To use voice commands with my universal remote, related to voice command remotes for you for your convenience. These things are practically magical and allow you to do all kinds of things you never thought possible with a universal remote. For the sake of your sanity and ease of use, make sure you get yourself one today.
Universal remotes are designed when multiple devices are connected to work without having anything specific locked into each device’s wireless system. Usually, the remote is tethered to a device with the best working IR system or uses the most advanced technology, such as Bluetooth. For example, most universal remotes use infrared (IR) light to control devices, and some can connect over Bluetooth.
Using an IR remote is different from connecting via Bluetooth. The IR signal is emitted by lamps within the remote and receivers placed on devices. The receivers in most devices allow for a variety of buttons to be defined so you can control all kinds of programs and features that require a lot of button-pushing. Some devices allow for touch screens to be utilized as well. Here are some of the features you can expect in terms of connectivity with the most common universal remotes:
Check also: Best Universal Remote Apps for Roku
Infrared – Infrared remotes use a signal from a light bulb and send it to a sensor in your equipment. Usually, this signal is used for universal programmable remotes, as they have more buttons and are allowed to control many devices concurrently. This is how they can control specific equipment with IR. Many devices also now qualify for Bluetooth or other wireless methods of communication. However, infrared is still beneficial on devices that may not support an advanced connectivity method.
Bluetooth – Bluetooth uses light, but it is a different kind of light. The Bluetooth signal is transferred similarly to IR but uses an alien ray, requiring the receivers and transmitters to be very specific. This allows your remote to be connected to your smartphone or tablet and control the device from there while still sending the signal. This can be done from anywhere in the home, not just directly in line with the receiver on your device or through walls and obstructions.
Digital satellite – Digital satellite remotes usually use infrared or digital satellite sensors built into devices for a more advanced control system that does not require line of sight communication. In other words, your remote has a built-in transmitter and a receiver, and you can command it just by pointing at it. The downside is that most people do not need this advanced control system, as they will primarily be using the device with the remotes they already purchased or are pairing.
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Best Universal Remotes with Voice Control
The universal remote is a powerhouse of connectivity. A typical universal remote can connect with more than one device, but the more advanced remotes can connect across multiple devices in their house and even outside of their home. Remote controls for your game systems are also available with some universal remotes.
1. Logitech Harmony Hub
Logitech has you covered if you need a universal remote to control your home theater. The voice command system can operate up to 12 devices simultaneously. It’s easy to pick up and use with its low learning curve, and it even supports Apple HomeKit. A cool feature is its ability to remember your settings for set-top boxes and gaming consoles that have been on the market for decades.
Pros:
- Can control up to 12 devices with one remote
- Easy setup, even for beginners
Cons:
With its price tag of $, you will get a lot of bang for your buck as it comes standard with nearly all the features you need to control your home theater. The universal remote has a color touchscreen display that provides an excellent hardware interface to operate the various components, including panning, zooming, swiping, and pressing on the screen.
2. Harmony Elite One Universal Remote (Amazon)
The Harmony Elite One universal remote controls your WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled devices such as lights n your TV. You don’t have to worry about compatibility issues with its near-universal compatibility. It also has a camera that recognizes your hand gestures and allows you to swipe through device menus or apps seamlessly.
Pros:
The screen is a capacitive touchscreen that is easy to use and is one of the main reasons you will love this remote. It has a 7-inch display with over 8,000 brands, including obscure ones. Its integrated microphone helps control your TV, cable box, and audio equipment with voice commands such as “Harmony.
Cons:
Some users have lower performance with the remote as its touch screen sometimes freezes up. It is also not user-friendly if you are still learning to use it properly. A learning curve attached to this remote and a room full of remotes can make the setup difficult for people. If you have more than one Harmony remote, you will need a hub for them to sync up with each other.
3. Logitech Harmony 650 Infrared All in One Remote Control
The Logitech Harmony 650 Infrared, All in One Remote Control, is a new remote control that will do more than just change channels. The Logitech Harmony 650 Infrared, All in One Remote Control, is perfect for a home theater with many components and even different rooms. It can be programmed to control up to 15 infra-red devices, and up to 5,000 various commands are possible.
They are programming the Logitech Harmony 650 Infrared All in One Remote Control through easy-to-use software. Many users spend money on a device never intended to use what they already have. Although the Logitech Harmony 650 Infrared All in One Remote Control may look similar to other complete set remotes, it can control multiple devices at once.
Pros:
- It comes with a setup button to find codes for devices automatically
- High-quality keys with backlighting
- Reduces the need for various remotes and power adapters.
Cons:
- Only works over infrared, not RF (radio frequency) Logitech Harmony 650 Infrared All in One Remote Control Most original remote sets provide very little versatility.
- This can not only be frustrating, but it can also be expensive.
