Totally agree on calibration—seen way too many installs where the windows got blamed for sloppy setup. Couple quick thoughts from my experience:
- SageGlass app is solid, but View's interface feels a bit sleeker IMO...just personal preference though.
- Don't underestimate installer experience. Had one job where the "expert" installer spent half the day watching YouTube tutorials. Not exactly confidence-inspiring...
- Either way, once they're dialed in, you'll never wanna go back to regular glass.
Good points on installer experience—I've learned the hard way that even the best tech can fall flat with poor installation. I'm still a bit skeptical about app interfaces though; sleek is nice, but reliability and responsiveness matter more long-term...especially for something this pricey.
Totally get your point about reliability over sleekness. I've been researching smart windows myself (first-time homeowner here, so I'm probably overthinking everything, lol). One thing that's bugging me is how future-proof these apps really are. Like, what happens if the company stops updating the app or goes out of business? Do we end up stuck with expensive windows that can't be controlled properly?
Also, has anyone had issues with connectivity or lag? I mean, it's cool to have an app-controlled tinting feature, but if it takes forever to respond or randomly disconnects...that'd drive me nuts. I guess I'm just wondering if manual overrides exist as a backup option—just in case.
On the installer front, totally agree. My cousin had some fancy automated blinds installed last year and the tech was great, but the installation was sloppy. Now they squeak every time they move...not exactly the futuristic vibe he was going for, haha.
I've been wondering the same thing about app support and future-proofing. Honestly, that's my biggest hesitation with smart home tech in general. I mean, remember when everyone jumped on those early smart thermostats and then the companies folded or got bought out? Suddenly, you're stuck with a fancy paperweight on your wall...
As for connectivity, my neighbor installed SageGlass last year, and he mentioned occasional lag issues—nothing major, but enough to notice. He did say there's a manual override switch hidden somewhere, though, so at least you're not completely stranded if the app decides to take a nap.
Installation quality seems to vary wildly too. Your cousin's squeaky blinds story made me laugh because I had a similar experience with automated curtains. Tech was amazing, but the installer rushed it, and now they make this weird grinding noise every morning. Not exactly the peaceful wake-up I envisioned, haha.
Anyway, I'm still on the fence myself. Curious to hear if anyone else has had better luck with View or SageGlass specifically.
I had a similar hesitation when I first jumped into smart lighting a few years back. Got these fancy bulbs that promised "seamless integration," and then the company went belly-up six months later. Now they're just regular overpriced bulbs, haha. Haven't tried View myself, but my office installed SageGlass last summer. Honestly, it's been pretty smooth—just a minor hiccup or two with the app. Definitely recommend double-checking the installer reviews though... learned that lesson the hard way!
We went with SageGlass about a year ago, and so far it's been solid. Had a couple app glitches early on, but nothing major. Haven't personally tried View, but heard mixed things about their customer support—might wanna look into that before deciding.
We installed View windows for a client about two years back, and honestly, the tech itself was impressive—smooth transitions, responsive controls, all that good stuff. But yeah, gotta agree on the customer support thing. Had a minor issue with connectivity, and it took forever to get someone helpful on the line. SageGlass seems more reliable in that department from what I've seen. If you're big on hassle-free service, I'd lean toward SageGlass...just my two cents.
"Had a minor issue with connectivity, and it took forever to get someone helpful on the line."
Yeah, I've been there with View's customer support myself—tech's flashy, but when something goes sideways, good luck getting quick help. SageGlass does seem to have smoother sailing in that area from what I've seen on other projects. Honestly, for most homeowners, reliable support can make or break the experience. You're probably right leaning towards SageGlass if you value peace of mind over bells and whistles...
I've installed SageGlass myself about a year ago, and honestly, the setup was pretty straightforward. The documentation was clear, and when I did hit a snag (my fault—I misread the wiring diagram), their support team was responsive and knowledgeable. They walked me through troubleshooting step-by-step without making me feel rushed or clueless.
"Honestly, for most homeowners, reliable support can make or break the experience."
Couldn't agree more with this. Smart windows aren't exactly cheap, and when you're investing that kind of money, having reliable backup is crucial. View's tech does look impressive on paper, but from what I've heard around here and elsewhere, their backend support might need some fine-tuning.
That said, if you're comfortable with DIY and troubleshooting minor connectivity hiccups yourself, View could still be viable—just be prepared to spend some extra time tinkering. But if you prefer a smoother experience overall, SageGlass seems like the safer bet right now.
Interesting points about SageGlass support—good to hear they're responsive. I've been eyeing smart windows mainly for energy savings (and, let's be honest, the cool factor), but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Curious though, has anyone tracked actual energy savings or noticed a significant difference in comfort levels after installing either brand? Would love some real-world numbers or experiences before diving in...