The promised Google Home, and Philips Hue integration is either non-existent (Google) or very raw (Hue). I expect Sofabaton will follow the same trajectory. This new X1 does not appear to offer the ability to accept separate IR flashers making the thing next to useless. YMMV. I didnt have any issues with commands not being transmitted, and I havent noticed any significant lag from button press to device action. It does control the most basic functions of my Denon AV receiver. Universal Remote Control (the company) used to offer a variety of good DIY remotes, but it now focuses on the professional-installation market. Using a PC and a USB cable to programme it is a lot less convenient than using the SofaBaton U1 companion app for iOS or Android. I actually have a Harmony Elite I dont use cause I like the hard number keys on the Companion/One remote. Use the app to connect to your X-Hub with the following steps: Step1: Open the app and select X1 from the device list. We have no insider info on what the holdup is. It has some notable flaws, but this model can control a wider variety of home-entertainment devices, and it has a better physical design than its competitors. Tutorial X1 User Guide and FAQ, Continuously Updated Back key cannot be configured on Samsung The Frame 2022, You can press the key to assign Return and Exit on X1,choose the device, click edit---assign key for the X1 remote, then assign the command you like to the physiccal key of the X1. The hub handles all the IR, wi-fi, and Bluetooth commands for your entire system. I expected more gaps or imperfections in the finish for a first-gen remote. Configuration of devices is pure frustration! With a universal remote control, television, music listening and video games can be handled better, as several remote controls are combined into one. You must use your phone and the app. Heres hoping Sofabaton gets there one day . If you are a Harmony power user you will be right at home. But I manage to configure a new remote from scratch through command testing. Also here - not news since almost a year! On top of the remote is an off and return button. But it lacks backlighting and activity buttons, and programming advanced tasks can be challenging. This is hardly intuitive. This will show up as follows: Step3: Confirm the device information and submit it so that you can download the code to the hub. I have the harmony 680 or 650 or something and they are starting to get worn out. With SofaBaton Remote you can enjoy one click direct to the activity to trigger multiple devices, you can have fun creating as many as whatever you need. - Assumed reliance on the sofabaton cloud, implied by the use of the companion app - the WHOLE REASON I'm trying to move away from the Harmony 525 is that it cannot be programmed at all without accessing the Logitech servers, a situation upon which the X1 seems to completely fail to improve in any way. I also got it for 40% off. SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote with hub and app, . And it often times needs to be done for every button on the remote. Looking for a new TV but unsure where to start? I loaded all of my gear from both of my AV systems into the remote in just a few minutes, since all of my devices were in the SofaBaton database. and our Less buttons than the U1. Youd THINK, simple! The hard truth is, with the death of the Harmony remote line, consumers have been left with a smattering of universal-remote options that all have notable flaws. They found it very easy to set up (it took about one minute), and they thought the instructions were easy to understand. You can read more about it here. I recently got a new puppy, and he has had my Sofabaton X1 in his mouth several times with nary a scratch. If the remote still executes the command, then its using Bluetooth or RF signals.). The thing will sell for $200 - Why not get it right out of the gate and charge $299? I don . I have since decided to create a dedicated basement HT (in progress) so will use my extra Elite for that set up. Select the appropriate option for your device. Honestly, the remote is as professional as any Ive owned. Press J to jump to the feed. Step 6: The device will a successful connection. Yes, I have a cable TV set top box its totally useless for changing channels the way they lay out the numbers. UI is an important element of a device and this is where the X1 fails amongst all the other issues, this device has. This is an universal home theater remote for home cinema which is targeted at multi-devices scenario-based Activity control, while adding a wireless Hub,which we believe can better meet the needs of power users. You can then fashion any cheap android touch screen device into a fully . This is the best universal remotes. UI is an important element of a device and this is where the X1 fails amongst all the other issues, this device has. Copyright 1998-2023 AV Gadgets. During that time, I have reviewed numerous audio and video products, including virtually every major DIY universal-remote platform. The Logitech Harmony Elite is still our best universal remotes. I have the U1 and lack of a backlight make it a non-starter, plus the thumb wheel frustrated my wife to the point it was put back on the shelf. Take Alexa as an example and perform the following operations:Step1: Open the Amazon Alexa app, and click Skill & Games from the menu bar. If they arent on the list, you can use the U1s learn feature and your factory remote to teach it the commands it needs. I'm potentially interested with the 50% discount, but I really hated the U1, so I'm wary. As the pioneer in smart universal remote is the market, have you analyzed the Sofabaton remotes. The developer responded and finally told me there is a bug in the IR design. After searching on the web, I can see that the brand new Sofabaton X1 is the best replacement for Logitech Harmony remotes. You heard me right; the remote is nothing but a wireless connection to your hub that gives you tactile buttons for essential functions and allows you to map your frequently used commands to a specific key. But I really dont consider that a Fix. We also plan to continue to update the platform and add devices to our Harmony database. SofaBaton X1 remote is universally compatible with virtually all brands of audi and video equipment. And the setup app requires you to figure out a lot of the advanced programming yourself, which may prove to be too challenging or frustrating for some people. So I wish Devices on the X1 screen could just be hidden entirely. It may take them a bit to get there, but I am confident they will get there. By just saying "Alexa, turn on TV" , "Alexa, change channel to ABC news" or "Alexa, volume down on . However, HA can respond to selecting an activity (eg. Step2: Make sure your phone's Bluetooth is on and the phone is connected to your home Wi-Fi. Step3: Follow the instructions in the app to learn from the original remort. No one button activities and weaker basic remote functions. