Getting out of bed to draw the curtains may soon be a thing of the past after scientists developed revolutionary technology that changes the transparency of windows.
The Wi-Fi-enabled window shade, designed by Californian start-up SONTE, can be stuck to any glass including windows, showers and mirrors and can be controlled wirelessly using a smartphone.
The energy-saving film also provides UV protection, can save money on heating bills by controlling the amount of heat that enters your home, and doubles up as a video projector screen.
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The SONTE film is less than half a millimetre thick and can be stuck to any glass covering using an adhesive strip on the back. An electricity conducting clip is fixed to the film which is then plugged into your home's electrics. When an electric current is applied, the blind goes see-through and when it is cut off it goes opaque HOW DOES THE SONTE FILM WORK?
SONTE film uses smart glass technology, also called smart windows or switchable windows.
It has rod-like particles suspended in liquid placed between two plastic layers.
When there is no electric current applied to the film, the suspended particles are arranged randomly and absorb light.
This makes the glass panel look dark, or opaque.
When a voltage is applied, the suspended particles join up and let light pass through.
SPDs can be manually or automatically 'tuned' to let users control the amount of light, glare and heat that comes through.
It can help control heating bills and reduce carbon emissions.
SONTE film is the first ever 'Wi-Fi-enabled digital shade' that instantly switches from opaque to clear in one second.
It is sold in one-by-one metre strips with an installation kit, including conducting clips that fit to the top of the film, and an electric cable.
More... The 'helmet' umbrella you'll never have to wrestle with on a windy day because it can't blow inside out (or poke others in the eye) Forget passwords - you could soon be unlocking your phone by wrinkling your nose or sticking out your tongueWhen an electric current is passed through the particles in the blind it makes it see-through.
When the current is turned off, the film becomes opaque.
The film uses smart glass technology.
It has rod-like particles suspended in liquid placed between two plastic layers.
The level of opacity on the SONTE film can be customised and the film is made of plastic that can be cut to size. The film contains particles that line up when an electric current is put through it. This makes the film look dark. When the electricity is cut off the particles disperse randomly and they let in the light SONTE FILM SPECIFICATIONSPower – 110-220VAC
Frequency – 50/60Hz
Current – 0.05 amperes per m2
Power – less than 5 watts per m2 (power is consumed only in the (on) transparent state)
Thickness – 0.4mm
Viewing angle – more than 140 degrees
Light transmittance – On (70%) Off (5%)
Haze Coefficient – On (7%) Off (87%)
UV – absorbs +85%
Infrared – reflects +70%
When there is no electric current applied to the film, the suspended particles are arranged randomly and absorb light.
This makes the glass panel look dark, or opaque.
When a voltage is applied, the suspended particles join up and let light pass through.
The film can be manually or automatically 'tuned' to let users control the amount of light, glare and heat that comes through.
It can help control heating bills and reduce carbon emissions.
The film is less than half a millimetre thick.
It only uses electricity when in the 'on' state and uses less than 5 watts per metre squared.
It absorbs more than 85 per cent of UV rays and reflects over 70 per cent of infrared rays.
The basic package costs £160 ($250).
For £180 ($280) the package additionally comes with a Wi-Fi-enabled transformer that connects to your home network.
When connected to the transformer, the film can be controlled using a free smartphone app.
Once the film is cut to size and stuck onto a glass covering (left) electronic clips are applied that can be plugged into a Wi-Fi-enabled transformer and can be connected to your home network. Once connected, the blind can be made see-through or opaque using the smartphone app (right)
The 'on' button makes the film see-through and the 'off' button turns the film opaque.
The level of opacity can also be customised depending on the level of privacy you want and the film can also be cut to shape to fit skylights or other smaller glass coverings.
The firm has now launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise more money to produce and ship the film.
SONTE has until 3 July to raise the target of £128,000 ($200,000).
The SONTE film can be cut to fit any glass covering including showers and bathroom windows. A one-by-one metre film with installation kit and Wi-Fi enabled transformer costs £179 ($280)VIDEO: Everything you want to know about SONTE film
