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Roku users officially lose YouTube TV Update: Google responds

Andrew Allen
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Last week, Roku released a fierce email outlining that the company was in a heated battle with Google over contract rights surrounding YouTube TV. This led to Roku revealing some rather troubling requests by Google that the streaming box maker categorized as “anti-competitive behavior” to continue offering YouTube TV to subscribers.

This naturally led to thoughts that this was headed to Google making a statement by pulling YouTube TV from Roku, and that has become a reality this morning. Roku has sent another email to users announcing that Google has “let the YouTube TV contract expire.”

Roku continues to expand on these details in that new Roku users and YouTube TV subscribers will not currently have the ability to download the Google-built application on any Roku device. If you aren’t currently signed up for YouTube TV, then you are simply out of luck for the foreseeable future.

There is comfort for current users if they already have the app installed on their streaming box. If YouTube TV is installed, you should see no break in service from either company. Roku does note that Google does have the right to revoke further privileges including pulling the app completely.

This would also make it unavailable for current subscribers withย  YouTube TV. While this one is not as likely as Google would risk losing happy customers with pulling the plug completely, these streaming disputes are pretty unpredictable and Roku is known for standing firm.

Roku ends the email statement encouraging users that discussions haven’t stopped with Google on solutions. This includes “good-faith” agreements to make sure current customers continue to get the best service from both companies possible.

These contract negotiations are a huge deal for users that sheds a negative light on streaming as the future of content. Much like cable disputes, it limits users from content they have made past investments in after the fact. Roku users may not have currently used YouTube TV but knowing it was available could have been a factor when making the purchase.

We hope these two content giants find a quick and user-friendly conclusion.

UPDATE 04/21 10AM

Google has now responded in a posting on the YouTube Blog website. The company is calling all claims by Roku for anti-competitive behavior “baseless and false.” Google is squarely directing blame of this dispute back at Roku.

YouTube and Google make the assertion that Roku terminated the contract and not Google. Taking the explanation further it cites the debate was over Roku also trying to dictate an early renewal of the standard YouTube app at the same time as YouTube TV.

Our initial conversations started with Roku simply to renew the current terms of their ongoing deal with YouTube TV, which has been in place for several years. Our offer to Roku was simple and still stands: renew the YouTube TV deal under the existing reasonable terms.

However, Roku chose to use this as an opportunity to renegotiate a separate deal encompassing the YouTube main app, which does not expire until December.

Google points out that it is not the first company to come into conflict recently and be strong-armed by Roku. It also pointed out the need for hardware requirements is due to advanced technologies not playing nice with Roku’s existing support of video codecs.

Google then closed this post by point-blank denying ever asking for preferential search treatment or access to user data.

Our agreements with partners have technical requirements to ensure a high quality experience on YouTube. Roku requested exceptions that would break the YouTube experience and limit our ability to update YouTube in order to fix issues or add new features. For example, by not supporting open-source video codecs, you wouldnโ€™t be able to watch YouTube in 4K HDR or 8K even if you bought a Roku device that supports that resolution.

We canโ€™t give Roku special treatment at the expense of users. To be clear, we have never, as they have alleged, made any requests to access user data or interfere with search results. This claim is baseless and false.

AndroidGuys will keep an eye on this heated battle in tech, but this one seems far from over at the moment.

AndaSeat Masks Computer Table Review

Jason England
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With more of us working from home these days, I’m sure we’ve all been on the lookout for a nice sturdy computer table. I know my cheap Ikea table was getting way past its prime.

Sure it only cost me $40, but it also showed why it was so cheap. The finish has been rubbing and chipping off for the past couple of years and I’ve never once been able to get it level, even after adjusting the feet on it several times.

Thankfully, our friends over at AndaSeat were nice enough to send out one of its latest computer tables for review, the AndaSeat Masks Computer Table.

Assembly

Like most furniture you order, the AndaSeat Masks Computer Table comes packed in a compact box and requires a little DIY energy to assemble. Fortunately, it comes with all the tools you need, in this case, a couple of Allen wrenches and a screwdriver with a magnetic tip. It also includes spare screws and bolts, ensuring you won’t end up with any missing pieces.

