By Ashish Arora // Vice President and General Manager, Digital Home Group on September 20, 2011
67 Comments
+ 11 Replies
Filed: Digital Home, News and Announcements, Product Videos
With thousands of channels and seemingly unlimited choice of shows and movies, getting to the content you are looking for is often a challenge. To address this, Logitech has developed the Logitech Harmony® Link and Logitech Harmony Link App for iPad®.
Working together, Harmony Link and the Harmony Link App turn your iPad into the smartest remote in the house. Just select a show from the personalized, in-app TV listings on your iPad and tune to shows with one touch. Or, using the award-winning Harmony technology, you can select an activity such as “Watch a Movie” and Harmony Link automatically switches all of your home entertainment settings with one touch. Product Manager Ian Crowe walks through the product highlights in the video below.
If you don’t have an iPad, Logitech Harmony Link also works with the iPhone® or iPod touch® as well as Android smartphones letting you turn these devices into a universal remote. At launch, these smartphones will not receive personalized program guides from the downloadable app; however, Harmony Link will deliver complete activity-based control over up to eight devices in your entertainment system.
With Harmony Link, now you can essentially turn your iPad or smartphone into a complete ultimate universal remote. We hope you are as excited about the power of Harmony Link as we are. Watch for the product to shelves in October for $99 (MSRP).
Tags: harmony link, harmony remotes
(47 votes, average: 3.23 out of 5)
67 Comments + 11 Replies Add your own comment >>
Mattias | September 20th, 2011 at 01:55
Will the Android app also be available for Android 3.x tablets?
Ashish Arora | September 21st, 2011 at 13:58
Hi Mattias,
Harmony Link app does not currently support Android 3.x tablets, but we plan to increase our device support in the future.
-Ashish
Uwe Moeschel | September 20th, 2011 at 02:14
Hi, I was thinking about something like this for a long time. When will it be available in Australia. Would be great to get an answer better than somewhen soon or next year. Happy to also purchase it in US directly if you let me. Regards, Uwe
Ashish Arora | September 21st, 2011 at 13:58
Hi Uwe,
Harmony Link is launching in USA and Canada this year. We plan on launching in additional regions next year (I know that’s not the answer you’re looking for). Please be aware that buying in USA and using in Australia you will not get the TV listings data that enables the one-touch access to TV show.
-Ashish
Mark Heil | September 20th, 2011 at 04:15
I already have the Revue. Will you guys ever make an iPad version of the Harmony remote for Revue? I would love to have all of the controls on one page using the iPad’s resolution.
Ashish Arora | September 21st, 2011 at 14:00
Hi Mark,
We’re definitely interested in bringing the Harmony Link app functionality to Revue users although there is no definite timetable for that right now.
Thanks,
Ashish
Bob G. | September 20th, 2011 at 05:51
I presently use a Harmony 1000 to control my system. The Link is exactly the next step I have been hoping for from Logitech! Will I be able to transfer the settings from my 1000 (online?) or will I have to start over again setting up the Link? Thanks!
Ashish Arora | September 21st, 2011 at 14:01
Hi Bob,
You’ll have to reenter your account information for Harmony Link. Since you set up you Harmony however, we’ve made significant changes to the Harmony online setup that will make this a lot easier.
-Ashish
Tom | September 20th, 2011 at 06:29
That’s an awesome announcement. I have 2 questions though:
- will the Android app be available on (and designed for) Honeycomb tablets ?
- what about the European release date and MSRP ?
Thanks !
Tom
Ashish Arora | September 21st, 2011 at 14:07
Hi Tom,
Thanks for your interest. As you saw in our announcement , Harmony Link is launching in USA and Canada right now. Keep watching the blog for updates on any new markets we’ll launch the product in.
Thanks,
Ashish
Dan Dam | September 20th, 2011 at 06:37
Hi. Will it be possible to use an existing Harmony remote with the Link, in combination with the iPhone? Say your spouse starts chattering away and walks out with the phone, can I pick up a “normal” remote and start zapping?
