SmartWings: Wake Up to Smart Living with Matter over Ethernet Shades

Matter has been able to handle blinds and curtains since the release of Matter 1.2 in late 2023. This has resulted in some interesting new devices, but SmartWings’ new Matter over Ethernet shades are perhaps the most intriguing.

As well as using Matter over Ethernet for control, these shares also employ PoE – Power over Ethernet. This means data and power are served to the blinds using the same cable.

These new blinds from SmartWings are expected to arrive later in 2025.

Introducing PoE Matter over Ethernet Shades

It’s admittedly a garbled name, and perhaps PoE Matter over Ethernet needs a cropped moniker (PoeMoE, anyone?). Regardless, it is a useful innovation, one that combines power and two-way data transfer through a single Ethernet cable.

This isn’t new technology, but it it is a new application for it. Elsewhere, PoE is used in computer systems (desktops, servers, and even the Raspberry Pi single-board computer), and security cameras, as just two examples.

Unsurprisingly, this removed the need for separate data and power lines, thereby simplifying installation and reducing cost.

SmartWings’ implementation isn’t just ideal for new blind installations, it can also be adapted for retrofits (making dumb blinds smart).

A collection of different powered blind designs (zebra and woven, along with a roller style blind) are available, so you should be able to find one that suits your room.

What Does PoE Matter over Ethernet Bring to Smart Shades?

Smart shades and blinds are already a great advantage. With PoE Matter over Ethernet, they become remotely controllable, energy efficient, and as the shades don’t need a cord, the setup is safer for children and pets.

As you can see from the accompanying image, the roller features a PoE cable that connects to a coupler (CAT 6A Inline Coupler). This is then connected to suitable PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment) like a router or switch with PoE support. (There is no information as to whether it supports a PoE injector.)

SmartWings’ PoE Matter over Ethernet shades feature the following:

• Effortless Integration: Seamlessly integrates with major smart home ecosystems with Matter support, like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings.

• Enhanced Convenience: Control your shades from anywhere using your smartphone, voice commands, or smart home hubs. There is also remote support (433.92 MHz).

• Cost-Effective: Reduces installation time and costs by eliminating the need for separate power lines and minimizing the need for licensed electricians.

• Energy Efficiency: Utilizes low-voltage power, contributing to energy savings.

• Increased Durability: Eliminates the need for batteries, reducing maintenance and ensuring reliable operation.

• Improved Safety: Cord-free design enhances child and pet safety.

• Quiet Operation: The smooth and silent operation makes the roller ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices.

Making Smart Shades and Blinds Matter

The news of SmartWings PoE Matter over Ethernet (let’s make PoEMoE stick!) smart shades is pretty exciting, as it is a bit of a game changer. After all, this is the world’s first PoE Matter over Ethernet motor, so as long as your home can accommodate Ethernet cables, this is a good option. After all, Ethernet is faster and generally more reliable than Wi-Fi.