Switchable window having low emissivity (low-E) coating as conductive layer and/or method of making the same

A switchable window comprising:

• a first substrate and a second substrate;
• a liquid crystal inclusive layer disposed between at least the first substrate and the second substrate;
• first and second transparent conductive coatings provided on opposite sides of the liquid crystal inclusive layer so that voltage can be applied to the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the first and second transparent conductive coatings, wherein by adjusting voltage applied to at least part of the liquid crystal inclusive layer via the first and second transparent conductive coatings the window is selectively switchable between at least first and second states, where the window has a higher visible light transmission in the first state than in the second state;
• wherein at least one of the first and second transparent conductive coatings is patterned into at least first, second, and third different electrically addressable areas that are substantially electrically isolated from each other so that the first, second, and third electrically addressable areas of the coating can be separately electrically addressed;
• wherein the first electrically addressable area of the coating is for applying voltage to the liquid crystal inclusive layer in order to adjust visible transmission of the window;
• and
• an electrically active device, wherein the second electrically addressable area of the coating, the electrically active device, and the third electrically addressable area of the coating are electrically connected in series.