Logitech Harmony Link Makes A Universal Remote Of Your iPad/Android

Logitech has announced the Harmony Link, turning your iPad, iPhone, iPod touch or Android device into a universal remote. Pairing an WiFi-enabled IR blaster dongle and custom apps for each platform, the Harmony Link can replace up to eight remotes and supports macros such as "Watch a Movie" to automatically turn on your HDTV, Blu-ray deck, surround system and – if you have a fancy intelligent lighting rig – dim your lights too. The iPad app also includes personalized, in-app TV listings.

The company in fact previewed the Harmony Link concept all the way back in June 2010, as part of its Google TV offering. This commercial product, however, doesn't rely on Google TV at all; instead you can use it with any of the preconfigured IR codes for over 5,000 brands Logitech has pre-programmed, or teach it the IR signals of an unknown brand by using the existing remote.

Unfortunately the iPhone/iPod touch and Android apps don't support the in-app TV listings on the iPad, and there's no word on whether that will change in the future. You do get a mini IR blaster, however, allowing you to control A/V kit in a cupboard. The Logitech Harmony Link is expected to go on sale in October, priced at $99.99.