https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sofabaton/sofabaton-x1

 

 

Looks like it could be a good contender?

Thanks for letting us know @Marc.

I have taken the plunge.

While I have a dedicated control system now, I'm thinking of taking the plunge too ... 

Just as a back up and to help get it off the ground. I still feel Logi left a ginormous hole.

I have played around with the U1 model which on the surface looks nice, but not quite as well built as the Logitech. Screen is very low resolution and the little wheel on the remote id far too sensitive. But the X1 does show promise.

 

I've used the U1 too and think it's a good remote for the price, but definitely not up to the Harmony in terms of build or features.

 

I've also been keeping an eye on the Yio-Remote project, which is a great looking RTI/Control4 style remote for DIYers and tinkerers.

13 minutes ago, GaryT said:

I've also been keeping an eye on the Yio-Remote project, which is a great looking RTI/Control4 style remote for DIYers and tinkerers.

Oh my.

 

Sign me up.

I only discovered them after their first gen kickstarter was done, so I'm keeping a very keen eye on their super polished gen 2 model. very exited to see an open source answer to the high end stuff, they even have home assistant integration to control everything from media to lighting to climate, blinds, security cameras and all.

 

Very slow progress though, as it's a very small team and they've been hit with huge delays because of the recent apocalypse, but the previous rPi based gen 1 showed they can do it.

On 30/08/2021 at 11:13 AM, GaryT said:

I've used the U1 too and think it's a good remote for the price, but definitely not up to the Harmony in terms of build or features.

 

I've also been keeping an eye on the Yio-Remote project, which is a great looking RTI/Control4 style remote for DIYers and tinkerers.

The Sofabaton X1 looks like a replacement for Harmony Elite / Hub buts the positioning of the YIO-Remote 2 is a little less clear. Is this the same thing just without a dedicated hub and a bigger screen? Or is it a different beast altogether? 

YIO are going after the Control4 and RTI crowd by the looks of it, with a customisable linux powered remote with IR, Wi-Fi and bluetooth built in. 

 

Have a look at the Control4 Neeo for example, but imagine an open source user configurable version with third party app support, so beyond the usual media, lighting, AC etc you can have things like security cameras, home automation dashboards, intercoms, etc.

 

Won't be cheap, but the upfront cost of the Control4 and RTI options are only part of the cost since they need to be configured by an authorised installer, and you cant customise much after that. Add or change one piece of gear in the house and you have to call in an expert to reprogram it.

I decided to pull the trigger and back this one. Hope it does as advertised.

On 02/09/2021 at 8:45 AM, Marc said:

I decided to pull the trigger and back this one. Hope it does as advertised.

Which one @Marc, the Softabaton or the YIO?

I have backed the YIO

I went with the Sofabaton.

Looks bloody primitive compared to the Logitech

Sofabaton x1 is now available on Amazon should I take the plunge and replace my harmony one

 

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09VGXGV9S?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_XDYFT2GPS4RXMGBQDZ7R

What’s everyone’s thoughts on this remote compared to the Harmony Elite ?

This also looks like a really good option on kickstarter  (Yio remote two) now known as https://www.unfoldedcircle.com/

On 02/09/2021 at 10:45 AM, Marc said:

I decided to pull the trigger and back this one. Hope it does as advertised.

 

So @Marc, did you get along with the sofabaton or not? Have read quite a few people ended up being very disappointed with it.

On 12/06/2022 at 9:34 PM, ~Spyne~ said:

 

So @Marc, did you get along with the sofabaton or not? Have read quite a few people ended up being very disappointed with it.

 

I'd love to be able to answer that, but mine never showed up. Still trying to chase it or a refund up! 

6 hours ago, Marc said:

 

I'd love to be able to answer that, but mine never showed up. Still trying to chase it or a refund up!

 

Ha, good luck with that...

Your situation is also one of the outcomes I'd read about.

On 08/06/2022 at 2:04 PM, GTIR01 said:

This also looks like a really good option on kickstarter  (Yio remote two) now known as https://www.unfoldedcircle.com/

This was already mentioned in numerous posts above your one.

 

FYI I have backed the YIO.

Sofabaton are releasing a new version (X2) in October.

 

Significantly different to the X1S - IR from the remote, touch screen (colour) with keypad in screen, plus some hard buttons, a hub and a separate IR repeater, plus a dock.  Lots more support for advanced users.

 

No idea of likely price yet.  I'm expecting well over $500.  We will see.

 

Benje

I'll jump in if so. Our Sofabatons have stood the test of time and kid's abuse.

Looks like it's already out:

 

https://www.sofabaton.com/

Don't think so. We're waiting on the X2?

Yes, we are waiting on the X2, which looks like a big upgrade on the X1S currently available, which is far preferable to the U2 currently available.  Next month for release, fingers crossed.