Logitech has announced new versions of its Harmony remotes. They can still control all your A/V devices, but Logitech is now also entering home automation, aiming to control your entire home, including lights, thermostats, smart locks and more.
Harmony Living Home
Logitech is rebranding its most expensive remotes to “Harmony Living Home” to signal that it is now entering the smart home territory. At the same time, Logitech has introduced a new Harmony remotes that replace the current versions.
The new Harmony Ultimate looks largely unchanged with a 2.4-inch touch screen that can be personalized. There is also an app for smartphones with many of the same features. The Harmony Ultimate will cost $350, whereas a cheaper Harmony Home Control without a touch screen is available for $150. Both come bundled with the Harmony Hub.
If you want to control your home only by using your smartphone or tablet you should opt for the Harmony Hub that is also sold separately for $100. It is a small device that can control other devices via WiFi, infrared, Bluetooth and RF. You can set up everything via your Android or iOS device, no PC required. The Android app is available now and the iOS version is coming very soon.
Logitech confirms support for August, Honeywell, Kwikset, Lutron, Nest, PEQ, Philips Hue, Schlage, SmartThings, Sylvania, Yale and Zuli. In addition, Logitech will also release a $129 extender that lets you connect to devices with the ZigBee or Z-Wave systems. It will be available in December.
The new remotes are a continuation of last year's versions that we reviewed in-depth here.