Performance
Once you’ve got it set up, the iQ3 does its job well. Opening and closing the door through the app is as fast as when you use the remote for the garage door. The sensors quickly noted when the door was opening or closing, and I received alerts on my phone faster from the iQ3 than with my Chamberlain garage door opener’s MyQ app.
The vehicle sensor opened the garage door when I approached, though getting the device to consistently sense my location took a few tries. The convenience of automatic opening was worth a little extra effort. However, I turned off auto close because the minimum distance — 250 feet — was too far from my house for my comfort.
Smart assistant features
The iQ3 works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. I tested the Alexa integration. You can use either a custom skill or a Smart Home skill. If you use the custom skill, you say things like "Alexa, ask Tailwind to open garage door” or "Alexa, ask Tailwind to check garage door.” With the Smart Home skill, you don’t have to say “ ask Tailwind” each time, but you have to use the phrase, “Alexa, lock the garage door” to get it to work.
Once you have the lingo down, voice commands are a convenient way to take advantage of having a smart garage door — eliminating the need to take out your phone.
Verdict
The Tailwind iQ3 is a useful device for adding smart features to your garage door opener. Not only can you use it to control your garage door, but it works with both Alexa and Google Assistant, and lets you know if you’ve left your door open. And it makes automatic opening and closing possible — something that most other smart openers don’t. I just wish I could adjust the distance at which it activates.