14 DAY TRIAL // Logitech has so far made a living off PC peripherals, but there are other sorts of peripherals as well, the same way there are many consumer electronics besides personal computers. The Logitech Harmony Smart Keyboard is one example.
Well, not exactly, since it's not really that there are as many sorts of peripherals as there are consumer electronics. It's more accurate to say that there are versions of existing PC peripherals that also work with PC, Mac, connected TV, or even game consoles.
In fact, there are some that can be used with even mobile phones, not to mention tablets.
The new Logitech Harmony Smart Keyboard is an example of such a keyboard, though that's not all it is, to put it lightly.
The peripheral also happens to possess an integrated touchpad, the sort you usually find in the middle of a laptop's palm rest.
Logitech installed it on the far right-hand side of the Harmony Smart Keyboard, in the spot where the numpad would normally be located.
The newcomer will allow you to control whatever HTPC, Smart TV, or set-top box you have, or media player or whatever else.
You can search for shows, navigate through menus, and browse the Internet if a machine capable of those things is connected to the TV or Internet-linked media device (Apple TV, Roku or Xbox One, other game consoles, etc.).
In fact, the Logitech Harmony Smart Keyboard is said to be able to control up to eight devices at the same time. 225,000 home-entertainment devices and over 5,000 brands can be selected through the setup assistant.
Finally, the Harmony App lets you turn signals from the keyboard or your smartphone into commands, like those of a remote control. All this without actually having to point them at your TV/STB/PC or whatever else.
Obviously, the Logitech Harmony Smart Keyboard is wireless. If you live in the US or Germany, you'll be able to get it as early as this month (March 2014); later for the rest of the world. The price is of $149.99, which means €110 or so, according to exchange rates as they are now.
Of course, chances are higher than the EU price will be of €149.99 instead. Then again, Logitech is a Swiss company, European, so maybe the price on the old continent really will be lower, given the fewer border and shipment taxes. A man can hope, if nothing else.