Christine Persaud
Logitech Harmony’s remote control system has long been considered one of the simplest for do-it-yourselfers. And now the company is extending that functionality to Apple and Android devices through the new Link, a hockey puck-shaped device that allows users to control home AV equipment with an iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or Android device.
Once the Link is set up, and the app downloaded, customers program their home theatre devices into the app, much like they’d do with the old Logitech Harmony PC-based software. The puck-like Harmony Link device communicates with the iPad via WiFi. WiFi signals are sent from the Harmony Link App and turned into IR commands that home entertainment devices can understand. Harmony Link can control up to eight devices, and includes an IR mini-blaster accessory. Just like with the traditional Harmony remotes, users can set up activities like Watch TV or Play Xbox, which then triggers all of the right devices to power on/off, and toggle to the proper inputs.
The basic user interface will be very familiar to anyone who’s used the highly popular, touch-based Harmony One remote. But in addition to extending the function to smartphones and tablets, the Link adds another level of interaction. When using an iPad, users can also browse a schedule of shows right on the iPad from a variety of content providers, search by genre, standard or high definition, and even tap a “watch now” button to immediately switch to a channel. Through a partnership with Rovi Corp., customers also have access to additional show information, like episode synopses, movie overviews, and images.
According to Ashish Arora, Vice President and General Manager of Logitech’s Digital Home Group, the company’s research shows that many iPad owners are using their iPads on the couch while watching TV anyway; something even this writer can attest to. “Many of them,” he explains, “[are] seeking ways to find out what shows are on. We set out to make this experience easier.”
Users can also leverage the touch capabilities of the iPad by performing actions like swiping and tapping to control volume and video playback. Just shake the device to initiate gesture controls, then do things like swipe up to increase volume, swipe down to decrease, or swipe left and right to rewind and fast forward, respectively.
Harmony Link can connect with more than one iPad simultaneously.
While the remote control functionality of Link works with the iPhone or iPod touch, as well as with Android smartphones, the full program guides are currently limited only to the iPad.
The Logitech Harmony Link is expected to be available next month for an MSRP of $99.99. The app will be available as a free download from the iTunes App Store and Android Market.
