Logitech News & Updates: Harmony Hub Smart Home Device Adds Alexa Support

By Rita Mendoza - 28 Oct '16 01:37AM

Logitech Harmony Hub is a universal remote control for smart home products. Now, Alexa, Amazon's virtual voice-controlled assistant works in Logitech Harmony Hub. Now, it is easier for Harmony Hub users to control home entertainment and other automation devices.

Alexa in Logitech Harmony Hub is much like its function in Amazon Dot, only, it has limited programmability. "If you say "Alexa, turn on my evening activity," the bot will trigger a prearranged sequence that can involve entertainment as well as home automation devices," Engadget reports. Some other capabilities of Alexa is it understands how to dim the lights, lower the blinds, adjust the thermostat, flip the television, and load Netflix or HBO Now.

The new Logitech Harmony Hub addition allows users to start activities that were already programmed in the universal remote control. Meaning, it can control smart home accessories as well. Users can add any skill in the navigation area of the Smart Home section in the Alexa app. While a Logitech Harmony Hub remote control device is required to add skills, it is a free feature for existing users. In fact, Tech Crunch claims that it found even the complex third-party solutions helpful. Another great thing about this added feature, the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot can be linked together. However, the Echo Tap will not work as it requires a touch of a button before listening to voice commands.

The new Alexa feature will be released this week which are compatible with Harmony Elite or Harmony Companion. The Logitech Harmony Hub will operate over Wi-Fi as well, so it can easily be hidden in a closet or aim at it to make it work. For smart devices that do not operate over Wi-Fi, however, the harmony hub has two IR blasters.

Alexa support might change the scene for Logitech Harmony Hub. Indeed, it is a powerful addition to the already advanced device. Alexa support will be released in the United States sometime this week, and in the United Kingdom in the coming months.