Skip to main content

Hunter Douglas smart blinds and shades blot out the sun, but come at a cost

Hunter Douglas, a manufacturer of custom window treatments, has combined smart technology and shades to create new smart shades using PowerView Motorization. These shades, privacy sheers, blackout curtains, shutters and more (20 styles in all) are fully automated. Using the Hunter Douglas PowerView App or voice control with Amazon Alexa, the Google Assistant or Siri, homeowners can open and close curtains on command.
Each shade, curtain or shutter can be controlled independently or in a group on command or on schedule. This opens a wide array of customization possibilities. For example, you can set up a schedule that opens the curtains in your room at the time you wake up every morning. You can create another schedule that closes all of your home’s curtains at a certain time every night. If there’s a glare on your television, you can use the app or voice commands to close a curtain over the offending window while leaving the rest open. One particularly helpful use of these smart blinds is for windows that are hard to reach, like skylights. No more ladders or step stools needed to control the amount of light coming from a high window or skylight.
“Automated shading is primed to be one of the hot smart home trends of 2020,” Scott Stephenson, director of product management, motorization, at Hunter Douglas said in a press release. “Design elements and aesthetics drive the decisions for shading as homeowners seek beauty with color, texture, and movement, but the rise in smart homes has made people look around their rooms and think ‘that should be connected, too.’ The security, convenience, comfort, and energy savings that homeowners want from their smart home are amplified when coupled with their home’s window treatments. With Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorization, homeowners can select from over a dozen shading styles with hundreds of colors, textures, and transparency levels without forfeiting the home’s aesthetic or their smart home experience.”
These shades, while useful, come with a big price tag. Hunter Douglas PowerView Motorization starts at $299 per shade, depending on the style. You also can’t buy them online or in a store. PowerView Motorization Smart Shades are only available through specialists and home technology professionals. To learn more about Hunter Douglas visit its website.
Alina Bradford
Alina Bradford has been a tech, lifestyle and science writer for more than 20 years. Her work is read by millions each month…
The Amazon Echo Hub is almost the whole-home hub I’ve always wanted
Amazon Echo Hub.

I’ve long dreamed about having a proper sort of home hub. One that’s always on, always showing me the things I want to control at any given time. Not huge. Not obtrusive.

The new Amazon Echo Hub, one several new Echo devices announced at Amazon's 2023 devices event at HQ2 in Arlington, Virginia, very much seems to fit that bill. It’s a touchscreen that you’ll use to control all your things.

Read more
Best hair dryer deals: Conair, Shark and Revlon starting at $10

Not that long ago hair salons were closed for months. During this time you may have learned some new ways to deal with your hair and thus, need some new tools. Retailers recognized this and have been releasing great beauty and fitness deals all year. Professional hair styling tools don't come cheap. Top brands such as Dyson, GHD, and Hary Josh can cost hundreds of dollars. While a professional hairdryer has great multi-functionalities and smart settings, if you're looking for something that will get the job done at an affordable price, we've combed through all the best online deals to find some of the best hair dryers out there. These picks still have those extra features and settings that you're looking for but you won't have to break the bank for your daily hair routine. Some of our favorite hair dryers even made it to this list.

When it comes to picking up the right hair dryer, the weight, wattage, attachments, heat settings, and even cord length can be more important than fancy hair dryer technology. If you're blow-drying your hair every day then you want a reliable and durable hairdryer. Hairdryers on sale from the store might be selling for a decent price but those quick store buys could result in a broken hairdryer in just a couple of months. Also, different hair types will require different types of hair dryers, so we've found some of the most recommended to create those salon-caliber blowouts.
Conair 1875W Mid-Size Hair Dryer — $10, was $17

Read more
Best juicer deals: Nutribullet, Omega, Hamilton Beach and more

If you prefer to start your day with a morning juice, even the best blenders may not cut it in your kitchen. What you’ll need is a juicer, and adding one to your range of smart kitchen appliances can help you make your day healthier from the get-go. Juicers also offer a great way to save right now, as there are a lot of juicer deals taking place. They include the likes of popular brands such as Hamilton Beach, Omega, and Nutribullet. If any of this is unfamiliar territory to you, not to worry. We’ve put together all of the best juicer deals taking place right now, as well some information on how to pick the right juicer for your kitchen.
AI Cook 3-speed juicer — $40, was $90

If you’re new to juicing, a good place to start is with an entry-level juicer. This AI Cook 3-speed juicer is one of the more affordable options you can find that manages to stay away from undesired qualities such as “cheap” build quality. It’s well made, offers three different juicing speeds, and has a three-inch wide feed chute that can fit whole fruits and vegetables without the need for slicing or chopping. It’s easy to clean as well, and it includes a special brush to make the cleaning process faster.

Read more