The instructions weren’t the clearest I’ve ever seen, although not the worst either. The AndaSeat Fnatic Gaming Chair I reviewed had much more detailed instructions, but at least there were no misspellings this time. Most likely, because the instructions lacked words in favor of illustrations.

Putting together the table was easy enough though, I was able to do it solo, however, I would not recommend it. A piece of furniture this large definitely benefits by having a second pair of hands around. It also would have made it go a lot more quickly. However, if you’re impatient like me, or just don’t have anyone else around, know that it can be assembled by one very determined person.

Design

What makes the AndaSeat Masks Computer Table truly stand out is the design, it’s most likely why you’re even considering buying it in the first place.

For starters, it uses a unique Z-shaped leg base which I found to be super stable in my usage over the past few weeks. Next, we have the large 47-inch by 23-inch skid-proof wear-resistant carbon fiber styled tabletop, perfect for multiple monitor setups.

Unfortunately, I found the tabletop liked to pick up stains rather easily. I’ve noticed fingerprints on the table where it has absorbed oil or grease, as well as a permanent streak from a disinfectant wipe from one of my many attempts to clean the table.

I’m sure these will either fade or wash off over time, similar to the cutting board I use in the kitchen after it gets a drop of olive oil on it. Regardless, I was very disappointed and it’s something that can make your OCD go a little crazy. This makes the oversized mousepad that comes with the table more appealing to use, so you can prevent or cover up these types of stains.

Finally, there is the RGB LED lights on the top and sides of the table to give it that gamer flare. These are powered by a USB cable which will need to be plugged into an old power brick you have lying around or your desktop/laptop’s USB port.

The lights are controlled by a single button and cycle through several colors including red, green, blue, purple, and more. It also has settings for cycling through the colors.

Beyond the aesthetics, the AndaSeat Masks Computer Table also has some practical design elements. For instance, there is the cable management features with a hole on either side of the table and a tray underneath to hold and run cables.

 

Plus, there is a headphone hook on either side at the front of the desk. This is perfect for those of us, like myself, who have both a gaming headset and a separate pair of headphones you use for listening to music.

 

One accessory which is not pictured here is the included cup holder. Personally, I chose not to install this because it extends past the table edge and I felt it would get bumped into constantly. Still, it’s important to note that it does have a cup holder if that’s something you’re looking for.

How strong is it?

If you have any questions as to how solid the Masks Computer Table is, let me assure you, it is quite robust. It has a maximum weight capacity of 330-pounds, and I know it was able to hold my 155-pound frame without any flex or buckling. Not bad for a table that will certainly never hold anything more than 20 or 40 pounds worth of equipment on a regular basis.

Even better, the table hasn’t wobbled once since putting it together. I can’t say the same for the cheap Ikea table it replaced. No amount of twisting the feet on the legs of that table could make it stable. The AndaSeat Masks Computer Table has been a breath of fresh air in that respect, solid and sturdy.

Final Thoughts

In essence, the AndaSeat Masks Computer Table is little more than a sturdy table with an embellished gaming design. Sure it has RGB lighting, headphone hooks, and cable management built-in, but it is still only a stationary table.

For that reason, $370 might seem a little pricey, especially when you can purchase a motorized standing desk for the same amount or less. Although, if you plan on staying in a sitting position, then it’s up to you to decide if the additional features and styling are worth the premium price. Rest assured, if you decide it is worth the price, the AndaSeat Masks Computer Table does its job well.

Buy from AndaSeat

This boroscope camera pairs to your phone to see into hard-to-reach places

AndroidGuys
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Ever find yourself trying to figure out whatโ€™s clogging your kitchen drain? Or, perhaps youโ€™re working on something under the car hood and canโ€™t seem to see the problem. If only you could look down inside somehow.

If you check out the AG Deals Store you’ll the Sinji Borescope, 2-meter camera on a cable that does just that. With six adjustable LED lights, a magnet, and a hook, this waterproof unit goes where you cannot and does things you can’t either.

