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Universal remotes - Harmony alternatives?

jhaider

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I have used Harmony remotes since they had monochrome LCDs and a wheel. We currently have two, for different systems. However, my discontent with the company has been growing. It started when I discovered they did not decouple their security products from their CE products - accessing Harmony online is the same password Then I picked up a Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse for use with our media computer, and astoundingly there's no synergy or connectivity with Harmony. The last straw is their abandonment of their MacOS desktop app. A recent article states that Harmony is no priority for parent company Logitech, and their CEO straight up says, "How long it will be out there, I don’t know.”

So, is there an alternative that is:
  1. as intuitive to use (activities to turn on everything and set the right inputs with 1 button press)
  2. easily user-programmable (no need for a CI dealer or expensive separate program - this excludes Creston, Control4, etc.)
  3. reasonably priced
  4. endowed with comprehensive component library and reasonable expectations that it will be updated for new gear
  5. not infected with internet-connected microphones (no Amazon or Google devices wanted)
 

maxxevv

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You could try looking up one of those last generation LG phones that had an IR blaster and use programmable apps to double as multi-function remotes.
 
OP
jhaider

jhaider

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You could try looking up one of those last generation LG phones that had an IR blaster and use programmable apps to double as multi-function remotes.

Misses on criteria 1, 2, 5, and possibly 4.
 

watchnerd

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I have used Harmony remotes since they had monochrome LCDs and a wheel. We currently have two, for different systems. However, my discontent with the company has been growing. It started when I discovered they did not decouple their security products from their CE products - accessing Harmony online is the same password Then I picked up a Logitech wireless keyboard/mouse for use with our media computer, and astoundingly there's no synergy or connectivity with Harmony. The last straw is their abandonment of their MacOS desktop app. A recent article states that Harmony is no priority for parent company Logitech, and their CEO straight up says, "How long it will be out there, I don’t know.”

So, is there an alternative that is:
  1. as intuitive to use (activities to turn on everything and set the right inputs with 1 button press)
  2. easily user-programmable (no need for a CI dealer or expensive separate program - this excludes Creston, Control4, etc.)
  3. reasonably priced
  4. endowed with comprehensive component library and reasonable expectations that it will be updated for new gear
  5. not infected with internet-connected microphones (no Amazon or Google devices wanted)

Sadly, I think the days of R&D investing in better universal remotes is dead.

The mass market seems to be shifting to apps and voice controls, or little AppleTV type remotes that access rich UIs on screen.
 
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