The Flipper is an IR-only remote intended for channel surfers who use traditional cable/satellite boxes or their TVs internal tuner. Its not at a point where I would hand it to a non-techie person and say, have at it! without any instruction. As for returning it? Right now, there is a lot broken. 3. Enough was going right that I will keep it, and I will probably use it as my daily driver. SofaBaton X1 Universal Remote Control with Hub - All in One Smart Remote Control with Customize Activities for Bluetooth IR 2.4G Devices Compatible with Alexa (Charge Plug Included) Brand: SofaBaton 11 ratings 24999 FREE Returns Size Name: With Plug See more About this item I reported that my Sofabaton X1 could reach all of my devices without the IR blasters, which is mostly the case. Nor have I had to reboot it aside from firmware updates. Lets discuss. So I wish Devices on the X1 screen could just be hidden entirely. I have been a cord-cutter for at least four years now, so this doesnt bother me. They are still advertising it. So if either dies Im stuck. Weve now upgraded to IPTV (Rogers in Ontario, Canada) and the Harmony hub refuses to recognize the Xi6-T remote. Sofabaton X1 universal remote supports IR & Bluetooth & Wireless devices. With my Harmony, I could never turn on the TV, so that tells me that at least in the IR department, the Sofabaton has the advantage. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Theres always going to be a bit of a learning curve with any desktop or app-based software, but if you need a certificate in C++ to program your remote, thats too difficult. Yes, we will open the local API of X1 by providing an API file, but X1 cannot directly add APIs of other products or smart platforms. But if you set it up for someone, and then teach them about Activities, the Off button, and the Screen Back button, its impressive for a 1st gen. One thing not mentioned in your review: there is no Help button right on the face of the remote like there was on Harmony remotes. I just curious to know the thought regarding. Privacy Policy. Any button press will wake the remote as well. Setting up Activities is also frustrating. Im confused by your update. Disclaimer have not tested all functions such as code learning and the voice stuff. Update 6/1/2022: The Sofabaton X1 is now finally shipping from Amazon! So I can confirm that the finish on the remote is tough as nails. Oh wow - I hadn't heard about this yet. I'm looking forward to it already because right now the U1 is okay, but doesn't really fully replace the Harmony. The database is powerful. If youve never programmed a universal remote before, or youre used to the Harmony setup software that figures out the main steps for you, the learning curve for a more complex AV system will be high. What does this mean for you? Home sofabaton sofabaton X1 Universal Smart Remote Control User Manual, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sofabaton/id1456346952, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=www.romateck.com.u1, Search Sofabaton on the App Store or Google Play. SofaBaton X1 remote is universally compatible with virtually all brands of audi and video equipment. Say "GOODBYE" to the intricacies of remote control thoroughly. The mobile phone and the HUB need to be connected to the same router. ; X1 Universal Remote for All Devices Supports more than 500,000 home entertainment devices of 6,000 brands. For instance, instead of having to push separate buttons to turn on your TV, switch HDMI inputs, power on your AV receiver, change inputs there, turn on your Blu-ray player, andfinallyget your movie started, a good universal remote can reduce all of that to one command (Play Movie), which you can access at the touch of a single button. This remote can control more than 250,000 devices (10 at a time) and combine them into single functions, such as turning on the TV, DVD player, changing to the right channel, and switching to the HDMI input. I actually have a Harmony Elite I dont use cause I like the hard number keys on the Companion/One remote. One-Click Activity: Select an activity such as "Watch Movie" to automatically turn on the power and switch the device to the correct input. Nice review, Andrew! So its more flexible than many of the lower-priced remotes on the market. Their marketing is questionable in that they have 3 versions (apparently all 2021 revisions) of one another) rather than simply updating the firmware? Secondly (according to the manual), it will wake the remote and activate the backlight. Its easy to do in the app, but if you have lots of very specific desires for how things ought to work (like I do! Like me, you probably started to search for used Harmony remotes to stockpile but quickly found that prices skyrocketed. That is an excellent question. Its kind of annoying. Found 1 Back command which works. Like the Harmony, you enter your brand and model number. All that said, I think that the Sofabaton X1 will get there. Let's keep checking if you like the idea. Required fields are marked *. We liked that the X1s edges were smooth and rounded, and that its buttons had just the right amount of resistance and feedback when pressed. