universal remote
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Logitech is done making Harmony remotes
Logitech is killing off its line of Harmony remotes, with the remaining devices available only 'while supplies last.'
How to make sense of Logitech's universal remote lineup
We take a look at Logitech's Harmony line of universal remotes to see which works best for your home.
Logitech pulls support for Harmony Express remote a year after launch
Roughly one year after Logitech launched its Harmony Express universal remote, the company is discontinuing the device and ending support.
The best universal remote control
By Adrienne Maxwell This post was done in partnership with Wirecutter. When readers choose to buy Wirecutter's independently chosen editorial picks, Wirecutter and Engadget may earn affiliate commission. Read the full guide to universal remote controls. If your home entertainment system is more complex than the typical media player/TV/soundbar combo and you need a universal remote to control all your gear—including a few smart-home devices—we recommend the Logitech Harmony Companion. While no single DIY universal remote is perfect for everyone, the Companion combines a good physical design with the flexibility to control a variety of devices. The two-piece Logitech Harmony Companion system, which consists of a hub and a handheld remote, can control up to eight AV components, and it works with IR, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth devices, which gives it more flexibility than is available with most budget remotes. You can also use a smartphone/tablet app to control your system. The Harmony Companion integrates with Alexa, Google Assistant, and several do-it-yourself home-automation hubs and smart devices, such as lights, locks, thermostats, and motorized shades. The remote lacks backlighting, and Logitech's app-based setup can sometimes be frustrating, but this system still delivers the best combination of features, flexibility, and control that we've found for the price. If all of your devices can be controlled by standard infrared technology (as opposed to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) and you don't need smart-home control, the Logitech Harmony 665 is a great choice. It's capable of controlling up to 10 AV devices, it features an easy-to-read, backlit color display, and the built-in Remote Assistant function is great for troubleshooting. If the remote fails to perform a task you expect it to (such as turning up the TV's volume), you can use the remote's Help button to resolve the problem quickly. However, because the Harmony 665 only works with IR-based equipment, it doesn't support smart-home devices and some streaming media players and game consoles, and it needs line of sight with your gear. Like our top pick, the Logitech Harmony Elite is a two-piece system that uses the Harmony Hub, so you get all the same advantages. The Elite model controls up to 15 devices and adds a customizable touchscreen for even more flexibility. The remote is fully backlit and more responsive, with a nicer design that makes it feel more like the remote for a professionally installed control system—but all of that comes with a big jump in price. This is the model to get if you have a large and expanding home theater system and you want the best handheld remote.
Blumoo turns your iOS device into the ultimate remote
If you've ever misplaced your TV remote for any length of time -- and I know you have -- you're familiar with how ridiculously frustrating it can be. Blumoo turns your iOS device into an extremely capable universal remote for virtually everything in your entertainment center, and while it won't help you find the remotes you've been searching for since last year, it can replace all of them. Oh, and it lets you stream your music wirelessly from your phone or tablet directly to your sound system. In short, it's kind of like a little box of magic. Specifications Compatibility: iPhone 4s (or newer), iPod touch 5th gen (or newer), iPad 3rd gen (or newer), Android 4.0 (or newer) Dimensions: 1.96" x 2.81" Weight: 0.8lbs (362.9g) Price: US$129.99 Design The first thing I noticed about the Blumoo is how tiny it is. From the size of the box I'd have guessed it was much larger than it is, but the actual unit is about three inches tall and less than two inches wide. The front is a semi-transparent plastic that hides the infrared transmitter and indicator light, surrounded by a brushed aluminum frame. It's got a futuristic look and it should it in with just about any decor or entertainment center arrangement you can dream up. A short cord runs out the rear of the base unit to small connection hub where the ports for the power connector, RCA audio cable (which is included) and infrared extension cable (not included) plug in. It's deceptively simple, and after the 90 seconds or so that it took me to set it up I felt like I had missed a step -- it's absolutely impossible to mess it up. Functionality Once the brief setup is complete it's time to download the Blumoo app. As soon as you boot up the app it automatically connects to the Blumoo base unit via Bluetooth to begin the setup process. The first time I did this the app updated the device's firmware so that it was compatible with updated controller codes, which only took a few minutes. The app walks you through the setup for your TV and asks your location to help customize