SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote Control with Hub, Improved Scroll, Smart All in One Remote with Customize One-Touch Activities, Compatible with 500,000+ IR/Bluetooth/WiFi Devices/Alexa/Google Assistant

I did a review of the SofaBaton X1S universal remote a while ago, and today after a few weeks of using it almost every day, here is my follow up on this superior and much needed remote control device!As I have previously mentioned the SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote is really an impressive addition for any one who owns a Home Theater Entertainment System!This remote offers a complete carefree solution for managing your many entertainment options and puts them all very conveniently into the palm of your hands to use at your leisure!The SofaBaton X1S has a very modern and ergonomic design that fits comfortably right in your hand.Its layout is well thought out, with well-placed buttons that allow for an easy one-handed operation. The remote features a smooth black matte finish, making it very resistant to fingerprints and smudges!I really enjoy the basic simplicity of the SofaBaton X1S remote, while stillhaving the option to access some of the other functions by using the display screen and scroll wheel when needed!I originally thought that the use of the remotes scroll wheel - without the remote having a full touchscreen - would be a problem, but now after using it for a few weeks and getting quite comfortable with it, it turns out that it's not really much of an issue!Configuring and programming the X1S is very basic and direct.The device supports over 500,000 plus devices codes, for TVs, satellites, stereo receivers, soundbars, switching devices, media streaming boxes, and gaming consoles.The setup is simple, thanks to their app (which is available for both Android and iOS). You simply sync the included hub with your phone, then download your corresponding home theater equipment codes through the app, all by just following the prompts!In the rare occasion where your home theater equipment download codes might not be listed, it's very easy to use the SofaBaton's Learning Feature - by using your original equipment's remote and the included Hub!Just click the corresponding button you'll need on your old remote, and aim it about 1-2 inches above the Hub, press the old remote button on the particular one you wish to use, and in seconds you'll receive the 'success' confirmation message in the app!That's all there is to it, and it's now ready to use!Also the app's interface is very user-friendly, and allows you choices for complete customizing of the remote buttons for a basic setup, giving you power with on/off options, various source inputs if needed, and many other multiple personal configurations!The remote also supports both infrared (IR) and Bluetooth equipment connections. The X1S can easily switch between various devices with just a click, making it a convenient all-in-one solution to end the confusion of having all those many remotes lying around you!The app allows you to customize buttons according to your preferences, giving you a real personalized experience. You can even create 'macros' to execute a series of actions with a single button press.The X1S also can be integrated with platforms like the Alexa and Google Assistant, giving you voice control over your many smart devices.The SofaBaton X1S signal range is great, even for devices located at a distance!The device even includes a couple of IR blaster sensors to extend your signal range if you happen to need them!The remotes backlit buttons is also a great addition for low-light rooms, giving you much better usability!The X1S uses a rechargeable battery, and the battery life is truly outstanding.The remote can last for over two weeks comfortably with regular use without the need for a recharge, and by the way the charging process is fairly quick.As I have said previously, the Product Support for this SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote unit is outstanding.I had to reach out to the SofaBaton Support Team during my initial installation of my new remote because my HDMI auto switcher box wasn't listed!After contacting them and explaining my situation, within 24 hours their engineers, had a working code for my device included in their downloadable code database!Problem solved!That's top notch full support indeed!I've also contacted them a few times for clarification and assistance on a few issues and have been totally satisfied by their prompt online and helpful response!!!My only wishes I would like to have for the next version of this SofaBaton X1S Universal Remote would be:1) to have a full color touchscreen, with visible buttons on both the remote and the remote touchscreen, so one could be able to access the other modes and menus more conveniently!2) to have the app include a more intuitive management device option, to help assist in making various functions, like macros for example!As I have stated previously for those seeking a versatile, functional and efficient universal remote to control and manage their many entertainment devices without spending a small fortune, the SofaBaton X1S Remote is a very solid choice!It truly offers today's '21st Century Home Theater Aficionado' a truly great value for the money in its overall price, performance, and simplicity of use!Get the X1S and enjoy the relief of not having to always search for that particular remote controller ever again, you definitely won't be disappointed!

SofaBaton's X1S is the updated replacement to the X1, which was plagued by some hardware issues (bad scroll wheel, inexplicable losses of connectivity), marring an otherwise excellent product launch.Once setup, the X1S is an attractive, convenient, and dependable alternative to the oddball collection of often misshapen remotes that plague the recliner of every home theater aficionado. It is also an excellent replacement for the Logitech Harmony flagship model - the universal remote by which all others are judged.It's probably a touch pricey for a TV remote, but if you've already spent a fortune on the right 4K TV, premium AV Receiver, premium 4K disc player, and premium streaming box, it's not all that bad. Yeah, you need to JUSTIFY the cost, but at least you CAN.The unit itself is installed and configured entirely through the phone app, which can also be used as a remote on the rare occasions the actual remote is off charging somewhere (USB-C charging connectivity). The remote is comfortable and well-balanced, with a nice matte feel to the plastic that glides in the hand but isn't slippery. The scroll wheel is almost entirely for selecting items on the bright, clear display - either entire activities, the individual devices, commands within those devices, or the settings/functionality of the remote itself. The wheel is up/down only, and has detentes for click-scrolling. It's also a push-button for selecting the highlighted item.The remainder of the buttons are for the usage as a remote, and offer 80/20 functionality - 80% of the things you use a remote for - ever - are usable here. These are the selections you definitely use every day, plus a few you might only use occasionally. All are configurable for press or long press once setup is complete.Setup is... Challenging. That's one of the biggest issues with trying to be everything for everyone - all the configuration options can be daunting. Of particular issue for me is that it prompts you for the TYPE of remote (IR, Bluetooth, etc) first - before getting into identifying and choosing your actual product. This is especially aggravating for Apple TV, which is not exactly a niche product. The Apple is typically setup up with Bluetooth, but WHY WOULD YOU KNOW THAT? You wouldn't. So you go with IR, as the setup recommends, and then try to choose one of the myriad Apple TV offerings. It's only when it doesn't really work perfectly that you dig around online and find a thread on the SofaBaton site or Reddit reminding you that AppleTV uses Bluetooth. Again, this is pointless.After all your devices are loaded and configured for startup, shutdown, buttons, etc, you create your ACTIVITIES. This is where you tell it you want to "Watch Apple TV" or "Watch a BluRay Movie," and configure it to turn each piece of hardware on, choose the proper input/output, and decided which parts of the remote are used by which item. Conveniently, it's very easy to tell it to use my receiver for volume and muting, while controlling the AppleTV with all the other buttons.Once you've got it all configured, there are usually still a few fine-tuning items to get to in order to make it all work seamlessly. But once it does, it's OUTSTANDING. Aside from the hardware issues the X1 had from the beginning, mine performed well and continued to look clean and new for nearly two years - it's well made and durable.In addition to other uses, the app is where the firmware for the hub and remote are downloaded and pushed to the hardware.Pros: Easy to use (once configured), attractive, long battery life with easy recharging, comfortable in the hand, and handles all everyday and most occasional uses for almost any remote. Massive library of compatible products, with user-uploadable section for even more compatibility.Cons: Setup is less intuitive than it should be, a bit pricey (but justifiable)Pics:1. Remote with display on2. Hub with one IR extender attached3. IR extender for better broadcast to my receiver4. Firmware update from phone5. Remote use from phoneVERDICT: You painstakingly assembled your home theater. This is what you need to pull it all together and make it easy. Worth it.