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sofabaton/sofabaton-x1. Your time investment will depend on how precisely you want to tweak your controls. The remote should have a well-organized layout that includes all the necessary buttons to perform essential tasks (and, yes, we think physical buttons are essential, versus a touchscreen that requires you to look away from the TV to find the right button). The hub has a solid feel and build quality as well. Sep 2, 2022 #4 There isn't one at the moment, unfortunately. The X1 controls the Apple TV via Bluetooth, and works flawlessly. If we (as users) hadnt worked with Harmony and stuck with them, they would have folded a long time ago. All are the same price and there is no clear indication of what the difference between the three are. The Logitech Harmony Elite is still the best universal remote weve tried, even though it will no longer be made after 2021. EASY Returns & Exchange. The instructions are the weakest piece here, and I am being generous. Cookie Notice You can quickly switch between devices you want to control. The Sofabaton looks to me like it's the same team that created the Harmony remotes, or at least there's something going on there. Since our last update in May 2021, several universal remotes that we previously tested have been discontinued, including the Caavo Control Center and the Sevenhugs Smart Remote U and Smart Remote X. Logitechs Harmony Companion, Harmony 665, and Harmony Elite were our former picks in this guide, but parent company Logitech discontinued the entire line. Our site uses cookies. For a setup like this, a universal remote probably isnt necessary because basic control of these devices (such as browsing content, changing channels, and adjusting volume) is built intoor can be easily added tothe remote that came with your media player or TV. The mobile phone and the HUB need to be connected to the same router. I also have a Harmony Companion remote with hub. The hub works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Home, which is a plus. While the code base is not complete for the Yamaha receiver, learning codes from the remote is super simple. But (thanks to the mom of a Wirecutter colleague) I also was able to get them in the hands of a few residents at a senior living center who were in need of a new remote. Can I Put My Subwoofer On Top Of Furniture? There were a few quirks but to be honest not any more than you would encounter with a complex Harmony set up. The bottom half of the chassis is a bit thicker and heavier than the top, which keeps the remote feeling balanced. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. If you want to change the behavior of buttons, fix codes that arent working, or build macros, you have to do it directly on the remote (you can add devices manually, too); this involves pressing the Magic button to put the remote in programming mode and then pressing a lot more buttons to accomplish a certain task. We dont recommend this approach, however, because using your mobile devices touchscreen as a remote requires you to look away from the TV screen and down at your deviceto search for the right part of the screen to touchand this makes channel surfing and volume tweaking cumbersome. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The other method is to download the supported app on your TV. While setting up the X1, the phone and hub must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Like the Flipper, the EasyMote is a large-button remote designed for people with vision, memory, or confusion issues. The wireless X1-Hub delivers a slim and compact design to fit in any interior setup. Super useful! But you cant add any actual control functions to the screen, as you could with our former budget pick, the now-discontinued Harmony 665. Then go to Set, then Fix, the scroll to your AVR, and then click the wheel until Off is highlighted. Although theres a lot we like about the SofaBaton U1, it has a few significant drawbackssome are expected for a remote in this price range, and some are just unfortunate design choices. The remote communicates with the app via Bluetooth, so the first step in the setup process is to pair the two. But some universal remotes only work with the power, volume, and channel up/down buttons on your TV. All of the buttons light up, making it easier to use in the dark, and the screen on the remote allows you to select tons of other options in comparison to standard ones. There was definitely some trial and error involved as I tried to build macros for Watch TV and Play Video Games. But eventually I got the remote programmed to do everything I wantedexcept control my Chromecast, of course. I like that the Flipper gives you three ways to program the remote (versus only two for the EasyMote) to help ensure compatibility. The technical name for this bundling of commands is macros, but remote-control manufacturers usually call them activities or scenes. You cant program in specific manufacturer codes like you can with the Flipper, which was something we thought was easier and more reliable than doing a generic code search. I think this would be a nice product if you had a simple system, like a smart TV and a