Logitech has unveiled a new system that will allow you to use either your iPhone, iPad, or Android smartphone as a universal remote control. The Logitech Harmony Link is a new and innovative way to connect your HDTV and provide you with one-touch controls, and it can replace up to eight separate remote controls.
To set up the system, you simply connect a small wireless receiver to your TV and load the free application onto your tablet or smartphone. Then, connect via Wi-Fi to the Logitech Harmony. It allows you to use one-touch gestures within the application on your tablet to control your channels and HDTV. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.
Features and Functionality
The Logitech Harmony Link offers a range of features designed to enhance your viewing experience. Just select a show from the personalized, in-app TV listings on your iPad and tune to shows with one touch. This feature makes it incredibly easy to navigate through channels and find your favorite programs without the hassle of multiple remote controls. Unfortunately, at the moment, the applications don’t support the in-app TV listings on the iPhone, iPod touch, or Android smartphones, and Logitech has not currently said whether this will be changed in future updates.
In addition to its primary function as a universal remote, the Harmony Link also supports various one-touch activities. For example, you can set up an activity called “Watch a Movie,” which will automatically turn on your TV, Blu-ray player, and sound system, and switch them to the correct inputs with a single tap. This level of automation can significantly simplify your home entertainment setup.
Setup and Compatibility
Setting up the Logitech Harmony Link is straightforward. The small wireless receiver, which connects to your TV, is unobtrusive and easy to install. Once connected, you download the free Harmony app from the App Store or Google Play Store. The app guides you through the setup process, including connecting to your home Wi-Fi network and pairing with your devices.
The Harmony Link is compatible with a wide range of devices, including most HDTVs, cable boxes, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV. This broad compatibility ensures that you can control virtually all aspects of your home entertainment system from a single app. Moreover, the Harmony Link supports up to eight devices, making it a versatile solution for even the most complex setups.
Another noteworthy feature is the ability to create custom gestures within the app. For instance, you can assign a swipe up gesture to increase the volume or a double-tap to pause the current program. These customizable gestures provide a more intuitive and personalized control experience.
Logitech’s Harmony Link will be arriving in US stores during October for around $99. This price point makes it an affordable option for those looking to streamline their home entertainment systems without breaking the bank.
In summary, the Logitech Harmony Link is a groundbreaking device that brings a new level of convenience and functionality to home entertainment. Its ability to replace multiple remote controls, combined with its user-friendly app and broad compatibility, makes it a must-have for tech-savvy consumers. While the current limitations regarding in-app TV listings on certain devices are a drawback, the overall benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience.
Source: Mobile Beat
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