Logitech's Harmony One remote control was not carried down the CES mountain by Moses

Adam Turner
Thursday, 10 January 2008 03:49

Opinion and Analysis

Based on early reviews you could be forgiven for thinking Logitech's Harmony One is an unblemished gift from the gods, delivered from above at CES 2008, but Logitech has confirmed that its latest universal remote control is not without sin.

I was one of few journalists to get an advance look at the Harmony One and, like others, I was very impressed with the sleek new ergonomic design incorporating a touch screen. Rather than just falling down on my knees and worshipping the new look, I had the nerve to point out that the Harmony One failed to address the shortcomings of the software and even took a few steps backwards compared to previous models .

I foolishly expected that Harmony owners would appreciate the points I was making, especially since some of those points have been made previously on highly respected sites such as Engadget (although about previous Harmony models). Instead Harmony worshippers rallied to the defence of their sleek new idol in various forums, accusing me of inaccuracies and incompetence because they didn't like what they were hearing.

I've since spoken to Logitech's Remote Control Business Unit product manager Alex Zaliauskas, who has confirmed the accuracy of my points.

a) The Harmony One can only display three Activities or Devices on the screen at one time.

The is a major step backwards from previous models that could display six or even eight at a time. Zaliauskas confirmed the Harmony One is limited to displaying three but that Logitech is working on a six button theme. In other words Logitech itself concedes this is an issue and is working to rectify it.

b) The Harmony One lacks the four coloured programmable buttons previously found on European models.

Zaliauskas confirmed the Harmony One is a global model, there will not be a European model (previously designated by a model number ending in 5). So if you were relying on those programmable buttons, too bad - they're gone. You'll have to use on screen buttons instead, which obviously won't always be on the screen when you need them.

As a Harmony 785 user I consider both of these points to be major drawbacks to upgrading to the Harmony One. As I said, I'm not the only journalist to get hands-on with the Harmony One, but I'm yet to see anyone but myself point out these shortcomings.

Yes, the Harmony One is sexy. Yes, the Harmony One has a touch screen. No, the Harmony One is not perfect.