SofaBatonUpdate X1S Universal Remote Control with Hub and App, All-in-One Smart Universal Remote Control with Customize Activities, Works with Bluetooth/WiFi Devices/Alexa/Google Assistant

The remote itself is unassuming, but is comfortable in use with a clear screen and tactile buttons. The hub is small enough to be placed with your AV kit with IR blasters in the box if required. The remote is extremely customisable and easily integrates with Amazon Alexa etc.I received the X1S as a warranty replacement for my previously purchased X1 remote/hub, so was familiar with its configuration through the Sofabaton App (iPadOS in my case). The configuration is fairly straightforward, but may take some time and effort for the novice user. Making a note of each device to be added – their make and model number and the corresponding inputs to which they are interconnected will make things easier when adding them and setting up the Activities.Customer service is available via the App and in my experience, queries are responded to reasonably quickly. I was particularly pleased with the handling of my issue with the previous X1.Once set up this is proving to be a reliable universal smart remote greatly simplifying the operation of the multitude of AV kit sitting under the TV.Update: I had an issue with the new IP device configuration, whereby my URL was considered invalid. The response from Sofabaton customer support was excellent with timely updates and a satisfactory resolution. Best customer support I've had in a long time!

Having had an Harmony Elite for many years I decided that it was only a matter of time before it failed so a replacement was sought but there really was only one option, the SofaBaton.Initially I was impressed with the packaging, the handset and hub, also included were 3 blasters for if your units are in closed cupboards (not a good idea for heat dissipation).The hub power adapter (UK) confused me initially because the earth pin was too close to the other pins, on closer inspection I found that the earth pin could be slid out to the normal position.App (IOS) downloaded no problem.On trying to connect the hub to my iPad it could not make a Bluetooth connection until I went into the App Settings and found the “Allow Bluetooth” switch was off, once this was rectified everything connected fine.I now proceeded to add my TV as the first device but my exact model wasn’t listed, although the database is very comprehensive, so I picked the closest option, at this point I was sat at my desk at the opposite end of the room (fairly large) and at right angles to the TV so was very pleased when the TV responded immediately to the remote commands. I had been concerned about the strength to the IR signal since I wanted to put the hub in the AV cabinet and bounce the IR across the room and back but no problem at all.Continued to add my other unis but in most cases had to select similar models since my exact units were not listed, however everything worked fine. I did have to add a few commands from my Harmony but this was really easy with the App detailing the procedure and was very quick.Setting up Activities took rather longer mainly due to the required Power Settings but I remember having similar problems with the Harmony, all CEC settings are set to Off.Handset battery life looks good so far, whether it will make 45 days remains to be seen, we had to charge the Harmony every three days.The App is really good, comprehensive database and handset excellent with buttons small but well separated. Easy to to set up, overall really impressed, far better than I was expecting.

I really wanted to like this remote in the hope that I could finally retire my Logitech harmony elite. I spent ages seeing it up, struggling with the hub intermittently disconnecting from WiFi. I eventually got everything set up and working but after a couple of test goes the activities just started going wrong. Troubleshooting fixed then but again, only temporarily. I have up in the end. Luckily the elite still has app and database support! Aesthetically, the elite is better. The sofabaton battery life us a plus though. Anyway, it's been returned

It's a really good universal remote for complicated home TV setups (TV, Receiver, multiple video sources). It's a bit of a pain to set up, the process takes longer and is more repetitive than it needs to be, but once done it's nice and responsive, devices come on and set to the correct inputs, with functions like volume and menu buttons being sent to the correct devices.The companion phone app isn't great, it takes more taps that necessary to get to a screen where you can turn everything off.Battery life is a lot better than the Harmony ever was - a month between recharges, and then only a USB C cable needed, compared to needing to spend hours in a proprietary docking cradle every 2 days.