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These days, it seems like every piece of our lives is becoming more and more technologically advanced, and your window shades are no exception. Automated power shades are a great way to increase convenience and sophistication within your home and take your window coverings to the next level. 

Why Consider Motorized Window Treatments?

All of the motorized window treatment options we carry are designed for guaranteed operation and precise control. They simplify life while adding convenience and sophistication, and the benefits of motorized window shades are undeniable. One key benefit of motorized window shades is safety, and remotely operated shades provide a safer, cord-free control option for homes with children and pets.

Additionally, automated shades prevent your home from overheating in the summer and alleviate frigid temperatures in the winter. For example, programming your home or apartment shades to close during the sunniest times of day during the summer can keep your home from reaching uncomfortably warm temperatures, and in the winter, scheduling them to open during the day can increase the sunlight (and warmth) in your home. Using the natural light in your home or apartment in this way can reduce the need to run your air conditioner or heat, saving you money on your energy bills in the long run.

How Do Automated Window Shades Work?

Today, most motorized shades are battery-operated. A typical motor requires 12 AA batteries that must be changed approximately once a year. However, recent advances in this field have led to the inclusion of rechargeable motors in some systems, eliminating the need for batteries. Rechargeable motors last longer than battery-operated ones, and the new motors need to be charged only about once every 18 months. The average charge time for these new motors is around four hours, but the charge lasts about a year and a half, making it well worth the wait. You’ll know when it’s time to charge your battery wands when they start responding to your voice-control commands and programmed automation at a slower pace than previously expected. 

Which Smart Home Technology Can Motorized Window Shades Be Paired With?

In addition to advances in the motorization and power of these automated window shade systems, the rise of smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant have led to a whole host of new applications that can be used to integrate with and operate your home’s motorized shades. 

For example, Hunter Douglas motorized window shades can be controlled by downloading the Powerview® App on your smartphone or tablet. Your phone or tablet communicates with the PowerView™ Hub to move your shades using Wi-Fi, and the PowerView™ system can also be activated via voice control through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. An additional benefit of this app is that users are able to create customized “scenes” that raise and lower your shades to your preferred positions to create your desired ambient lighting. 

PowerView™ shades from Hunter Douglas can also be programmed and used with the Hunter Douglas PowerView™ Pebble™ Control and PowerView™ Pebble Scene Controller, a remote control that comes with each shading system and can pair with up to six different window treatments. The Pebble™ can be controlled via a mobile app, like the one for the Amazon Firestick used to connect to your television, or it can be mounted to the wall for easy access within your home.

Like the Hunter Douglas PowerView™ system, Graber’s motorized shades have their own app, allowing you to control your home’s shades from anywhere, and they can be connected to smart home devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Home for use with voice-control technology. Alternatively, they can also be maneuvered with remote control. Motorization is available for a broad array of versatile shades from Graber’s lines, including cellular, solar, pleated, roller, sheer, and layered styles. 

When compared with other brands, two key features make Graber’s motorized shades stand out: their incredibly quiet Z-wave motor, and their ability to provide consistent monitoring of the shades’ battery level. Graber’s Z-Wave is also a preferred network for smart home technologies, which means that you can easily add Graber Shades to devices like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home, and this system allows “soft” starts and stops, ensuring smooth, quiet operation. 

Interested in Learning More About Options for Remote-Controlled Window Shades From Window Trends?

Motorized window shade solutions from Window Trends provide intuitive single-shade, single-room, or whole-home control via remote, app, or voice control. If you’re ready to find out more about the options available to you, feel free to stop by our Window Trends Morris Plains or Window Trends Chatham showrooms to consult with one of our representatives about what specific features you’re looking for from your shades, or simply to learn more. 

We are proud to sell Hunter Douglas PowerView™ and Graber Z-Wave automated shades and have found that they are a great fit for many customers, but no matter what motorized shade system you ultimately choose, we’re here to provide help and guidance. Give us a call at 973-401-9048 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or fill out the contact form on our website for a complimentary at-home consultation.