sound bar. If you have a deep custom requirement, you can contact our customer services for an API file after receiving the product. Perfect the first time. Sounds promising. Heard about this a few months ago, excited to see it coming as the remote only version my mom loves! Connects up to 40 devices in your home including TV, DVD, Blu-Ray, TV & cable boxes, gaming consoles, Apple TV, Roku and more. If they do that with the X1, its just going to get your Activities all out of sync. I do love that there is a find my remote function. He also enjoys reading video game manuals. It lacks backlighting and a Help function to fix any messed-up commands. Sofabaton one for all smart universal remotes have powerful cloud database, with easy programmable macro function,to simply your entertainment life among multi-activities switch freely. Unplugged for now, maybe someday (post CableTV) Ill revive. So even if I have to charge once per month, thats pretty impressive. Andrew will continue to update this review as time goes on. For example, I saw firmware and app updates last month, and they added settings on the remote, like a timer for the sleep and backlight modes, to change how long it remains lit before dimming. All of the buttons are smallish andbeyond the navigation wheel in the centernot well distinguished by shape. With the Harmony, you could very easily change buttons to cycle inputs, or switch to that device and control it. If your home-entertainment system is more complex than the basic TV-soundbar-streamer setup, youd benefit from a universal remote. And that pesky bug where you had to press a button to wake the remote and a second time for the command? FYI macro whats that, I could not find the word in my instruction package. Just below its screen is a small scroll wheel that lets you switch between activities and devices. The remote feels solidly made, and the fit and finish are superb. I didnt notice it with my Harmony however. Now the Sofabaton X1 Hub is aware that your AVR is Off. It has a lot of buttons that can be programmed to control one or more devices with the push of a button. We prefer brands that offer setup software, via either computer or app, and keep a database of manufacturer codes. Your email address will not be published. Please connect the HUB to the router directly, don't use Mesh Repeater to connect. Assistant Director of Communications Primary Care APP Needed in Along Beautiful Coast Oregon-4/10s Schedule JOB-2778565. You have to now switch to a different Activity, at which point, the X1 will send appropriate commands for you AVR, being aware that it is actually Off when it should have been On. Without belaboring the point, you are on your own if you need help with anything aside from programming the hub. For example, when you need to learn a command, the Sofabaton will direct you to point the IR sensor of your devices remote at the circular icon on the top of the hub and press the button for 3-5 seconds. Can I use my smartphone as a remote control? Ive had no major issues with programming my other remotes to this and I was very happy to say goodbye to the 10 I used to need just to setup movie night to be able to control everything with this one single remote! It looks great, and the hardware is solid, but it lacks the pedigree of the Harmony. The Flipper isnt backlit like the EasyMote, but it uses different colors for the power, mute, volume, and channel buttons, which may be more helpful for those with eyesight limitations. As I said earlier, Sofabaton seems committed to working the bugs out of this remote. The Google Home integration is the last hurdle (for me) that Sofabaton needs to meet for me to be content with the remote as a whole. The remote itself looks nice and feels good to hold, and it has just the right number of . Off: Power off all Activities.Return: Return to the previous menu of the XI-Remote display.Wheel: When the X1-Remote screen is locked, click or scroll to light it up.When the screen is lit, scroll up and down to switch menus, as well as click to confirm.Non-global keys:These keys have no default values and need to be defined on the device or while in Activity mode. But a lot of people still only think in terms of the old universal remotes, where you just chose one Device at a time. But do I recommend it right now? SofaBaton X1 remote is universally compatible with virtually all brands of audi and video equipment. If you need voice control for a device, you can set it up as a separate Activity. SofabatonX1-Most Versatile Universal ALL-IN-ONE Smart Remote Ultra-universal remote control for all your entertainment and home devices. We have no insider info on what the holdup is. The Exit doesnt work. Not yet. The SofaBaton X1 is as close as you can get to best universal remotes like the ones made by Harmony. Sofabaton has promised a firmware update to fix that. Updates are terribly delayed One was just published this week, but Sofabaton has been promising next week for most of June. I tend to agree with you. And as I said above, learning functions is nigh impossible. The X1 has a built-in battery, but it wont need to be charged for weeks. Its easy to jump on a company and slam it when you have a