It’s worth noting that while the quick activity shortcuts located at the top of the remote are customizable through the Harmony app, these are the only buttons you can set via the app. We encountered some errors with devices not powering on even though the activity was launched, which required significant troubleshooting and reconfiguring. And this is not a seamless or speedy process.

Even though we carried over activities (Logitech’s name for macros or the controls manually assigned to buttons) associated with another remote, we were still guided through setting up and testing all the activities and devices. This is a very helpful feature to have if you’re upgrading Harmony remotes or you’re adding another remote to other entertainment centers in your home. Given the lengthy initial connection process, we opted to copy over activities we’d already established in another Harmony remote. Only after we reset the hub a couple of times were we finally able to connect, after 15 annoying minutes. While we expected to see the hub detected in the app, the search icon just keep spinning. Once we plugged in the hub and waited for 30 seconds as directed, we downloaded the Harmony App for iOS, which is where the setup process is managed. Setting up the Smart Control is not overly complex at first glance, but we ran into hurdles the entire way. Lifewire / Yoona Wagener Setup Process: Relatively simple but not without hiccups The Hub also connects to the Harmony App via Wi-Fi for complete smartphone control as well. The Hub uses RF, or radio frequency signals, from the remote to communicate with your devices and equipment through IR, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi, which means you can easily reach items behind cabinet doors or in media consoles. The other complement to the remote is the Harmony Hub, a semi-square-shaped block powered by an AC adapter and supplemented with two infrared mini blasters. The front of the remote is made from a glossy reflective material which is prone to smudging, but the buttons are easy to press and don’t collapse with pressure. The back of the remote is made of a smooth and sturdy rubberized material and features a subtle groove in the middle. 7 inches, it’s not at all overwhelming in the hand.

While some remote controls can feel heavy or a little too big, the Harmony Smart Control is actually quite compact and comfortable to hold. Lifewire / Yoona Wagener Design: Streamlined and straightforward

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