Custom window treatment manufacturer Hunter Douglas announced a slew of updates for its PowerView Automation system. The upgrades—described by the company as the “first wave of a multi-phase rollout”—include a series of hardware updates, expanded compatibility, and additional control functionality, all aimed at solving pain points identified by the custom integration channel.
“The PowerView updates we’re introducing this Spring are all about purposeful innovation,” Scott Stephenson, senior director of product, global motorization at Hunter Douglas, said in a statement. “We’ve focused on making life easier for integrators and more seamless for the end user and we’re excited to continue to roll out additional updates that bring value across the board.”
Here’s a look at the updates coming to the PowerView system:
- PowerView App gets smarter. Hunter Douglas is adding new ways to manage basic access through the PowerView App. Previously, the app allowed for two permission tiers, “Complete Access” and “Basic Access.” Complete Access, as the name alludes, allowed for total control over the full system, while Basic Access only permitted operation of the existing shades and scenes. Upon updating the PowerView App, homeowners will now be able to customize precise controls within the Basic Access tier, going so far as giving precise control to certain users at certain times. The feature is aimed at scenarios such as giving short-term access to renters or limiting access for children.
- New PowerView XL Motor launches. Three of Hunter Douglas’s popular shade models—the Designer Roller and Screen Shades, Designer Banded Shades, and Alustra Woven Texture Roller Shades—will all receive the new PowerView XL Motor. According to Hunter Douglas, the motor is specifically designed for larger, heavier shades while delivering an even quieter experience to the end user. It also provides a more cohesive experience to the integrator, who, previously, would have had to search for additional hardware or alternate motor solutions for larger custom window treatments.
- Battery enhancements. Hunter Douglas announced that it will add its Internal Rechargeable Battery technology to a number of shade styles. The new IRB—available on the Duette and Applause Honeycomb Shades and Vignette Modern Roman Shades—will use the swivel magnetic charging adaptor. Or, alternatively, the new IRB products are designed to connect to the PowerView Solar Charger, which could eliminate the need for charging at all in most cases. The upgrades, Hunter Douglas said, allows for a cleaner and easier install for integrators.
More info on the PowerView updates is available on the Hunter Douglas website.