If the user is someone who just wants to choose one Device at a time to control, they’d be better off with Sofabaton’s other, cheaper remote, the U1. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally was able to get my hands on my new Sofabaton X1, set it up and give it a real test to see how it fared against my beloved Harmony Ultimate. Will it be the new “must-have” remote? Let’s discuss! What’s In The Box?

SofaBaton X1 thoughts from a Harmony Elite owner : r - Reddit SofaBaton X1 thoughts from a Harmony Elite owner : r - Reddit

The deal-breaker with the X1 occurred after adding my first device (an Integra receiver using IR). The IR signal from both the SofaBaton hub and the IR blaster is just super, super weak. So weak, in fact, that I think I may have had a defective unit. I didn’t have any issues with commands not being transmitted, and I haven’t noticed any significant lag from button press to device action. And early indications tell me I will probably get well over a month on a single charge with my use. Only when passion and emotion are blended can dreams and aspirations be stirred up, and only then can we have a happy, fulfilling and meaningful life. Keep Innovation The design of the Sofabaton X1 remote is relatively simple. On top of the remote is an off and return button. The return button allows you to toggle between Activities, Devices, and Set (should be Setup). Many people have complained that the Return button is too high, and you need to shift your grip to access it. I don’t mind it because I rarely need to access my devices, so I like not being able to press it accidentally.

Sofabaton X1 Programmable Universal Remote Review

So, it’s been a full year with the Sofabaton. I am sure you are curious if I still have my Harmony Elite in the loop. Well, I do, but not so much for me. My wife still prefers the Harmony remote. It’s not that she doesn’t understand or can’t “get” the swing of the Sofabaton. It’s more that she is accustomed to the Harmony and doesn’t see the need to go to another remote. If I disconnected the Harmony and all we had was the Sofabaton, she would be able to navigate it all. APP issue: Open the activities switch to device, Remote control Activities, device list without Syning；

X1 User Guide and FAQ - Sofabaton 【Tutorial】 X1 User Guide and FAQ - Sofabaton

The hub connection is always disconnected, connecting in two seconds and connecting in two seconds. The green light keeps flashing issue；The battery life is good, and I charged it once when I got it six weeks ago. But, as my editor pointed out, this is normal for new devices. However, I am still on one battery bar after six weeks. So even if I have to charge once per month, that’s pretty impressive.

X1 Hub Upgrade Already! - Sofabaton X1 Hub Upgrade Already! - Sofabaton

Finally, the three activities worked: Watch Roku (Soundbar), Watch Apple TV, and Watch Chromecast. But I could never switch from watching Apple TV to another activity like Chromecast, and I had to turn off the TV power and start again. If the HUB is not connected to the network or the network fails to be configured or the HUB is disconnected from the network, the indicator light of the HUB will be in green ，but the normal way is in blue. You are advised to display the indicator light of the HUB in related scenarios；

But I really don’t consider that a “Fix”. And it isn’t anywhere near as useful and intuitive as Harmony’s Help button. In fact, I’ll bet you’re super confused from what I just wrote! So…yeah…try teaching THAT to your mom – haha The remote control synchronization data is abnormal, some devices are not displayed, but the space is displayed. Every independent developed and produced remote control retains the form and combination attributes of traditional remote controlunder the premise of extremely simple. In consideration of the functionality of our products, the new remote control X1 is equipped with 2-inch display with wireless Hub which support to customize any activity,which make your home entertainment life to be simple. Customer Always Comes First

Thoughts on Sofabaton X1 : r/logitechharmony - Reddit Thoughts on Sofabaton X1 : r/logitechharmony - Reddit

We have optimized the WiFi control of ROKU to solve the abnormal long-press without any response issue； I will say that setting your WiFi and Bluetooth devices with the Sofabaton X1 is the simplest I have encountered to date. It took me three tries and some Google-Fu to get my Nvidia Shield paired with my Harmony. With the X1 app, I selected the Nvidia Shield and then found the Sofabaton under the pairing menu on the Shield. Perfect the first time. Same with my Philips Hue. It found my Hub and connected it in 30 seconds. Unfortunately, it didn’t see all my lights. More on that later. So the million-dollar question. Do I recommend the Sofabaton X1 as a worthy successor to Harmony? As I said before, yes. It is not as polished as the Elite. But this is Sofabaton’s SECOND remote control. That’s right, folks. They are probably 90%+ of the functionality of the Harmony Elite after their second remote. I expect that there with be a Sofabaton X2 or X1 (ver 2) that will give you a touch screen or some other enhancements. Plus, I am certain that they will get all the bugs worked out. To treat people with sincerity, handle things with faith and justice, respect the facts, and do what we say in society, customers and employees. Preserve Passion

Lastly, I wish you could just hide the Devices menu option entirely. If you’re setting this up for someone else, they really need to only ever use Activities. But a lot of people still only think in terms of the old “universal remotes”, where you just chose one Device at a time. If they do that with the X1, it’s just going to get your Activities all out of sync. And like I’ve just described, that “Fix” function is a nightmare. The hub is also where you can teach the system to learn commands for devices not currently in the database. For example, when you need to “learn” a command, the Sofabaton will direct you to point the IR sensor of your device’s remote at the circular icon on the top of the hub and press the button for 3-5 seconds. I will be honest and say that I could not get this to work for me. I tried it with my LG B9 and my Pioneer Elite CD player and could not get either to register a command with the Sofabaton. There was hope that the Sofabaton X1 Hub and Remote could replace the now-discontinued Logitech Harmony Hub. Unfortunately, it doesn't hold a candle to Harmony's ease of use, compatibility, and design. 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. But there is a “Fix” function within the “Set” menu. But when I tried to use it, it was not at all intuitive!