your cable or satellite listings. Both my cable box and TV worked with the Blumoo immediately, but depending on which hardware you're using, you might have to go through a couple of different remote codes to find the one that works with your gear. Even so, the setup is painless and streamlined to the point that it won't take you more than a handful of taps from start to finish. Depending on your devices, you'll have a variety of virtual buttons on your new touchscreen remote, and multiple remotes can be swiped through or chosen from the home screen menu. The buttons on each remote can be rearranged and you can also set up macros that execute several commands at once -- like shutting down multiple components, and so on. When you're channel surfing, you can either browse using the standard remote buttons as you normally would or bring up your provider's channel guide to view the current and future listings. When you pick a program you are given the option of setting up a reminder or viewing the channel immediately, at which point the Blumoo enters the channel number and sends you there. It's all very impressive, and the Blumoo is seemingly capable of controlling virtually everything in your entertainment center that functions with an infrared remote. However, the one sticking point of this whole setup is that there is a significant delay between the moment you enter your command and the result on the screen. Consider that, in my current arrangement, I tap my input on my iPhone which sends the command to the Blumoo base unit, which sends an infrared signal to my cable box, which is routed through my Xbox One and into my TV. It can take up to two seconds for the commands to register, especially when choosing an item from the guide. Your results may vary, but even if your setup is more direct than mine, you'll still notice at least a brief delay. It's certainly not a deal breaker, but it is a bit annoying at times. Aside from the remote functionality, the Blumoo also allows you to stream music directly from your iOS device to your sound system. In order to utilize this functionality you'll need to connect the Blumoo audio option in your device's Bluetooth settings. Once connected, streaming from iTunes or Spotify on my iPhone was relatively smooth, though the range is a crapshoot depending on your home's layout. I was able to continue streaming while moving about most of my apartment, though there were occasional drops. If you're planning on just leaving your device in the same room, however, you shouldn't have any issue. Conclusion The Blumoo is a capable little gadget that honestly surprised me several times with its capabilities. As a remote replacement, it's virtually flawless, with only the input delay holding it back from being truly perfect. As an audio streaming device it's more than adequate, and can effectively turn any speaker system into a Bluetooth streaming hub with little effort. Combine these two abilities and the Blumoo makes a compelling case for a spot in your entertainment center. Rating: 3.5 out of 4 possible stars
Xbox One can be controlled with Logitech Harmony remotes
The Logitech Harmony series of universal remotes just became a little more universal, thanks to the added ability to control the freshly-launched Xbox One. A post on the Logitech blog reveals that the company has been working with Microsoft to ensure Harmony remote compatibility, and that all users should be able to control their system with the universal remotes from day one. Previous-gen consoles (are they officially previous-gen now?) like the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii could be controlled by certain Harmony models in the past. The Xbox 360 was controlled via an IR sensor, while the PS3 and Wii were controlled via Bluetooth. The Logitech website doesn't specify how the Xbox One and Harmony remotes communicate, but each new Microsoft console does come with a big rectangle that blasts IR signals. We'll let you do the math and speculation from there. The Xbox One currently lacks a first-party remote such as the Xbox 360 Media Remote, but in the meantime, the Harmony remotes will get you around your dashboard if, say, you don't want to talk to your console, wave your hands or use the controller.
Ask Engadget: best universal remote?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, then here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is from Marc and Jack, who are going ocean-mad with all of their remote controls. If you're looking to ask one of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. Marc wrote "My home theater currently has seven remote controls, which I'd like to narrow down. I know there are solutions available which are massively arcane, but is there something simple that the crowd can recommend?" Jack wrote "Can you recommend a universal remote control that works with a PS3 and Apple TV that doesn't suck?" Well friends, Gear 4's Unity remote has earned rave reviews thanks to its ease of use and near universal application (except for the PS3) While Griffin's Beacon offers the same capability, but also works with Android devices If you're serious about including the PS3 in your setup, you could splash out on Logitech's Harmony IR-to-Bluetooth adapter. But perhaps, out there, is something even better. That's where you, the Engadget Faithful come in. Why not share your experience (or your product) in the comments below?
