Logitech Announces New Harmony Line of Connected Home Remotes

Logitech Thursday announced new products in its Harmony line for connected home applications, such as the control of lights, thermostats and blinds. It concerns three new remote controls.

One of the new remotes is the Harmony 950, an infrared remote that has a color touchscreen. This allows up to fifteen home entertainment devices to be controlled. The touchscreen works according to Logitech with gestures, such as swipes and tabs, for switching between channels, rewinding or forwarding and controlling the volume.

In addition, Logitech has announced the Harmony Elite. That is actually the same remote as the Harmony 950, but it can handle the Harmony Hub. The hub uses WiFi, infrared and Bluetooth. There is also a USB port on the device. The hub allows iOS and Android users to control connected devices through apps. With the apps, devices can be started in groups or individually, possibly according to a set schedule.

Finally, Logitech comes with the Harmony Companion. That is a remote control without a screen that connects to the Harmony Hub, and therefore also to the mobile apps. Logitech markets the remote as an addition to the home for use by family members and other guests to control connected devices.

The remotes Logitech announced Thursday will work with LIFX, Insteon, QIVICON, August, the Nest Learning Thermostat, Philips Hue and SONOS, among others. According to the manufacturer, the devices will be available sometime this month. The prices are not yet known.