The short answer: a motor, a remote and an optional hub
When ordering Automate motorized shades, separate the decision into three parts: the motor that moves the shade, the remote used for direct operation and the optional hub that adds app, voice and schedule functions. At World Wide Shades, rechargeable battery motors are used, so there is no wiring requirement. Automate motors are the default motorized choice, and a remote is required.
The Automate Pulse 2 hub is an addition, not a substitute for deciding on the remote. It adds app, voice and scheduled control for Automate motors only. If the buyer wants direct remote operation and does not need connected control, the hub may not be necessary. If the household wants to schedule shades, operate them by app or use voice functions, include the hub in the plan. World Wide Shades explains the available configuration in its motorized shade collection.
What the motor does
The motor raises or lowers a compatible shade. World Wide Shades' motorized options use rechargeable batteries and do not need new wiring, which makes them a practical consideration for existing rooms where adding electrical work is not part of the project. Motorization is particularly useful for a shade that is high, wide, used many times a day or difficult to reach.
The fabric and motor solve different problems. Choose fabric based on daylight, privacy and view, then decide whether motorized operation fits the window. A bedroom may need blackout whether its control is manual or motorized. A bright living room may need a light-filtering or solar-screen-style fabric whether the shade uses a remote or hub. Do not choose a motor simply because a product is labeled smart; match it to how the room is used.
The WWS catalog contains 500+ colors across 40+ fabric families, including blackout and light filtering from Phifer, Mermet, Ferrari, Copaco, Senbesta and Texstyle. Each listing includes the mill's published openness factor and a genuine swatch photo. Use the fabric catalog to choose the fabric before finalizing the control.
What the remote does
A remote gives the homeowner a direct control point. World Wide Shades requires a remote with motorized shades. The Push 5 remote runs up to five shades, useful for a room or small group where a single control is preferred. It does not turn the order into app or voice control; those functions are part of the hub decision.
For an established motorized-shade system, check whether a customer already owns a Somfy remote before selecting a motor. World Wide Shades allows customers with a Somfy remote to choose a Somfy motor paired to it. That is a system compatibility decision, not a generic claim that all Somfy and Automate parts work together. The comparison article for customers who already own a Somfy remote explains what to consider before selecting the motor.
If the home has multiple windows, decide whether the remote will operate individual shades or a small set. The Push 5 runs up to five shades. Do not assume this means every shade in a large home will use one remote; map the control layout to the planned rooms and equipment.
What the Pulse 2 hub adds
The Automate Pulse 2 hub connects Automate shades to app-based and scheduled operation. The manufacturer's Pulse 2 setup guide describes app control, scenes, timers and voice functions. World Wide Shades states that the hub adds app, voice and schedules for Automate motors only.
Use a hub when the buyer has a clear use for connected control: a morning or evening schedule, a scene that adjusts several shades, or app access without walking to the window. If the requirement is simply to press a button at the room entrance, a remote may be sufficient. A homeowner who is still planning the whole home can compare the hub with the whole-home motorized shade planning guide.
The hub's features should not be confused with compatibility across brands or every smart-home platform. Check the manufacturer's current guide for the specific network and integration requirements of the system. World Wide Shades' purchasing decision is simpler: choose Automate motorization, include the required remote, and add the Pulse 2 hub when app, voice and schedule control are wanted.
Charging and ordering details
The motor is rechargeable, but a charger is not included in the box. Any USB-C charger works, or the buyer can add the Motor Charger. Plan charging access before choosing where a large or high shade will be installed; a reachable charging connection is a practical part of ownership.
World Wide Shades makes each shade 100% by hand in the USA. Delivery takes 2–4 weeks from order; limited-stock fabrics and specialty shapes take 3–4 weeks. Free shipping is included in the United States. For room renovations, coordinate final opening dimensions and the stated delivery window with the project schedule. Start a motorized shade configuration and see live pricing in the builder.
Choose the shade before the smart features
An Automate motor does not determine whether the room needs blackout or filtered daylight. In a bedroom, consider the blackout roller shade collection and bedroom shades. For a living area, compare the daylight goals in the light-filtering collection and living-room shades. For a home office, the home-office shade guide helps connect the choice to screen glare and daylight.
If the opening is especially high or large, consider the separate requirements for a motor, fabric and mounting depth. World Wide Shades recommends 2.5 inches of frame depth for a motorized inside mount; the minimum is 1.5 inches. A shallower frame should use an outside mount. For an inside mount, measure width at top, middle and bottom and use the narrowest; measure height at left, center and right and use the tallest. Enter the exact opening size because the factory makes the deductions. See the measuring guide before submitting dimensions.
For an outside mount, add 2–3 inches to each side and 3 inches above the frame. Check that the chosen shade and bottom bar clear trim and handles. The builder accepts the exact size and configuration; the motorized product page provides the relevant product path.
Understand custom-order expectations
The value of a custom motorized shade is the combined specification: the measured opening, mill fabric, selected control and fit. Compare those elements with an off-the-shelf product or an in-home designer process rather than comparing an isolated starting price. World Wide Shades does not publish one price that applies to every window; the builder shows live pricing for the selected configuration.
World Wide Shades' fit policy is specific. Manufacturing defects are remade free within 30 days; motor coverage is one year. For a mismeasured shade, the customer gets a one-time free recut and covers shipping. Custom orders are not returnable. Read the policy before ordering and confirm who owns the final measurements. Contact World Wide Shades if you need help with the configuration or call (844) 674-2716.
Related buyer guides include rechargeable shades with no wiring, motorized shades at floor-to-ceiling windows, Somfy remote compatibility, comparing The Shade Store's custom process, comparing Hunter Douglas options, the Westchester and Fairfield County motorized shade guide, designer project specifications, replacing vertical blinds with roller shades, and new-home shade upgrades.
Frequently asked questions
A remote is required. The Push 5 remote runs up to five shades.
No. It is an optional hub for Automate motors. It adds app, voice and schedule control; the remote remains the required direct-control option.
The World Wide Shades compatibility information states that the Pulse 2 hub works with Automate motors only. Customers who already have a Somfy remote can select a Somfy motor paired to it instead.
No. World Wide Shades' motorized shades use rechargeable battery motors and do not require wiring.
No charger is included in the box. Any USB-C charger works, or the customer can add the Motor Charger.
Every World Wide Shades shade is custom-made by hand. Delivery is 2–4 weeks from order, or 3–4 weeks for limited-stock fabrics and specialty shapes.
Ready to order?
- Measure each opening using the measuring guide; confirm the frame has 2.5 inches of depth if choosing motorized inside mount.
- Choose blackout or light-filtering fabric in the fabric catalog.
- In the World Wide Shades builder, select the motor and required remote; add the Pulse 2 hub only if app, voice or schedules are wanted.
- Review live pricing, check the exact opening size and place the order.
To discuss a motor or control choice, contact World Wide Shades or call (844) 674-2716. You can also compare the motorized shade collection before opening the builder.
