Smart homes are becoming the standard—not just a luxury. If you’ve already upgraded your lighting, security, or thermostat, your window coverings are the next step. With PowerView® Automation from Hunter Douglas, you can control your shades using voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Home, creating a seamless experience that’s convenient, energy-efficient, and just plain cool.
Here’s how to get started, plus a look at our favorite smart shade applications.
What Is PowerView® Automation?
PowerView® is a smart shading system from Hunter Douglas that lets you control your window treatments with a tap on your phone, a remote control, or your voice. It’s compatible with most major smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
You can schedule your shades to open in the morning, close at sunset, or react to your voice in real-time—all with minimal effort. Learn more about PowerView® Automation here.
How to Connect PowerView® to Alexa or Google Home
Once your PowerView® system is installed, syncing it with your preferred voice assistant is straightforward:
1. Download the PowerView App
Start by installing the PowerView® App from the App Store or Google Play. This app lets you create custom Scenes, group shades by room, and control them remotely.
2. Enable the Skill or Action
- For Alexa: Go to the Alexa app, find PowerView Scenes in the Skills section, and enable it.
- For Google: Open the Google Home app, tap the “+” to add a device, and search for PowerView under “Works with Google.”
3. Link Your Account
Follow the prompts to log into your PowerView account. Once linked, your custom Scenes will be available for voice control.
4. Start Using Voice Commands
Try simple phrases like:
- “Alexa, open the living room shades.”
- “Hey Google, close the bedroom blackout blinds.”
Our Favorite PowerView-Compatible Blinds
Not all window treatments are created equal when it comes to automation. Here are a few of our favorite styles to pair with PowerView:
- Duette® Honeycomb Shades – Ideal for energy savings and light filtering; perfect for bedrooms or home offices.
- Pirouette® Sheer Shades – Stylish and functional, these shades softly diffuse sunlight while maintaining your view. Great for living rooms.
- Vignette® Modern Roman Shades – Classic elegance meets cutting-edge automation; great for dining areas or kitchens.
Need help choosing the right shade for your space? Book a design consultation to speak with one of our experts.
Why Integrate Shades with Voice Control?
Homeowners across Manitoba are choosing smart shades for more than just convenience:
- Comfort and Convenience: Adjust your shades instantly without lifting a finger.
- Energy Efficiency: Lower shades automatically to keep rooms cooler during peak sun.
- Security: Use away modes to make your home look occupied when you are gone.
- Child Safety: Cord-free designs make your home safer for kids and pets.
Bonus: PowerView can also connect with broader systems like IFTTT (external) and Control4 (external) for even more advanced home integration.