The cabin crew have full control over the windows on the 787.
The 787 dimming window usually has 5 settings:
1 = Clear
2 = Less Clear
3 = Halfway
4 = Less Dim
5 = Dim
From memory, they can using the CAP (cabin attendant panel) screen in each galley to:
1. Lock/Unlock all of them to clear, dim or any setting inbetween
3. Lock/Unlock any individual window
3. Set a range (for example; so people can only select clear or less clear)
4. Change any passenger window's current setting
5. Change all of the windows in different cabin zones
This feature was added by Boeing for a number of reasons:
1. Cabin Crew can dim/clear the windows automatically for takeoff and landing in hours of daylight/night time
2. Stop those selfish (not shellfish) pax who brightens their window during sunrise on a night flight when 99% of the plane are sleeping
Check out the photo on Flickr
www.flickr.com/photos/dcmetroblogger/10745645386
The downside to a 787 window is if it malfunctions, the cabin crew have a shade which attaches to the window and blocks out any light coming through. The other downside is with a traditional window, you can pull a shade down and have partial light coming through.