Smart home tech has long promised comfort and energy efficiency, but it is often only available to a limited market of tech-savvy consumers who can afford it. That’s changing fast.
At SXSW 2025, The Lively Grit Daily House hosted The Mado Revolution – Effortless, Intelligent, Solar-Powered Shades, a panel featuring Mado Dynamic co-founders Michael Brylawski and Andrew Einaudi, moderated by Head of Communications Brian Jaquet. They shared how Mado’s AI-powered, solar-charged window shades are poised to redefine both smart homes and the window covering industry.
Why Smart Shades, and Why Now?
Automated shades have existed for years, but high costs and complexity kept them out of reach. Mado is changing that by combining energy savings, AI automation, and intuitive design into an affordable, accessible product.
Einaudi noted that most people don’t adjust their shades enough to benefit from them. Mado solves this by automatically optimizing light, privacy, and temperature throughout the day. Brylawski added that windows are a home’s biggest source of energy loss — up to 30% of heating and cooling costs — making smart shades a high-impact energy solution.
AI Meets Automation
While AI-powered thermostats have gained traction, smart shades have not due to poor UX and high costs. Mado changes this with intelligent automation that adapts to user habits. Shades respond to window orientation, time of day, weather, and occupancy, and can be controlled via remote or smartphone. Matter compatibility ensures seamless integration with Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung home automation systems.
Solving Smart Home’s Installation Problem
Beyond the tech, Mado solves a key pain point: installation. Most smart shades require professional installation or complex DIY setups. Mado’s self-adjusting system needs no measuring or drilling and fits nearly 90% of standard windows with just four SKUs. This makes high-end automation plug-and-play.
As Brylawski put it: “No one bought flat-panel TVs for energy efficiency, but they made a massive impact anyway.” Mado applies that same logic to shades: make them desirable first, and the energy savings will follow.
Disrupting a $35 Billion Industry
The global window covering market is worth $35 billion, led by legacy brands. Mado is taking a different path: direct-to-consumer, modular design, and AI-driven efficiency. Their Kickstarter launch earlier this month (March 13) aims to prove strong demand and sidestep traditional supply chain hurdles.
Windows Are the New Frontline
Mado isn’t just selling a product, it’s redefining how homes manage energy. With sleek design, easy setup, and real intelligence, their smart shades may soon be as essential as a smart thermostat. The future of energy-efficient living could start with your windows.
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.