ThinkGeek's Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver universal remote pleases Whovians in time for Comic-Con
Ever wished you too could make use of the awesome powers that lie within Dr. Matt Smith's Mark VII Sonic Screwdriver? Well, it's still not exactly a reality in the way of the space-bred handyman's gadget seen on Doctor Who, but ThinkGeek and The Wand Company have you covered if an IR-packing replica universal remote sounds good enough. This BBC-licensed Mark VII remote handles up to 39 commands that are all controlled using 13 different motion gestures. Of course, if controlling the likes of TV and AV devices in an extraterrestrial fashion just isn't your thing, there's always ThinkGeek's Sonic Screwdriver flashlight, right? There's no word on price just yet, but San Diego Comic-Con attendees can try it out first-hand at the BBC America Booth (#3629) starting July 12. The Mark VII remote is set to go sale for $99 at ThinkGeek's website on August 31st, so for now we'll direct you to the press release after the break. Update: Video demo added after the break. [Thanks, Alan]
UFO Waterproof Remote found floating in the company of the rich and famous
Dreams are nice. Yachts are better. So while you cling to far-flung notions that you'll ever truly know what 'money to burn' means, the Barry Dillers of our world are crisscrossing international waters, drenching models with diamonds and dropping their universal controllers in the hot tub with abandon. Rescuing these rapscallion, modern-day robber barons from the pitfalls of excess is Crestron, with its UFO Waterproof Remote made specifically for H2O hanky panky. The disc-shaped unit, which admittedly looks more like a pool toy than high-end control hub, comes encased in a rubberized shell and features a 2.8-inch display, giving Greek shipping heirs and their ilk instant access to lighting, security systems, A/V equipment and thermostats from the comforts of their sun deck jacuzzi. Alright, so the 1% aren't the company's sole market base, as the unit's also ideally positioned for use in hospitals, owing to its ability for easy sterilization. But let's be honest, the real reason this floating controller shares a frisbee-like shape is aerodynamics. All the better to hit your staff with, right Ms. Campbell? Official PR and its hydrophobic emphasis after the break.
Lumigon's T2 smartphone wants to control your TV, obey your commands
Ever notice how often you lose your TV remote, but how rarely lose track of that social lifeline you call a smartphone? So did the folks at Denmark-based Lumigon, that's why they've put their Scandinavian heads together to build the Lumigon T2, a Android 4.0 smartphone that's also a universal remote control. In addition to this handset's 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 8 megapixel rear facing camera and Bang & Olufsen ICEpower sound, this phone's northern lip can copy commands from remote controls and emulate them using on screen buttons or programmable gestures. Above the T2's 3.8-inch Gorilla glass screen is a dual-action "activity button" that can reportedly be programmed to perform any function the phone has to offer -- like activating an LED flashlight, initiating speed-dial or even turning on and off your TV. Sound pretty sweet? Sure it is -- just don't lose it in the couch. The T2 is scheduled to hit select markets in Europe in Asia later this year, hit the break for the official press release.
VooMote Zapper universal remote for iOS: A first look and a rant
Zero1.tv has released its new VooMote Zapper (US$69.95) universal remote for iOS devices into the wild, and it's also now in your nearby Apple Store. I had an opportunity to try the new device out over the last week, and while less expensive and smaller than the VooMote One remote we mentioned at its release last last year, the Zapper still seems to have some of the same issues that many other iOS remotes have. First, the good news. The tiny Zapper plugs into the 30-pin Universal Dock port on the bottom of your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. As such, it's able to provide the infrared transceiver on the device with more power than some of the cheap devices we've seen that plug into the headphone jack. The company boasts that the Zapper has four IR mini-blasters for range, and it really does seem to make a difference. I found that the Zapper was able to control devices easily from across a room in broad daylight, so it's definitely got the power. The dongle comes in eight colors that match the iPad 2 Smart Covers, and it appears that there will be colored cases for iPad 2, iPhone 4/4S, and iPod touch 4th Generation. Those cases you see in the image at the top of this post? They're not available yet. %Gallery-146732% Now, the not-so-good news. Even after getting an update to the free VooMote Zapper app the other day, most of the devices that make up my home entertainment system were not in the library of codes. The Zapper app has one irritating habit right off the bat: it runs upside down on the iPhone so that the Zapper is always at the "top" of the screen. Want to check email? Flip your device upside-down again. The app is not universal, so if you run it on your iPad, it's either a tiny window on your device or a fuzzy 2X version of the app. VooMote is coming out with an iPad-specific TV Guide app sometime in 2012. The way the app works is you add a room to your home, then add individual devices to that room. The list of rooms is quite extensive, but it doesn't include that staple of American homes, the "family room." I decided to use "living room" instead, although that is a completely separate room in my home that doesn't have any tech in it. Next, I started adding devices to my "living room." Immediately I was confused. Is my Comcast / Motorola DVR considered a DVR, or is it a cable box? There are listings for both types of devices. I decided to call it a cable box. Upon choosing cable box, I found one that was named "Comcast", but the