The Logitech Harmony has become the most popular way to control your audio and video equipment. That's probably because it's both easy and affordable. However, the one thing it's always been lacking is voice control. Well, until now.
Logitech just announced plans to add voice control capabilities to the Harmony lineup via Amazon Alexa. Before you begin barking out orders, know that you will need the Logitech Harmony Hub (which comes with the Logitech Harmony Elite and the Logitech Harmony Companion) and one of the Alexa-enabled devices, such as the Amazon Echo or Echo Dot. From there, just enable the skill on your Alexa devices and get ready to rant.
Once everything is set up, you'll be able to start and stop Harmony Activities, control your entertainment devices, and even tune into favorite channels using the sound of your voice. No buttons are necessary!
Harmony Activities can pull together specific actions, using more than 270,000 different devices. For instance, you can say something like, "Alexa, turn on my evening activity," and it will trigger the Logitech Harmony to dim the lights, shut the blinds, and turn on the TV. You can also deliver simple commands, such as "Alexa, turn on the TV" or "Alexa, turn on Netflix." The voice commands will work with audio and video equipment, as well as other smart home devices controlled through the Harmony Hub.
"This new capability is both practical and fun for our users," said Renee Niemi, general manager of the smart home business at Logitech. "We've been working closely with Amazon to deliver robust voice control of your smart home using a Harmony hub-based remote and an Alexa-enabled device -- and if you don't have Harmony yet, just say ‘Alexa, order a Harmony Hub' and have one delivered."
This new capability will be available to all Harmony Hub users via a free over-the-air update, which is expected sometime this week. If you want to check on it, just launch the Alexa app on your smartphone, select Smart Home from the left-hand navigation menu, Get More Smart Home Skills, and search for Harmony.
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