We’ve read many surveys that tell us the most popular time for people to use an iPad is when they’re watching the TV. Why not make the two devices work together? That’s Logitech’s thinking.
Logitech have announced a new product to let you control your TV using an Apple iPad or iPad 2, as well as with iPhones and some Android smartphones. It’s called the Logitech Harmony Link, and it looks like a pretty awesome little gadget.
The Harmony Link consists of a sleek black spherical disc which sits next to your TV, receiving the control commands from a Logitech Harmony app which you can download for free onto your iPad, iPhone or Android Smartphone.
Once you’ve connected the snazzy-looking receiver to your home Wi-Fi and downloaded the app, you’re ready to start controlling your TV and other Home Entertainment devices such as Cinema Systems and Blu-Ray Players.
The Harmony Link app can learn many of a remote’s functions by receiving the information from the main product itself, ie; the TV, via Infrared. This technology works in the same way as Logitech’s Harmony remotes, which can sync with your TV, Blu-Ray Player and more to control everything with the one remote.
With the Harmony Link and app you can control up to eight different devices, with a decent range which allows you to control your TV using your iPad from another room, even behind closed doors, says Logitech.
The interaction between your TV and the app doesn’t stop at controls – Accurate and up-to-date program information is provided in a guide supplied by TV streaming experts Rovi. The guide part of the app can be customised to your tastes, for instance the guide will recognise the programs you watch most and file them into a favourites list.
With the Harmony Link accessory connected to your Wi-Fi network, you can connect multiple iPads, iPhones and Android phones to it, allowing the whole family to control the TV from their gadgets.
With Android smartphones there is no personal TV guide from Rovi within the Harmony Link app unfortunately, though this is likely to be added later on.
The Logitech Harmony Link launches in the U.S next month for $99, while we’re waiting to find out if the product will make it across the pond to UK and European stores. We hope it will, it looks like an awesome living room gadget.