Outside of using this camera for engines or sinks, you can use the device to check under your car seat, in your gutter, under or behind appliances, and other hard-to-reach places.

Features

  • Flexible 2-meter cable will slip past any obstacle
  • 6 adjustable LEDs provide a picture-perfect view on your phone
  • Included hook & magnet for quick, easy retrieval of hard-to-reach items
  • รธ8mm nifty camera lens w/ 70หš viewing angle for wider range
  • IP67 waterproof perfect for any situation
  • Connects to phone via Wi-Fi

Order One Now!

The Sinji Borescope carries a typical retail price of $38.79, but we’re offering it to our readers for $29.95, or 22% off the original price. Get this hard-to-reach camera before it eludes your grasp.

If you’re looking for something longer, there’s also a five-meter ($32.95) and ten-meter ($39.95) option available.

Best Sellers

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Earn Credits!

For every $25 you spend in the AG Deals Store you get $1 credit added to your account. And, if you refer the deal via social media or an email thatย results in a purchase, you’ll earnย $10 credit in your account.

First Time Buying?

If this is your first time buying,ย you are also eligible for 10% discount! Justย be sure to subscribe for email updates.

Free Stuff

Not looking to spend any money today? No worries. You can still visit the AndroidGuys section for freebies and pick something anyhow.

What is an IMEI and how do I check it?

AndroidGuys
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Every phone has a unique identifying number known as an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI). The code is found on the phone’s box and is also located inside the battery compartment. In newer phones, and those without a removable battery, the code is often on a sticker on the back of the device.

What is an IMEI?

The IMEI code, which is often 15 digits long, is not unlike a social security number. It can be used to figure out country of origin, manufacturer, and model number.

If you ever find your phone to be stolen, you can call your wireless service provider to have them blacklist or block this number. This is different than blocking the phone number or pausing the account. Quite simply, the handset won’t work, even if you replace the SIM card with an active one on a plan.

You should never share your IMEI number publicly as there is risk of cloning or other IMEI-related scams.

Why is the IMEI number important?

Should you consider selling your phone, or switching providers, the IMEI number will become important.

Buying an unlocked phone? Consider these questions
Where can I buy an unlocked phone?
Tips for buying a used phone

Carriers will ask for the number so that they can register it with their database and assign it to your account. If you’re signing up in person, the sales rep will know how to pull up the IMEI. Similarly, agents can walk you through the process over the phone.

Selling your phone, especially through reputable sites, will that you verify the IMEI before listing it. Swappa, for instance, won’t even bother helping you to sell a device if it’s blacklisted or if the number has been altered. Nobody wants to broker a potentially illegal deal between two parties.

How to find your IMEI

There are two ways to locate an IMEI on Android phones, both of which are easy to do. The first way is done through the phone dialer while the other option is found inside of the phone’s settings.

Phone dialer

Simply open your phone up as if you were making a call. Where you’d normally type in the number or name of the contact, you’ll enter the following.

*#06#

From there you will automatically get a popup that displays the IMEI. In some instances it will also show the serial number, other numbers, and even barcodes to scan.

Phone settings

Open up your settings application on your Android phone and you’ll see a section that’s dedicated to IMEI and other important numbers and details. Usually you’ll find it in one of the two following ways.

Settings > About Phone > Status

Settings > General > About Device > Status

Xiaomi Mi Band 6 review

AndroidGuys
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Xiaomi’s Mi Band, now in its 6th iteration, has been one of the best budget fitness and activity trackers available to consumers. Indeed, while it may not be a brand that many US buyers are familiar with, it garners praise from those who spend time with them.

The Mi Band 6, also known as the Xiaomi Mi Smart Band 6, is priced about $56 USD and features a number of the most common activity tracking capabilities. As one of the most affordable wearables in its space, it offers up a surprisingly robust amount of features.

Thanks to the team at Xiaomi we’ve had a review unit on our wrist for the last week or more, putting it through a number of paces. How does it fare as an entry-level wearable? Is it worth considering over something pricier, such as a Fitbit model? Where does it shine? Where does it stumble?

