Just a few short years ago, Logitech attempted to jettison the entire Harmony product line. Fortunately, management reconsidered and doubled down on the historically unmatched universal remote controls. Yet, I’m not entirely feeling their latest entrant, the Logitech Harmony Express.
Harmony Express diminutive proportions belie its expense, running a fairly lofty $250. And, whereas most Harmonies rely on buttons and/or screens to control scenes and devices, the primary Express interface is voice – via Alexa, visualized by a spiffy Alexa-hued light ring embedded within the directional pad. However, voice makes a nice enhancement, a way to augment existing control … but certainly isn’t efficient for each and every activity. Such as, I suspect, running one’s entire entertainment center. Not to mention my three year old would surely be flummoxed by what looks to be a conspicuously absent power button.
Here’s a brief look at the Harmony Express in action pic.twitter.com/4qm59fVdTp
— Devindra Hardawar (@Devindra) April 16, 2019
Beyond the limited-button remote itself, like most recent Harmony products, and dedicated, new Harmony app is a bundled Hub whose primary duties consist of relaying IR commands to our various devices. Further, a smaller IR puck is also being provided to string into closed cabinets, for those who have a need. But Caavo, a recent entrant into this space, is tackling this problem in a somewhat different and perhaps more compelling manner.
Beyond just wireless network hub functionality, the Caavo “control center” also has a television interface and acts as a 4K HDR HDMI switch – which has great practical value. And the total package runs significantly less than the Harmony Express. With a power button. And somewhat more optional voice control. The Verge covers pretty much all the details, including some burgeoning machine vision innovations to “smartify” the whole thing. In fact, Logitech’s misstep here has encouraged me to pick up a Caavo. MSRP runs $100, plus service if you so choose, although it’s often on sale – as it is today at Amazon.
Who laughed when they saw the title because they understood EXACTLY where he was coming from?
Logitech clearly does not care about privacy at all. Check this article out
https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2019/02/12/517456.htm
“For several years, Amazon and Google have collected data every time someone used a smart speaker to turn on a light or lock a door. Now they’re asking smart-home gadget makers such as Logitech and Hunter Fan Co. to send a continuous stream of information.
In other words, after you connect a light fixture to Alexa, Amazon wants to know every time the light is turned on or off, regardless of whether you asked Alexa to toggle the switch. Televisions must report the channel they’re set to. Smart locks must keep the company apprised whether or not the front door bolt is engaged.
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And you just paid 250 bucks to finance “you” the product of deep data mining.
I want to control 3 televisions with alexa commands. What is my best option? I have harmony right now and it went all fubar.
I have a couple harmony remotes ditching them for the Caavo both my fiancé and I love how easy it is to use and how well it integrates in with everything not to mention the price! Now if they can just get Dolby vision figured out!! Hint hint!! Lol
I love the idea of the Caavo — and I was pleasantly surprised by their price drop in the second generation — but a four-input box is just not useful in our house. I would love to see them offer a way for multiple units to work together.
If Caavo didn’t charge a subscription fee, I would find it interesting. No way, no how, am I gonna pay two bucks a month for a remote control.
If it was a bit cheaper, I’d be interested in purchasing it as a HDMI switch that actually works!
But really, I’m very happy with my harmony hubs right now and have no reason to switch. As long as Logitech keeps offering and supporting this product, I’ll stick with it.