4. Caavo Control Centre
The Caavo Control Centre is, just by the name alone, a potent product for anyone who has to use a voice-controlled universal remote. It features the most advanced gesture and voice control in its price range and is compatible with more than 300 devices from over 20 manufacturers. The device comes with a sleek black design that makes it easy to integrate into any modern aesthetic, while software upgrades will add new gestures and commands over time, free of charge.
Pros:
The novelty of having your TV, music player, and DVD/Blu-ray player controlled through just your voice is reinventing the universal remote. A genuinely excellent voice command system will make everyone who uses it happy. The gesture control feature turns the whole setup into a giant game of rock, paper, scissors that could amuse and entertain you for hours. The wireless design makes it a perfect product for anyone who wants to use both hands for different tasks. It also comes with a built-in microphone so you can talk to Alexa and receive multimedia information without even taking out your smartphone from its pocket.
Cons:
The entertainment factor could get a bit old for some people. The functionality is not much different from the standard universal remote controls, but the price tag will turn off for those who need a regular remote to control their TV and other devices. Therefore, some features take time to master and might not be worth it if you don’t use them daily.
5. Logitech Harmony Companion
The Logitech Harmony Companion is a universal remote control with voice control, enabled by the “Harmony” app. It supports smartphones, tablets, and other intelligent devices. The Logitech Harmony Companion offers one-touch control of up to 15 devices – so you can watch TV. Listen to music or change the lights on your schedule without having to fumble around for different remotes. You can even use it in tandem with your smart home devices to have lights turn on and off.
Pros:
Sleek and compact design, with easy-to-use buttons for all of your home entertainment needs. Allows you to use the Harmony Hub as a universal remote control for even more functions, like the ability to control smart home devices. Hands-free voice recognition is great for an all-in-one remote that is simple enough for consumers just getting started in the smart home arena.
Cons:
The Harmony Companion costs more than many other universal remotes on the market, and since it has a charging base, you have to remember to place it after every use. This remote can also be used with other Logitech Harmony remotes for more flexibility. The biggest complaint about this remote is the price tag, and it is more expensive than many competing models and add-ons but doesn’t offer much more functionality. In that case, this may be worth the money, especially if you are looking for a simple solution that includes voice control.
Why choose the best universal remotes with voice control?
Remote controls are not what they used to be. Gone are the days of pressing complicated sequences to change the channel or adjust the volume. Remote controls have evolved into full-fledged universal remotes that can control just about everything in your home — TVs, AV receivers, soundbars, cable boxes and more. If you’re in the market for a universal remote with voice control, here are four things you need to know before deciding which one is right for you:
- 1) Find out whether it will work with your devices – Make sure your equipment is on the list and has a native app or plug-in that will provide voice and IR control on compatible hardware.
- 2) Comparison – It’s important to compare apples to apples when choosing one control system over another.
- 3) Expectations – Make sure the equipment in question supports calls, texts, and even reading out of messages. Some devices can be customized for hands-free operation; others require a smartphone or tablet that allows voice control and text messaging. You’ll also want to make sure that all of your devices are compatible with the same or similar technology.
- Why is voice control important?
Because it brings proper hands-free convenience to your home, you can control an entire system with an exact word, including sending text messages and placing calls. Below are three devices that offer the best of both worlds — robust universal control and voice-operated device controls right out of the box. Multi-device control with an easy to use intelligent remote
Logitech Harmony Ultimate is a full-featured universal control hub that supports multiple devices. It connects wirelessly to your home network and automatically syncs all your equipment through iOS or Android. You can even group devices by room, so you’ll always have the perfect stereo or surround sound system for the big game. Plus, you can use the voice command feature and customize your screen layouts for up to 50 different brands of AV equipment.
The Harmony Ultimate not only provides a simple way to control everything in your home, but it also provides access to thousands of apps via Logitech’s popular Harmony Hub platform. With a simple click of the “Watch TV” action button or “Play PS4” or “Open Netflix App” on your device, you can control each of these apps using the bright, four-color touchscreen and intuitive menus. With this ultimate universal remote control, you have voice command, swipe gestures and a top-of-the-line smart hub for all your home electronics. Easy to use, anywhere with your smartphone or tablet
Logitech Harmony Elite is a reliable partner in the battle against the clutter that comes from having multiple remotes lying around. But it goes one step further by integrating your phone into the mix as well. Now, no matter what you’re doing, all you have to do is push a button on your smartphone, and the TV will turn on.
Harmony Elite is also compatible with Apple AirPlay, and select your device, and you’re good to go. You can even use the touch-screen menus or pick the touch-screen keys to operate everything in your living room. You can even use voice commands through Siri and Google Now on your iPhone or Android device.
Virat Raj is a Digital Marketing Practitioner & International Keynote Speaker currently living a digital nomad lifestyle. During his more than 10 years-long expertise in digital marketing, Virat Raj has been a marketing consultant, trainer, speaker, and author of “Learn Everyday yourself: In Pursuit of Learning” which has sold over 10,000 copies, worldwide.