Key Features

  • 1.56-inch AMOLED display
  • 14-day battery life
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • 30 Fitness Modes
  • Heart Rate Tracking, Sleep Tracking, Stress Monitoring, SpO2 Tracking, Breathing Exercises
  • 5ATM Water Resistance
  • Magnetic Charging
  • Available in Black, Orange, Yellow, Olive, Ivory, Blue

Design

From a design standpoint the Mi Band 6 looks nearly identical to its predecessor the Mi Band 5. That is to say they have a curved rectangular display, rubberized band with a pin-style buckle.

Our black unit was somewhat uninspiring in terms of aesthetics but we didn’t expect anything flashy at this price. With that said, it’s incredibly light and you’ll hardly notice you’re wearing it.

The 1.56-inch display is about 50% bigger than its predecessor and spans nearly edge to edge. It doesn’t feel like there’s much of a bezel around the screen; no space is wasted.

There are plenty of designs available for the watch face itself with a select having extra customization. We would have traded out half of the selection for a bit more personalization.

Performance

The Mi Band 6 punches above its weight class in terms of features, especially on paper. In practice we found that it was really good at most things, but not particularly great at any one of them. Aside from battery life, that is.

The Mi Band 6 can keep an eye on quite a few health metrics, some of them automatically. Other things, such as tracking activities, can be manually configured.

We appreciate what the wearable attempts to do but never truly put any heavy weight behind things. Oxygen saturation (SpO2), for instance was a mixed bag which had us more or less factoring in an average. One time it might say 85%, a number that drew concern, whereas it would say 96% a moment later.

Of course like all wearables the tighter you wear the Mi Band 6, the better or more accurate your results will be. Tracking the heart rate or stress level was generally on the mark but we found ourselves double checking just in case the first number wasn’t true.

Once we found the right fit on our wrist things seemed to even out a little better. As it turns out we initially erred on the looser side of things, reluctant to make it too tight. One hole up the strap was all it took to make for accurate figures.

The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 is able to automatically detect and track six activities: walking, cycling, running, rowing machine, treadmill, and elliptical. It does have the capability of logging another two dozen activities such as basketball, yoga, and stretching, but you’ll have to manually track them.

Staying here for just a moment, the Mi Band 6 does not have an internal GPS so that means you’ll need to take your phone with you on a run, walk, or bike ride. Also, the app does not share its data with Fitbit, Google Fit, or other partners. This could be a deal breaker if you’ve become dependent on a different platform.

The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 can also track sleep duration, breathing, stages of sleep (light, deep, and REM), and naps providing you with an overall sleep score. Using a scale of 1-100, it does a fairly decent job of generalizing your sleep insights. If sleep data is a primary concern for you, we suggest taking things with a grain of salt and/or pairing this with another sleep tracking tool.

We were using the Mi Band 6 at the same time as the Net Hub (2nd Gen) and the Tempur-pedic Sleeptracker and found things were never entirely on the same page. For instance, the wearable might say we slept fairly well while the others suggest we were restless.

Don’t let this fool you into thinking it’s not accurate or worth your money. These issues popped up few and far between, but enough so that we felt compelled to share. As it pertains to tracking steps, heart rate, sleep, and other basics, it does an admirable job. Just keep in the back of your mind that you may need to double check something like oxygen saturation or heart rate.

There are other features in the Mi Band 6 we really appreciate having, such as weather, alarm, stopwatch, timers, and a “find my device” option. Additionally, paired to a phone you’ll be able to remotely control playback for your media or trigger a shutter on your camera.

Setup and configuration was relatively painless and took all of a few minutes with the Mi Fit app. If you’ve ever purchased a wearable, you’ll find this is a familiar process. Navigating the app is intuitive and straightforward whether you’re looking for your sleep data, tracking a walk, or checking your stress level.

One area where the Mi Band 6 really shines is in the battery life which can reach up to 14 days per charge. Mileage will vary based on how often you want it to track things such as heart rate or oxygen saturation but you’ll likely be able to squeeze out a week without a sweat.