competent competitor already in the market space. Sofabaton recently launched the crowd-funded X1 universal remote, which costs roughly three times more than the U1. Most AV devices still rely on IR (infrared) control, where you must point the remotes IR transmitter directly at the devices IR receiver. Step2: Make sure your phone's Bluetooth is on and the phone is connected to your home Wi-Fi. It also had a handheld remote with an OLED screen, backlight, and an iOS and Android app. But I manage to configure a new remote from scratch through command testing. I have since decided to create a dedicated basement HT (in progress) so will use my extra Elite for that set up. While I agree, that there are bigger issues. Its rare to find a universal remote that has built-in voice control. This is one of the best universal remotes you can buy. If youre setting this up for someone else, they really need to only ever use Activities. joho500 (Joost) October 3, 2022, 2:49pm #2 Disappointing and waste of money. (The X1 remote is temporarily not compatible with Amazon eero mesh WiFi). The best universal remotes, Trying to control your TV, cable box, soundbar, game consoles, and everything else in your living room with a bunch of different remotes can be very frustrating. No matter what brand they are, a universal remote can control all of your audio and video devices. We appreciated the bright, green backlighting (which you can turn off) and the wrist rope. The opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect our views. Although they had teased killing it for years prior, we Audio Enthusiasts never thought this day would happen. You can search SofaBatons database for the models of your devices, and if theyre there, it only takes one tap to add them. I bought the X1 to replace a URC Mx-980 laptop programmable remote. Disappointing and waste of money. It has a small indicator LED on the front. Users have reported lots of issues with Roku and other streaming boxes. Make sure you add a set to your shopping cart. When will it be available? With the X1 app, I selected the Nvidia Shield and then found the Sofabaton under the pairing menu on the Shield. But the U1 has some drawbacks. This will show up as follows: Step3: Confirm the device information and submit it so that you can download the code to the hub. We recommend that readers conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website. SofaBaton Universal Remote with Hub, All-in-one Smart Remote Control with Customizable APP, One-Touch Activities, Compatible with 60+ Devices TV/Soundbar/Streaming Players and More, Works with Al*exa SofaBaton U1 Universal Remote Control with Smart APP & Macro Buttons, Harmony Remote Control for up to 15 Home Devices, Compatible 6000+ Brands . The fact that you can program the remote manually is a plus for those who cant or dont want to use a mobile device to program a remote. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for sofabaton u1 universal remote Harmony replacement (infrared, bluetooth) at the best online prices at eBay! However, I am still on one battery bar after six weeks. So if this new Activity requires the AVR to be On, it will send the Power On command, because now its aware that the AVR was Off. I expect many more. My family is accustomed to using a Wi-Fibased system, where you can point the remote anywhere in the room and the commands will still work, so the U1 took some getting used to. Let us know if that works. I appreciate the simplicity of the design. Its a more expensive solution, but if done properly, it will result in a much more satisfying experience. Tutorial X1 User Guide and FAQ, Continuously Updated Back key cannot be configured on Samsung The Frame 2022, You can press the key to assign Return and Exit on X1,choose the device, click edit---assign key for the X1 remote, then assign the command you like to the physiccal key of the X1. No hub, so you have to point directly at IR devices. Sure, you can disable sleep mode on your phone. A clear and bright screen that wont consume a ton of battery power, so you should be able to go a long time between charges. The Sofabaon X1 promised a hub-based remote that supported IR, wi-fi, and Bluetooth, all a must in today's home theater. We tested two popular large-button remotes: the Flipper and the EasyMote. You can then fashion any cheap android touch screen device into a fully . I expected more gaps or imperfections in the finish for a first-gen remote. Step2: Search for brand sofa action on the skill page. Until then, maybe find a used Harmony and wait for Version 2.0! You could say that smartphones have replaced them, but switching between a hundred different clunky apps isnt as elegant as the old Logitech Harmony remote, which is no longer made but still works. I am assuming it is something to do with the glare from the sun on my glossy speakers and TV. And it isnt anywhere near as useful and intuitive as Harmonys Help button. This improves the user experience by bringing together services that were previously disconnected. If you want to hang your flat-panel TV on the wall, we recommend the Sanus VMPL50A-B1 or Sanus VLF728-B2, depending on how much motion you need in your mount.