Harmony Ultimate and Harmony Smart Control bundle debut

Apr 16, 2013 09:08 GMT  ·  By

Though some may become naysayers, we have to admit that Logitech has really outdone itself this time, releasing the Harmony Ultimate Remote Control and the Harmony Smart Control bundle.

When Logitech says a remote control is universal, it means it: it will work with pretty much all sorts of consumer electronics and even some appliances, whether they are Logitech-made or not.

Remotes of this sort are useful when people own lots of entertainment devices (TVs, VCRs, media players, set-top boxes, audio systems, computers, etc.), and even hue lights and the like can be controlled in the right way.

Harmony Ultimate uses Bluetooth to link to game consoles (Xbox 360, PS3, or Wii) and, through them, can access Hulu and Netflix online video channels.

Philips hue LED light integration is included (with preset color patterns) and the keys are backlit as well.

It's useful for when a video is started and you need a nice lighting theme to go with whatever is on.

The “button” that controls the functions doesn't even need to be physical, as there is a 2.4-inch color touchscreen with haptic feedback as well.

In total, this gives the gadget the ability to control up to 15 devices at once, from over 225,000 brands. Owners just need to make sure they keep the item charged.

The other product, Logitech Harmony Smart Control, is not so much a remote as it is an app that installs on an Android or iOD phone and controls up to 8 devices. The Harmony Ultimate can be used in tandem with it, thanks to the Hub that comes with it.

“We’ve elevated the universal remote to the next level, taking a personalized approach to home entertainment,” said Joerg Tewes, vice president of Logitech’s digital home business group.

“Furthermore, our Harmony product line is no longer just about entertainment access – we’ve designed the Logitech Harmony Ultimate so you can also control your home’s lighting. Now you can tune the TV, start a movie and adjust your lights to set the mood, with the touch of your finger.”

Logitech’s Harmony Ultimate remote is up for pre-order at $349.99 / 349.99 Euro and will ship in the US and Europe in May 2013. The Logitech Harmony Smart Control system is priced at $129.99 and it is set for the same period. See the video below for a better presentation.

Photo Gallery (2 Images)

Logitech Harmony Remote
Harmony Smart Control
Open gallery