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. I keep seeing this advertised in my Facebook feed does anyone have any experience with this companys past remotes? I appreciate your thoroughness and willing to call out the defects, and update us on the current status! In years past, if you wanted an advanced universal remote that you could program yourself (as opposed to models that are sold exclusively through dealers, like Crestron and Control4, that program them for you), you had many choicesfrom brands like Harmony, Sony, Pronto, URC, and UEI. You can do that with the Sofabaton, but it takes a few more steps, and as you said, its not as simple. The pronounced scroll wheel is easy to find, so the lack of an accelerometer to activate the backlight is not a deal-breaker. So when youre trying to add a Bluetooth-based source, you have to unpair the remote from the setup app to test the device control, and then re-pair to the app to keep going with setup. Todays home entertainment equipment delivers more functionality in fewer boxes. I am assuming it is something to do with the glare from the sun on my glossy speakers and TV. Please connect the HUB to the router directly, don't use Mesh Repeater to connect. According to the Kickstarter page, it does include 2 IR extension cables, one with a single transmitter and one with 2 transmitters. Hi all, Im a suffering Harmony user we lost the smart remote to a water spill a couple of months ago at learned at that point about the line being discontinued. The inclusion of Activity buttons, like Watch TV or Play video games (as described. I was able to get it to operate both my LG Nano TV and my Yamaha amp as well via IR. And the number pad may prove essential for cable/satellite customers who have lots of channels to navigate. It seems that Sofabaton is committed to adding features and codes as requested. Download the app, place the hub, power it up, and follow the on-screen instructions. Step1: Search or select your device in the list. But its a shame that SofaBaton omitted such a simple and important feature. If the remote still executes the command, then its using Bluetooth or radio frequency, not IR.) Email Sofabaton and tell them the model you want added, and they will do it. But if you set it up for someone, and then teach them about Activities, the Off button, and the Screen Back button, its impressive for a 1st gen. One thing not mentioned in your review: there is no Help button right on the face of the remote like there was on Harmony remotes. Seemed like they were saying create a macro what for every 1 2 3 and 4 digit channel number? Tutorial X1 User Guide and FAQ, Continuously Updated Back key cannot be configured on Samsung The Frame 2022, You can press the key to assign Return and Exit on X1,choose the device, click edit---assign key for the X1 remote, then assign the command you like to the physiccal key of the X1. First, it navigates the on-screen menus and allows you to select by pressing on the wheel. This process is more labor-intensive than what SofaBaton offers through its setup app. From the Kickstarter: Does X1 support local API to integrate the remote control into a home automation system without going through the cloud? Your email address will not be published. As for returning it? Ok, so the remote is still not perfect. Without belaboring the point, you are on your own if you need help with anything aside from programming the hub. the channel or volume buttons to operate while still holding the remote somehow, - The lack of any actual IR emitters on the remote itself - the IR comes from THE HUB, without which the remote is useless for IR purposes, - The enclosed rechargeable battery which doesn't seem to be replaceable. Step2: Make sure your phones Bluetooth is on and the phone is connected to your home Wi-Fi.Step3: Press and hold the button on the X-Hub for 3s to allow the Bluetooth connection. . Make sure that this fits by entering your model number. She has been a writer, editor, and reviewer in the consumer electronics industry for 20 years, and previously served as the executive editor of Home Theater Magazine and the managing editor of HomeTheaterReview.com. I didnt encounter any connection issues between the remote and the app, and when all was said and done, the U1 successfully controlled both of my systems the way I wanted it to. This appears to be a pretty good Logitech Harmony remote replacement, so it would be really nice to be able to control the hub and app just like the current Harmony integration. Scroll to the desired device/Activity and click to open. Except, it didnt work like that. The Sofabaton App and X1-hub are connected via a local area Please ensure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi as the hub when using the App. The build quality of the Sofabaton X1 and hub is excellent. However, with the curtains open at certain times of the day, it seems the brightness of the room can impact it. The remote should have a well-organized layout that includes all the necessary buttons to perform essential tasks (and, yes, we think physical buttons are essential, versus a touchscreen that requires you to look away from the TV to find the right button). My current Harmony 525 would have become unusable five times over by now if it had a non-replaceable battery. The FAQs do touch briefly on the use of the IR blasters, but I find it inadequate. It often disconnects and cannot reconnect. I just curious to know the thought regarding. The HUB must be placed in the same space as the device and must be within 30 feet. Cookie Notice Thanks to reader Jimi for letting us know! Smooth scroll wheel buttons with comfortable movement and pressing feel, which is very practical, allowing you to move up and down quickly and switch devices. As with any product, not everyone will have the same experience. We are not responsible for any loss, injury, claim, liability, or damage related to the use of this website or the information contained herein. The database is powerful. I'm trying to order 2 and I'm getting a msg "sorry, the project is not live". Pros: Easy to program Works. Amazon had a 10% off click to add coupon and I read in Facebook group that emailing [emailprotected] and asking for a discount code they would give another 30% to stack on top. And dont expect much help from the SofaBaton literature; the setup guide is poorly written and says nothing about macros. Connects up to 40 devices in your home including TV, DVD, Blu-Ray, TV & cable boxes, gaming consoles, Apple TV, Roku and more. Assistant Director of Communications Primary Care APP Needed in Along Beautiful Coast Oregon-4/10s Schedule JOB-2778565. Because of this, a One For All universal remote is a good and affordable way to replace a single remote or combine multiple remotes into one. All Rights Reserved. Theyre just designed to hold a lot of buttons to control your different devices (usually a total of four to six devices). I just ordered a Sofabaton X1 (they should it the Sofaking) on Kickstarter for a hundred bucks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As an Amazon Associate, we may earn income when you click on an Amazon link. Its rare to find a universal remote that has built-in voice control. Short and long-press options for the hardware buttons only exist in Activities. They fixed that! But lets not mince words here. But it cant control Wi-Fibased devices, so you cant integrate smart-home lighting or temperature controls.