Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub Turns Your Smartphone Into A Remote

The Logitech Harmony Utlimate Hub is finally making its way to the United States by way of a stand-alone unit. The hub allows users to turn any smartphone they own into a TV and multimedia remote.

According to Logitech, the Harmony Ultimate Hub uses a smartphone’s WiFi and Bluetooth signals to turn the device into a controller for a wide range of home entertainment devices.

The device is the same Hub that is currently sold with the Harmony Ultimate bundle that also works with smartphones. The bundle also arrives with a Logitech Smart Control but with an additional cost.

Once the hub is purchased at a cost of $100, both Android and iPhone users can download the free Harmony Smartphone app, which allows them to control their multimedia devices with their smartphone.

The Harmony Smartphone app allows users to customize activities and even choose custom icons for favorite channels.

With a smartphone and the Ultimate Hub, users can control up to eight devices even if those devices are hidden behind closed cabinets and walls. The device can also control Netflix on game consoles and other systems.

The Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub will be sold as a standalone solution starting in August.

In the meantime, Logitech continues to experience mounting pressure to capture the universal remote market. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S4 offers an IR port, which can allow for similar functionality without the need for a $100 hub. Other devices can already attach via Wi-Fi to currently available Smart TV options.

Do you think the Logitech Harmony Ultimate Hub can grab a share of the market as smartphones begin to further crowd out legacy devices?