HOW’S this for a “Yes, I am living in the future” reality check: Window shades that automatically open when the sun rises, and close when it sets—they’re now here.
In a recent event at Taguig City, window-coverings Dutch company Hunter Douglas launched in the country its PowerView Motorization System, a pioneering concept that gives homeowners full, automated control over their blinds and shades.
“Connectivity and integration is the trend now,” said James Sia, general manager for Hunter Douglas Window Covering Products and Licensing for Asia. “Worldwide, we see a growing trend in smart home technology. There are décor-friendly gadgets, automated door locks, security systems, automated lighting systems, air conditioning with programmable thermostats and, now, programmable window coverings.”
The wireless system enables homeowners to record presets and control remotely their Hunter Douglas window blinds and shades, depending on privacy needs, desired mood or light requirement.
Stephen Sy, president of Focus Global Inc., Hunter Douglas’s exclusive licensee in the Philippines, said he feels privileged to bring this technology to Filipino homeowners. “Its amazing features operate on your schedule, automatically, no hands required. These are intelligent shades that simplify life.”
For one, the system can sync the opening and closing of window coverings with the local sunrise and sunset times, respectively, through a locator feature. Customized schedules can also be set. The program operates on a discreet motor, and can be controlled using the wall-mounted Surface Remote or the PowerView Pebble Remote.
According to Joanne Mercado, Hunter Douglas marketing manager for Focus Global, the Pebble is designed more than just a remote, but as an accent piece with its sleek design. It comes in seven colors, including White, Clear Frost, Citron, Poppy, Cobalt, Pewter Frost and Black Matte.
Another option to control the system is through a mobile device or tablet via the PowerView App, available on Google Play and the App Store. This allows users to control their window treatments over the Internet.
The system is available in an extensive selection of Hunter Douglas pieces. Mercado said some of the most known locally that support the technology are the Roller Shades, the Duette Honeycomb Shades and the Silhouette Window Shadings.
Founded in 1919 as a machine tool-distribution company, Hunter Douglas has been into residential and commercial window dressings since the 1940s, when Joe Hunter collaborated with founder Henry Sonnenberg toward the production of venetian blinds. According to its web site, the company is present in 100 countries with a $2.6-billion revenue.
The showroom of Focus Global, the exclusive licensee of Hunter Douglas since 2015, is at the 12th floor of Twenty-Four Seven Building in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.