box I have wasn't listed. The Zapper app took me through a process of trying to figure out what it was by asking me if it was changing channels, bringing the volume up, etc. When it was done, I had a virtual remote on my iPhone called "Cable-Box" that looks nothing like the remote I normally use, and it has controls that make absolutely no sense for the model I'm using. Next I added the TV. I have a Panasonic Viera 50" Plasma TV that's about five years old. The only Panasonic TVs that are listed are about fifteen units that must be quite new. Once again, I had to go through the training process to see if the app could come up with a remote that would work with my TV. Sure, it turns it on and off, changes channels, and bumps the volume up and down, but I still have to grab my old TV remote in order to change the input (HDMI1, HDMI2, etc.). I went through the same process with everything but the Apple TV, which miraculously was already in the database. However, it didn't actually turn the Apple TV on, so my guess is that the device settings were for the first-generation device. Sure, this is a new device and I'm sure that the code library for devices will expand in the future. But I'd bet that a lot of TUAW readers have the same opinion that I do -- when I get a "universal remote," I want it to work out of the box without needing to go through this tedious type of hit-and-miss process. Like the Logitech Harmony One remote that I previously used, the Zapper has a way to string together commands so that you can turn on multiple devices in sequence for doing something like watching a DVD -- turn on TV, turn on DVD player, turn on audio device (home theater), etc. I didn't even try this function. I am not going to single out just the VooMote Zapper for having this problem; just about every iOS remote control device I've tried has been lacking, and the Logitech remote described earlier was also a pain to program. I will give the VooMote Zapper a chance, and I've set up an appointment on my calendar to see if an expanded code library in a few months makes this device easier to set up and use. I certainly like the design of the little dongle. If Apple really wants to capture the home entertainment market, it doesn't need to come to market with a new HDTV -- it just needs to figure out how to get every type of device working together seamlessly and without a lot of annoying setup. For that, I'd be willing to pay a lot of money.
Zero1's VooMote Zapper remote control for iOS devices is now available
Looking for yet another way to control your TV or home theater from your iOS-based device? Then you may be glad to know that Zero1's VooMote Zapper remote control is now available for $70. That buys you just the Zapper dongle itself -- you'll have to shell out $80 for the bundle including the iPhone case you see above, or $90 for one with an iPad case instead (both of which will be shipping a bit later in January). Key to whichever package you choose is Zero1's accompanying remote control app, which is available as a free download and can be fully customized to suit your setup. You can get an idea of how it works in our hands-on from this fall.
Hands-on with Dijit's universal remote app for iPad
By now, you should all be familiar with Griffin's Beacon universal remote system, as we've gotten our hands on the iPhone version and let you know about the one for Android, too. Well Dijit, who creates the apps that work with the Beacon hardware, wasn't done, and so has released an iPad-specific app to take advantage of the extra screen real estate it affords. Dijit calls it a "reimagined" version of the iPhone app and it provides both a new look and some new functionality to the Dijit experience. We got to spend some time with the app at gdgt Live in San Francisco, and found it to be quite similar to the recently released Android version. Head on past the break for a video breakdown of Dijit for iPad and our impressions of the app in action.
Too lazy to grab your TV remote? Use Siri instead
Siri hasn't been caught cooking dinner yet, but hackers worldwide have boldly taken Apple's personal assistant to a whole new level by incorporating its functionality with a plethora of different devices. We've seen Siri use custom commands, change the temperature in your house, and even allow select car owners to utilize their automobile's Bluetooth integration. Nifty, no doubt, but this assistant's evolution towards greater heights isn't over yet. Vimeo user toddtreece has whipped up a slick demo of the iPhone 4S' right hand gal (or guy) taking command of his television set. From changing channels to turning off devices, with the help of a proxy and a few parts, you can get your own home setup running on voice activation. Feeling a bit guilty for your sudden interest in slothfulness? Fret not -- Siri's apparently quite good at calling you out. Have a look just after the break. [Thanks, Jesse]
Griffin's Beacon universal remote control system now available for Android, ships for $70
It's been quite a while since we got our hands on Griffin's Beacon universal remote control, way back at CES. The IR converter has since hit the market for iOS users, but the Android community, until recently, had been left in the dark. That changed yesterday, however, when Griffin announced that its wire-free system is now available for Google-powered handsets and tablets. The transmitter, fueled by a quartet of AA batteries, converts an Android device's Bluetooth signal into infrared and sends out commands to your TV, DVD or Blu-ray player, effectively allowing users to place it anywhere around their home entertainment system. The remote control functions are handled by Dijit's customized app, where you'll be able to browse, search and call up TV shows, using the integrated guide. The app, like its iOS counterpart, is available for free, but the system itself will set you back about $70. If you're even remotely interested, check out the source links below, or the full PR after the break.