The PAI (Personal Activity Intelligence) is a unique metric that seems to factor in heart-related activities, scoring it on a scale. The more activities you do in a day, and the longer you keep your intensity levels up, the better. The goal is to keep the number above 100 but it’s not exactly clear as to how individual things affect it. If anything, we used the number to see how we were trending from day to day with the aim of improving things.

Conclusion

The sub-$75 wearable space is becoming increasingly crowded as companies race to the bottom in terms of price. Consumers have plenty to choose from and most of the players have proven to be quite adept at putting together a solid all-around device.

The Xiaomi Mi Band 6 builds on its predecessor and is among one the best options for your money. There’s a solid suite of functionality tucked into the wearable, including tracking of more than two dozen activities. You may encounter the occasional strange reading but it does a solid job of providing insight into your fitness and wellbeing.

We’re growing quite fond of the Xiaomi brand and have no problems recommending as a low-cost alternative to the likes of Samsung here in the US. If you’re new to the wearable space or don’t need standalone GPS, fancy watch faces, or replaceable straps, you’d be wise to consider the Mi Band 6.

Pick one up from Walmart, Gearbest, AliExpress.

Scoop up a refurbished HP Probook X360 11 G1 EE for just $198 right now

AndroidGuys
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The Nitty Gritty: For a limited time you can pick up a refurbished 11-inch Windows-based laptop for just $198.

How is your work-from-home lifestyle treating you? Are you content with sharing the PC with other members of the family or are you growing tired of scheduling Zoom calls and Hangouts around one another? If it’s time for a new computer, we’ve got a deal for you.

Available in the AG Deals Store today is a refurbished HP Probook X360 11 G1 EE, a Windows 10-based laptop for just $198. Although it has been used in the past it has been put through a thorough a rigorous refurbishing process and Quality Control Testing.

All of the previously stored data has been erased according to DOD standards and then any bad or failing hardware has been replaced. All of the ports and connectors are in proper working order and have been verified as such.

This 11-inch laptop is a great starter computer for younger users or for someone who just needs something simple and straightforward with Windows.

Key specs

  • Processor: 1.10 GHz Intel Celeron
  • Memory Installed: 4GB DDR3
  • Memory Capacity: 4GB total in Embedded
  • Storage Drive: 128GB SSD
  • Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64 Bit
  • Video: Integrated/On-Board Graphics
  • Network Card: 10/100/1000
  • Wireless Networking: Installed
  • HDMI Ports: 1
  • USB 3.0 Ports: 2

About the Refurbished Rating

Professionally refurbished with signs of wear. Overall Low Grade condition ready to use right out of the box. Signs of wear can include: scratching, faint screen blemishes, pressure marks, dented and/or broken plastics.

Order Yours!

Head straight to the AG Deals Store and snag your refurbished HP laptop for just $198 while it’s still available. Supplies are limited and the price is subject to change.

Geo-Spoofing: What Are Its Benefits and Do You Need It in 2021?

AndroidGuys
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The concept may be surprising to some, but geo-blocking is a common practice to limit internet access. It’s location-based, which means if youโ€™re from a different country, there is online content that is not available in your region. This is common with streaming sites such as Netflix and YouTube. But in addition to streaming, a traveler abroad may also encounter geo-blocking when accessing news and other important information. So, how do you get around this restriction? The answer is by spoofing your location. 

What is geo-spoofing?

Geo-spoofing, or faking your location is one way to overcome location-based internet restriction. Since APIs today are advanced, itโ€™s easy for a website or search engine to know where you are. Location tags gathered through search engines, for example, include information such as your IP address. To get around this, using a VPN to change your location is the most common geo-spoofing method. 

Using a VPN tunnels data from your device through a private server, which uses a different IP address. Also, it encrypts data and protects your online activity from hackers. 

What are the advantages of geo-spoofing?