Ashish Arora | September 21st, 2011 at 14:08
Hi Dan,
Great question. Existing Harmony remotes don’t have Wi-Fi capabilities so are unable to connect with Harmony Link. Of course your existing Harmony remote will continue to work, but it will not share ‘state’ information with Harmony Link so things won’t be perfectly in sync if you use both.
-Ashish
Cal | September 20th, 2011 at 07:57
will the logitech revue every be able to control more devices?
Tony | September 20th, 2011 at 07:59
Will the software powering this make it into the Revue as the Revue was originally advertised to have this functionality
Mark Holoubek | September 20th, 2011 at 08:19
Any word on the actual compatibility list? Could the AppleTV possibly be controlled from this as well? Sounds exciting!
Ashish Arora | September 21st, 2011 at 14:09
Hi Mark,
Yes Apple TV is controlled via IR so it is perfectly compatible with Harmony Link. The Harmony Link app does not allow you to browse the iTunes store or your personal media libraries but offers complete remote control of most IR devices, including AppleTV.
-Ashish
Harmonizer | September 20th, 2011 at 08:47
Will it do sequences?
Slid Vendetta | September 20th, 2011 at 08:52
Thank you for including Android! I was waiting for Griffin’s Beacon, but they keep delaying the Android App.
Ashish Arora | September 21st, 2011 at 14:10
HI Slid —
We always like hearing from happy customers!
-Ashish
Guy | September 20th, 2011 at 10:08
How about support for Windows Phone?
Ashish Arora | September 21st, 2011 at 14:10
Hi Guy,
With Harmony Link we are currently focused on iOS and Android. As we talk to our fans and hear what they want, additional mobile OS support will be evaluated.
-Ashish
Mark | September 20th, 2011 at 11:38
8 devices? The high end home theater crowd would eat this up if it supported more devices.
Justin | September 20th, 2011 at 11:57
Will this be available in Canada?
Chris | September 20th, 2011 at 12:19
Is there easy to use multiple room support? As in I get 2 harmony links, one for my home theater and one for my family room, can I easily connect to 2 different ones on the same wii network?
Ashish Arora | September 21st, 2011 at 14:11
Hi Chris,
Yes you can have as many Harmony Links as you like on your network. The Harmony Link app will allow you to easily switch between them and will display the controls appropriate to the entertainment devices configured for each Harmony Link.
-Ashish
Ray | September 20th, 2011 at 14:38
Hi, very nice product !
I hope that Android Tablets (honeycomb or ICS) will be shortly supported ???
And so I will buy it !
Ashish Arora | September 21st, 2011 at 14:12
Hi Ray,
Thanks for your enthusiasm! We do hope to bring the full Harmony and TV guide capabilities to Android tablets in the future.
-Ashish
Mike | September 20th, 2011 at 18:32
Can this control a playstation 3?
Apple tv? Roku?
Bob | September 20th, 2011 at 22:17
That UI looks astonishingly ugly. How ’bout spending some bucks on a graphic designer?
I’d be more willing to buy this if you’d
- fix the standard Harmony configuration UI software not to take ten thousand kicks to reconfigure a single button. The whole thing feels like a Windows ’95 installation wizard. Way more painful than it has to be.
- support the Harmony config UI on Lion
- hire a graphic designer
Frank Puschmann | September 21st, 2011 at 00:11
This is great!
When can i get this in germany?
Russ | September 21st, 2011 at 11:33
2 Questions:
1. Will it import Activities from existing Harmony One’s? Seems like a basic feature.
2. Will it take advantage of Bluetooth to control devices like the PS3 that use Bluetooth remotes?
gravelocity | September 21st, 2011 at 16:19
Will it support additional IR blasters? I want to put this in a concealed cabinet. I current use the Harmony 900 and have the little blasters on each shelf.
Dean | September 21st, 2011 at 17:58
Can I pre-order one for Canada?
