds, coming soon

The release of Ikea’s smart blinds has been delayed since February due to “an opportunity for improved functionality”.  The two blinds- FYRTUR and KADRILJ- are now expected to be ready for release in August in Europe, and 1st November in USA.

Now, the first unboxing video of IKEA’s FYRTUR blackout blinds has just come to light.

The smart blinds will support popular smart assistants such as Alexa, Google Assistant and also Apple’s HomeKit, but you are required to purchase the accompanying $35 TRÅDFRI hub.

The blinds are charged via Micro USB and also come with a rechargeable battery, as shown below.

The video also gives us a first look at the material, remote, hardware and wireless repeater that communicates with the TRÅDFRI hub:

The company has announced that they’ve been heavily investing in their “IKEA Home smart” business unit.  Peter van der Poel, manager Ikea Range & Supply commented the following:

We have decided to invest significantly in Home smart across Ikea to fast-forward the development. This is the biggest New Business we are establishing since the introduction of Children’s Ikea.

The smart blinds are expected to be priced at a reasonable $134.  FYRTUR has already reached stores internationally, but KADRILJ isn’t ready for release just yet.  It may be possible that US customers will see them in-store within the next few weeks.

Source: 9to5mac and theverge, Image: Idealhome