Logitech's Harmony Link transforms your iOS device or Android phone into a universal remote (video)
Logitech isn't exactly a stranger to universal remotes, and if you've been yearning for an Android or iOS aimed solution from the Swiss company, its new $100 Harmony Link should have you covered. The Link is a WiFi-enabled infrared puck and app combo, that allows you to control up to eight devices in your home theater from the comfort of your touchscreen sans pesky dongles or cases. After downloading a free app, pocket-sized iDevices and Android smartphones can act as universal remotes over your home network, while iPad users also get the benefit of personalized TV listings from Rovi. It's similar in price and function to Peel's Fruit, but drops the extra wireless dongle and adds a native iPad app. Notably, the Link can interface with multiple iPads at once, and Logitech's also thrown in a mini IR blaster to make controlling your AV gear that much easier. If another one of your home theater dreams just came true, the Harmony Link is up for pre-order now from Logitech and due out in October. While you're still here, there's quick video overview past the break along with the usual PR spiel.
Ask Engadget: best (Windows) Home Server and universal remote solution?
We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Tim, who's looking to take his living room (and digital life, by the sound of it) into the future. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com. "A while back I was looking at getting the HP Media Smart Home Server, but some time has gone by and I'm wondering if that is still the best solution going around. I want something that is ideally priced at a max of $1000; it has to be something small, not noisy or too power-hungry, and it has to be something that I can hide away. I'll use it for network storage, backup, streaming and remote access. I was also wondering if it's worth getting a good universal remote to dim lights, turn on the TV, amp, PS3 and maybe even some home server control -- or have the iPhone / Android apps become so good that they are now the best option? Thanks!" Great Qs, Sir Tim. We're of the belief that most everything from a home automation standpoint can be done on Android or iPhone, particularly if you're starting from scratch (and aren't looking for enterprise-class services). As for Windows Home Server? You've still got a few options, but has anything come along to trump up? If you've got a say in all this, sound off in comments below!
Vizio tablet now shipping nationwide, priced at $300
Well friends, if you've been waiting to get your hands on the 8-inch Vizio tab (and don't live near a Costco), your time has come. The company announced today that its slate has begun shipping to retailers nationwide including Sam's, Walmart and Amazon. The Android tablet is now priced at $299, a $30 drop from our last retail sighting -- and just in time to entice those of you heading back to school in search of a new piece of tech to play with during that history lecture. Or perhaps you just want to kick it like Blake Griffin... don't worry, we won't judge you. Besides, what else do you need for your dorm room other than an integrated universal remote to queue up all those Lord of the Rings marathons?
VooMote One IR sled and app: A new iPhone/iPod touch universal remote
The boss -- AKA Victor Agreda, Jr. -- did an amazing writeup on July 15 where he compared three iOS-based universal remotes. Sure enough, just a little over a week later, there's a new kid in town. Zero1.tv has created a universal remote sled for iPhone and iPod touch called the VooMote One ($99), which may finally be the device to capture Victor's coveted (and nonexistent) Ultimate Remote award. Unlike some of the other remotes tested by Victor that required an auxiliary piece of hardware to turn commands sent by Wi-Fi into infrared signals that standard electronic devices can actually understand, the VooMote One is an infrared sled that your iPhone (3G through 4) or iPod touch (2nd through 4th generation) slides into. When coupled with the free VooMote One app, the duo can control 574 TV brands, 995 set top box or DVR brands, and 151 audio/CD player brands. It can also capture 30,000 infrared codes from thousands of other electronic goodies. The app is constantly being updated with new IR codes as new devices and new capabilities become available. You'll be able to buy a VooMote One starting on August 5, 2011 at BestBuy.com or at zero1.tv. Victor will be writing a full review of this hardware in the very near future. In the meantime, there's a video for your viewing pleasure.
Voomote One turns your iPhone into a well organized universal remote
Ok, so the name isn't great, but the Voomote One is actually kinda neat. It's not the first universal remote adapter we've seen for the iPhone and, unlike the Surc IR case, you probably wouldn't want to leave this bulky add-on attached to your handset when not in use. But, the app does have some convenient features, like the ability to create custom layouts that can easily be switched based on the devices in a particular room. So you can setup a living room profile to control your big screen and cable box, and a separate bed room one for your more modest set and a stereo. You can also create command macros that fire up multiple devices with the tap of a single virtual button. The Voomote app is available for free in the app store, but the actual IR-blasting sleeve will set you back $99. Check out the gallery below and head on after the break for some PR. %Gallery-129061%
