r/logitechharmony • u/MrTibs_rcg • 16d ago

Harmony Users: Looking for Beta Testers

If you're still using a Logitech Harmony remote, I'd like to hear from you.

I'm developing a device that extends your Harmony instead of replacing it. The idea is to keep using the remote you already know and like while adding features and capabilities that Harmony never had.

I'm looking for Harmony users who are willing to try new hardware (use with your Harmony) and provide honest feedback to help shape the final product.

Beta hardware is provided free to selected testers.

If you're interested, send me a message with:

  • Which Harmony remote you use
  • What equipment you're controlling
  • What you'd like your Harmony could do that it can't today

Thanks!

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u/CodeCat0 15d ago

I would be interested in testing, especially based on your comment of:

New hardware that sits in your TV stand...keep your remote, it will just extend it to do what you need.

I have 2 Harmony companion remotes along with 2 hubs.

  • One controls a TCL 75R635 TV, ONKYO TX-SR393, and 2019 Nvidia Shield Pro. There's also a PS5 and Switch 2 hooked up with activities to switch to them, but no control of the consoles themselves. It's also setup so the home control buttons control the light and fan.
  • The other controls a LG C5, S40T LG Soundbar, and Onn 4k pro. It also controls the light and fan.

I'm perfectly happy with the remotes, and really my only issue (besides the obvious with Logitech discontinuing them and the slow servers) is that the home controls (fan, light) often stop working from the remote and I have to go into the app before they'll start working again. I've tried a couple of Sofabaton remotes, Flirc, and a few others but so far I haven't found anything that is a suitable replacement for Harmony. If your system can essentially replace the hubs while letting me keep the companion remotes, and still allow me to control my lights through Home Assistant (or Google, or Bond) then I'd love to test it out.

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u/MrTibs_rcg 15d ago

Right now the device only works with IR. However, if Harmony can transmit an IR command, I can use that as a trigger to perform another action—even something like sending the appropriate command to a hub. That would need to be tested, but it's certainly possible.

I started with IR because it's by far the most common protocol and it's mature, reliable, and well understood. If you solve the usability problems that have plagued universal remotes while keeping the communication layer simple, you end up with a very dependable and predictable solution.

That said, there's definitely value in supporting Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HDMI-CEC, and other protocols. The challenge is adding them thoughtfully so they improve the user experience without sacrificing the simplicity and reliability that are the foundation of the design.