I’d love to see a version with a simple manual override or at least a passive default mode for outages.
That’s my hang-up too. All the demos look slick, but I keep picturing a power blip in August and suddenly you’re stuck with full sun. Manual shades aren’t glamorous, but at least they always work—no software updates needed. If they ever make a hybrid, I might reconsider, but for now, reflective film and blackout curtains are way less risky.
I hear you on the manual backup. We had a power outage last summer during a heat wave, and I was cursing every “smart” thing in the house—had to dig out old fans and prop open doors just to get a breeze. The idea of windows that don’t open or tint without power makes me nervous. I like gadgets, but sometimes a good old pull-down shade wins for peace of mind. If they ever add a simple crank or latch, I’d be a lot more tempted.
That’s exactly why I can’t fully commit to these smart windows yet. I like the idea of auto-tinting, but if the grid goes down, I’d rather be able to crack a window or yank a shade than sweat it out. I’ve checked both View and SageGlass, and neither has a true manual override—seems like such an oversight for something so critical. Maybe I’m old-school, but until they add a simple latch or crank, I’ll stick with low-tech shades and windows that actually open. Tech is great… until it isn’t.
Tech is great… until it isn’t.
I totally get where you’re coming from. Last summer, we lost power for two days during a heatwave, and being able to open every window was a lifesaver. I love the idea of smart windows, but honestly, sometimes simple just works better when things go sideways.
- Manual windows are reliable, but smart glass isn’t just about automation—it’s about energy savings and comfort.
- Most smart windows like View or SageGlass still function in a power outage. They default to their last setting, so you won’t be stuck with full sun or zero privacy.
- Seen a few installs where people worried about losing control, but honestly, mechanical overrides are usually there if you want them.
- I get the appeal of simple, but if you’re in a spot with brutal summers or winters, the tech can really help with bills and glare.
- Not for everyone, but I wouldn’t write them off just because of rare outages… depends on your priorities.
- I’ve done a couple installs where folks were excited about the energy savings, but honestly, the upfront cost is still pretty steep compared to good manual shades or low-e glass.
- Mechanical overrides sound great, but in practice, not every model makes it easy—sometimes you’re stuck waiting for a tech if the system glitches.
- Had one client in a rural area lose power for days after a storm. Their windows stayed tinted, which was fine for privacy, but made the place feel like a cave.
- I get why people like the tech, especially for big glass walls facing west. But if you’re not planning to stay in the house long-term, it’s tough to recoup that investment.
That’s a fair take on the upfront cost—these smart windows aren’t cheap, especially if you compare them to just slapping up some decent manual shades. But I do think there’s more to it than just the payback period. For folks who really can’t stand glare or have rooms that get blasted by sun all afternoon (I’m looking at my own living room here), the convenience is pretty amazing. Not having to run around adjusting blinds every few hours? That’s hard to put a price on.
You’re right about the tech hiccups, though. I’ve seen a neighbor get stuck in “perma-tint” mode after a storm too, and it’s not fun—felt like being in a submarine for three days. That said, newer models seem to be getting better about manual overrides, at least from what I’ve read and heard.
If you’re planning to move soon, yeah, it’s probably not worth the hassle or expense. But for anyone settling in for the long haul, I think there’s real value in comfort and energy savings—even if it takes a while to see it on your bill.
Yeah, totally get where you’re coming from. The sticker shock is real, but honestly, I’d pay a little extra just to not have to wrestle with blinds every afternoon. We get brutal afternoon sun in our kitchen, and the idea of it auto-adjusting sounds pretty nice. I’ve heard the “perma-tint” issue too—seems like a pain, but hopefully that’s getting ironed out. If you’re planning to stay put for a while, I think it’s one of those upgrades that makes day-to-day life just a bit smoother.
- That “perma-tint” thing’s got me nervous too. I’d be so annoyed if my kitchen ended up looking like a cave just because the windows decided to stay in dark mode forever.
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100% relate. My cat’s already declared war on the blinds, so anything that keeps them out of his claws is a win.“I’d pay a little extra just to not have to wrestle with blinds every afternoon.”
- Haven’t tried either View or SageGlass, but I did get a demo at a home show. The rep let me poke the controls and honestly, it was kinda fun watching the glass go from clear to sunglasses-mode in like 30 seconds. Wish I could say I’ve actually lived with it though.
- What’s throwing me is the price. Like, do I want cool windows or do I want to eat something besides ramen for the next six months? Tough call.
- Heard rumors about SageGlass being a bit more responsive if you’re in a place with wild sun swings. View apparently has an app, which sounds fancy until you realize you’re adding yet another thing that needs updates and passwords you’ll forget.
- Anyone else low-key worried about power outages? If my windows get stuck mid-tint, I feel like my house would look like it’s trying to cosplay as a nightclub.
- Real talk: Is this one of those things that’s amazing for people who love gadgets, but maybe overkill for folks who are fine just pulling down the shades? I’m all for convenience but also not above just taping cardboard over the window if it gets desperate...
- Still, the idea of never having to mess with cords or dust slats ever again is tempting. If anyone’s actually had these for more than a year—do they still work like new, or does stuff start glitching after a while?
“I’d pay a little extra just to not have to wrestle with blinds every afternoon.”
Blinds are the worst. Mine always end up crooked, and no matter how often I dust, there’s still that weird gray film. Honestly, the idea of windows that do their own thing sounds great until I remember how my “smart” thermostat randomly resets itself when the wifi hiccups. Not sure I trust my living room view to a software update. But yeah, never having to untangle cords again? Tempting.