Jamie | September 21st, 2011 at 20:17
I agree with the others. Please add Revue use via the app. Even charging for the app for those using the revue would be okay.
Nicholas | September 21st, 2011 at 22:35
This looks absolutely brilliant. I want one in the worst way.
It would be great if this little device could control other wireless devices in the home– maybe a line of logitech switches for any electrical device? Want to turn on your house lights while you’re away? The Logitech Harmony Link could do it potentially.. Control your TV, stereo, blu ray player and why not also turn on/off/dim the lights, maybe even a door intercom for guests… total home integration!
Will this be able to be controlled when you are away from your home? Like could I turn on my tv or turn off my stereo from work? Would work great with wireless nanny cams or security cams too.. Worried about your dog? Look at your iPad, check the camera feeds from your home, move the cams around, then turn the tv on for him and tune it to animal planet! hah!
(also, Mattias: sorry, but get an iPad! It confounds me that so many people still don’t recognize that Apple products are by far the best designed on the market today).
Olav Arild | September 21st, 2011 at 23:07
Hi,
Looks definately like a interesting product. In my house setup I have all equipment like DVD player, receiver, tv tuner etc located in a techincal room. In three different rooms I only have a TV (Living Room, Bedroom, TV room) connected via CAT5toHDMI to the techincal room. Can I have multiple Harmony Link? One for each TV and one located in the Techinal Room. Is it possible to control the links across each other in the same activity?
Mark | September 22nd, 2011 at 11:03
Will it be possible to program this with the Harmony software over USB like previous Harmony remotes, or is myharmony.com required?
Dean | September 22nd, 2011 at 13:54
I have a Harmony 900 that gave out on me recently. This sounds like a great way to go for a replacement. Will it work with my bluetooth blaster i already have for my Playstation 3?
Evan Whiteside | September 22nd, 2011 at 17:03
Hi Ashish,
Just wanted to add my voice in support for an android (honeycomb) app.
I’m definitely interested in having this sort of control, I used to have a 1000i but found it to be too glitchy for everyday use.
I think you’ve got a winning combination here.
Also from Australia.
Evan
matthew leyow | September 22nd, 2011 at 18:13
why the limitation to 8 devices? i would replace my old harmony with this but i have about11 devices
Alan | September 23rd, 2011 at 21:51
I am one of many others who would love to see this functionality integrated into the Revue. I am a long time Logitech consumer and would be a very happy customer to see this functionality added to my Revue!
Ak | September 24th, 2011 at 04:25
I’m curious about how this integrates with my current harmony remote. Can I use link to just push channel changes to the cable box? For instance, i startnup my av system with the physical remote. Then I want to use the link channel guide to choose programs. Can i do so without link trying to power on the system (since link won’t know everything is on)?
Omar | September 24th, 2011 at 22:26
is it going to be in UK around same time as Google TV 2nd Edition
Matthew | September 25th, 2011 at 15:36
So exciting! We have an existing Harmony 880 remote and absolutely love it! We also have the Revue and truly love it too, and we’re looking forward to the many possibilities still as yet untapped with it.
I would definitely purchase the Link if it was fully supported on Android tablets (aka, the rumored soon-to-be released Amazon Kindle tablet) and had the same functionality as the iPad version (guide data).
Thank you!
Bao | September 25th, 2011 at 21:20
Great Looking product! I would like to eventually see a similar product with RF capabilities. Any word on such a product coming out soon? I’m debating between this device or one of the harmony remotes.
Mario | September 26th, 2011 at 02:01
Hey there,
very nice product – will possibly replace my H900.
BUT I gut one question:
Will this work with several iPhones and iPad? When I start an activity on my iPhone, will my iPad know what activity is active at the moment (which means that only the HLink will know what activity is used and will communicate that to the devices)t? Or does each app on each device have its own memory what activity is used at the moment?
Thanks for clearing that up!