One of the most common reasons to consider geo-spoofing is access to restricted content. Since streaming sites are popular these days, faking your location helps maximize your paid subscriptions. This works not only for streaming sites, of course. Anytime you want to download a movie, video, or online content blocked because of your location, geo-spoofing can help. 

In addition to accessing geo-blocked content, another benefit of spoofing your location is increased privacy. Without spoofing, you willingly give your exact address to every site you visit. This makes you more vulnerable to anyone who may want to track your location. Anything from advertisements to pop-ups, all based on your IP address. With increased privacy, you feel more confident that your online activity is secure.

Depending on where you live, geo-spoofing could be useful against surveillance. When traveling abroad, for example, you may not want a foreign government to spy on your activity. Apart from traffic encryption, you also benefit from added security features such as malware protection.

Lastly, geo-spoofing may also help increase your online browsing speed. If you use a VPN to block your location, youโ€™re using a different server that prevents your ISP from downgrading your bandwidth. 

Is geo-spoofing necessary?

Since most people rely on the internet for many things, geo-spoofing does come in handy. It helps improve your experience when using streaming services and gives you another layer of security. But whether itโ€™s essential depends on your needs.

Do consider how much time you spend on specific online activities. Of course, someone who spends hours each day streaming, playing games, or downloading content will need geo-spoofing. On the other hand, someone who occasionally browses or checks emails may not. Nevertheless, the option to fake your IP address could be useful if you plan to travel abroad. 

In conclusion, your location should not restrict or prevent you from accessing geo-blocked content. Geo-spoofing is the ideal workaround and is considered legal if youโ€™re using a VPN connection.ย 

Photo by Sergey Zolkin on Unsplash

How to unlock your T-Mobile phone

AndroidGuys
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Of all the major wireless network operators in the US, T-Mobile is easily the most progressive. It’s often a step ahead of the pack, making changes in favor of consumers. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t still play by some of the same rules.

T-Mobile, like the others, still locks its phones and restricts them to its network.

T-Mobile phones operate on a GSM-based network which means they can theoretically work with numerous other carriers. The catch, of course, being that the handsets need to be unlocked first.

Why do carriers lock phones?

One of the main reasons that carriers lock phones down is to get customers to purchase device through them. In some cases you’ll find a particular model that’s exclusive to a network. In other words, you must buy the phone through that provider if you want to use it. Another key reason is to prevent fraud or theft.

READ: Where can I buy an unlocked phone?

The concept of exclusive phones was much bigger a few years back but it still happens from time to time with the top carriers. Nevertheless, you have the right to unlock your phone.

Why unlock a T-Mobile phone?

T-Mobile’s phones are GSM-based which means it can often ultimately be used with AT&T and other carriers around the globe. Moreover, unlocking a T-Mobile phone gives you freedom to take it to prepaid and MVNO brands like Metro, Mint, TracFone, Straight Talk, Net10, and Consumer Cellular.

READ: Cheap phone plans that use T-Mobile’s network

Unlocking T-Mobile phones: Prerequisites

T-Mobile makes it pretty easy to unlock your phone, but there are just a couple things you need to do first. Ensure the following is in order before starting.

  • The phone must be paid off – you cannot owe on an equipment installation program
  • Your T-Mobile account must be in good standing – no past due balance
  • The phone must have been active for at least 40 days
  • The phone must not be reported as stolen, lost, or associated with fraud
  • For canceled accounts, your account balance must be zero
  • You have requested no more than two mobile device unlock codes per line of service in the last 12 months

For prepaid phones on T-Mobile, there are a couple of different qualifiers to consider.

  • The device must have been active on the account for at least one year
    OR
  • The prepaid account with the device must have $100+ in refills since first use date

How to unlock your T-Mobile phone

You can call T-Mobile at 1-877-746-0909 or visit its support site to schedule a call back or message them. You’ll want to have the following information handy in the event it’s requested.

  • Your phone IMEI – Here’s how to find your IMEI
  • Your T-Mobile account number
  • Your T-Mobile password of the last four digits of the SSN associated with account holder
  • The device’s phone number

Unlock app

T-Mobile has an app called T-Mobile Device Unlock that comes pre-installed on its supported devices. It’s an easy and direct way to request a phone unlock directly the handset. Learn more about the app on this T-Mobile support page.

