New universal Logitech Harmony Express has built-in Alexa

Logitech has launched the Harmony Express, which is a universal remote control with built-in Amazon Alexa voice features.

Logitech Harmony Express
With a built-in microphone and Amazon Alexa support, the new remote can control devices via voice commands. It is possible to turn on/off TV and other devices, open apps, and switch channels.

- “We designed Harmony Express as an entirely reimagined Harmony experience for an entirely new kind of Harmony user,” said Rory Dooley, general manager of Logitech Home. “Harmony remotes are renowned for managing complex entertainment setups and merging the capabilities of multiple remotes into one. Our loyal users love this flexibility. Harmony Express simplifies the experience with a remote that harnesses the power of voice to make it easy for everyone in the household to access the entertainment experiences they want. Whether Harmony Express is the first Alexa in the home or one of many, this will be simple enough for every user. And we mean everyone.”



Logitech emphasizes that Harmony Express has been designed to be user friendly, despite the new input method. The company claims that it is compatible with over 250,000 devices, including TVs, set-top boxes, game consoles, sound systems, and more. In the box there is a blaster and an IR blaster for controlling devices based on infrared.

The remote control also has the most essential buttons.




In addition, the company has released a mobile app that can ping the remote control to make it produce an audible tone, if lost.

In 2013, Logitech announced its intentions to sell the Harmony business division but it later backtracked on the plans as sales of universal remotes started to gain momentum again. Over the last few years, competitors such as Neeo and Caavo have entered the arena. Remote controls for Samsung TVs and Apple TVs can also control external devices.

Logitech Harmony Express is available now in the US for 250 dollars. The company has yet to comment on its launch plans for international markets but these are likely tied to Amazon's expansion plans for Alexa. More information can be found on logitech.com.