Steve Albrecht | September 26th, 2011 at 03:29
This sounds really great, but I have been unable to find a release date anywhere. Is this just vaporware? Is it available next year? Please give us a clue. I hesitate to pre-order anything that is not going to be available for many weeks in the future
Thanks
Steve
Roger | September 26th, 2011 at 03:41
This product will become so much more attractive to many if you have a dedicated remote that supports it in addition to an app. Do you think that will happen in the near future?
Regards,
Roger
Leo | September 26th, 2011 at 04:08
excellent product!!!!
When will it be available in the UK?
Will it turn on all my devices in sequence? for example a “watch TV” button which will then turn on my TV, satelite receiver, and av receiver in sequence?
cheers
leo
Clyde | September 26th, 2011 at 06:03
Will this work with Bell ExpressVu in Canada for programming?
Scidd0w | September 26th, 2011 at 06:27
Great product. Been waiting for this as a long time iOS and Harmony user.
Am I correct in thinking that I can buy this in the US and use in Holland with my iPhones. Or will the iPhone/iOS app be only available in the US appstore?
Mykhaylo | September 26th, 2011 at 08:01
The best ever expected device from Logitech for me! (Use Logitech remote unit at least for 5 years and without any problems. )
But I’m quit confused that sales for Europe not planned this year. Hope I’ll be able to find any reseller in USA to ship it to Ukraine.
Eli | September 26th, 2011 at 08:41
Im so excited for this! Already have it on pre order! Just a quick question, will it have advanced settings, such as delay powered on for activities? As with my current harmony remote and with the types of hard ware I have I am unable to turn everything by activities and have to power each item one by one to sync properly
James | September 26th, 2011 at 22:20
Will the Harmony Link unit run on 220/240 volt power (Europe), or only 110/120V?
Heinz-Bastian | September 27th, 2011 at 01:36
Great announcement!
I was also waiting for Beacon from Griffin but I think I will now stick to Logitech if you can manage it to release Android 3.x or probably 4.x support beginning of next year.
Without support of Android tablets it makes unfortunately no sense for me.
Oh yes and I forgot to mention that I am from Europe so please let us be next after the US and Canada
Scott | September 27th, 2011 at 07:29
Wow.. this sounds like exactly what I’m looking for !
Looking to leverage my APPLE products (namely iTOUCH and iPAD) to graphically control my devices and eliminate clutter. I’m currently doing this with my SONOS system too. A couple of questions.
I need to control:
- LG Plasma TV
- Comcast Cable TV Box (HD)
- Yamaha Surround Sound Receiver
can i actually change inputs on this using LINK as well?
- Sony CD Jukebox (holds 400 cds)
- Panasonic Blu-Ray Player
- JVC VCR
Again — the LINK looks like the solution I need .. can you confirm that I’m good to go with the devices I just described?
Shawn | September 27th, 2011 at 08:50
Will their be IR transmitters? Assume my components are on a shelving system?
mrehrer | September 27th, 2011 at 13:28
What is the path to use this with a PS3? Will the Harmony adapter for Playstation 3 work with this?
Russ | September 29th, 2011 at 18:45
Will the Harmony Link work with the new Amazon fire tablet?
Russ | September 29th, 2011 at 18:49
How far does the blaster reach with IR. I have a TV that uses IR and my other components are about 25 feet away where the link will be placed. Also if needed can I use two Harmony links if needed, one at the tv and the other one about 25 feet away?
Larry | October 1st, 2011 at 05:33
Right now I have a Harmony 1100 with 3 RF extenders. Each RF extender is in a different concealed cabinet controlling devices in that cabinet. When I press the 1100 remote for a specific activity it sets everything up via the 3 RF extenders and works great. I would like to purchase the Harmony Link to perform the same funtion but over my home Wi-Fi via my iPad2. Is this possible? If so, would I need 3 Harmony Links? I want to make sure that if I program an activity that activity can communicate to all 3 Harmony Links to setup the task at hand.