People that love the Logitech Harmony really love it. However, if you didn't think that having a remote that's compatible with 270,000 different home entertainment and automation devices was enough, wait until you see what comes next.
Logitech just launched a new Harmony API, in order "to create smart home experiences." What this basically means is that developers can create new apps that will allow anything that can currently be controlled by a Harmony remote or Harmony Hub (such as A/V gear, smart thermostats, lighting, locks, etc.) to be controlled from some other device (like a smart watch). It will even allow for something like an app that puts control of your Philips hue lighting system into your car, so you can light up the house before you walk in the door.
Currently, SmartThings, IFTTT, Ivee, Myo armband, Playtabase, and UCIC (creators of the Ubi) are all working with the API, in order to create new features for the Harmony home.
Working with the Harmony API also means that these new apps will bring a few of the Harmony's most popular features to other devices. For instance, one-touch Activities that allow you to "Watch a Movie," which can dim the lights and turn on the TV, the receiver and the Blu-ray player, can all be activated with a single wave of the hand. Additional features such as voice, gesture and motion control are also currently in the works.
"We know that entertainment is critical to the smart home experience, and will be a main driver for mass adoption of smart home products," said Mark Spates, head of the smart home platform for Logitech Harmony. "By opening our platform to developers, we're giving developers the ability to create complete smart home experiences that include the living room, knowing that their entertainment component will offer the same flawless experience that consumers have come to expect from Harmony."
Logitech plans to announce additional developers in the near future. However, the Harmony API is available now through the company's website.
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