ZTE Blade 11 Prime arrives at Visible and Yahoo Mobile for $192

Scott Webster
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ZTE on Tuesday announced that its latest handset, the Blade 11 Prime, is now available through Visible and Yahoo Mobile. Priced under $200, it gives consumers a big screen, triple-camera system, and the most current version of Android.

The ZTE Blade 11 Prime is powered Android 11 and comes in an attractive Sky Blue color where it has a $192 price tag at both carriers. For a limited time subscribers who bring their mobile number to Visible can receive $50 to spend online.

The Blade 11 Prime has a 6.52-inch display with a water drop notch for the front-facing 8-megapixel camera. Around back the camera array consists of 16-megapixel, 8-megapixel, and 2-megapixel shooters.

Under the hood is a MediaTek P22 octa-core processor with 4GB DDR4 RAM and 64GB ROM. A microSD expansion card slot allows for up to 2TB of external media, files, and apps.

The phone draws power from a 4,000mAh battery which should be good enough for a day or more for most users. Charged via USB-C, it also allows for wireless charging and reverse charging.

Rounding things out, the Blade 11 Prime has texturized plastic backing which not only increases its durability, but it also keeps those unsightly fingerprints and smudges away.

Head to Visible or Yahoo Mobile to learn more about the phone and to purchase one for yourself.

SwitchBot Curtain review

Scott Webster
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We love our smart homes. There’s just something great about having the ability to turn lights on and off by voice, or to chat with your speaker and learn how to make Hasselback potatoes.

Then there are things like smart deadbolts, security cameras, thermostats and other devices that make life more comfortable and comforting. Once you start down the path of connecting your home or smartening it up, chances are good you’ll be looking for all sorts of ways to add to it.

The SwitchBot Curtain, as low as $89, is a fantastic way of enhancing your living environments with automation and voice/app control. In short, it’s a robot-like unit that hangs on a curtain rod behind your curtain and slides along the rod to open and close.

Have you ever gone to bed with the curtains fully drawn only to wake with a room that dark or poorly lit? Of course you have. On the other hand, we bet you regularly open curtains throughout the day only to close them at night. How about letting a robot handle that mundane stuff for you?

Whether you want to set your curtains up to automatically open at a particular time each day, or upon sunrise, the SwitchBot Curtain can do the leg work. Moreover, it can also be triggered by opening an app on your phone or by simply asking your smart speaker to do it.

The SwitchBot Curtain is sold in three different options (Rod, U-Rail, and I-Rail) and comes in black and white color options. Further, it is available in single, double, and four-pack bundles.

We’ve had a pair SwitchBot Curtain (Rod) units in place for a few weeks now and have come to appreciate their singular focus. It’s like having mom open the curtains in your bedroom so that you wake refreshed and ready to take on the world.

We love the way that the curtains open and close on their own but can be drawn separately. Maybe you have a dining room or living room that gets a lot of light around dinner time. Use your smart speaker or app to draw the curtains closed while eating and then have it opened when done.

If you’re into playing around with IFTTT, you’ll love creating actions such as automatically opening the curtains when your phone connects to Wi-Fi, or something as simple as closing at sunset.

It takes all of a few minutes to set up a SwitchBot Curtain and everything is guided through the app. Calibration is fairly simple in that you teach the robot how far to move when opened and closed. Additionally, you can enable a quiet mode that moves a little slower but doesn’t make as much noise. For what it’s worth, the default sound isn’t all that bad.

Battery life is expected to be eight months but you can always check the status in the app. Charging is done by plugging in a USB Type-C cord. An optional Solar Panel can be added behind the curtain which automatically replenishes the battery so that you never have to take it down.

Also available is a SwitchBot Remote which small square that can be adhered to a wall. This is a great option to put bedside or in an easy-to-reach location.

SwitchBot has a handful of smart accessories which can enhance the experience of its curtains, but can also be configured with its other products.

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