Sofabaton U2 Smart Universal Remote Review
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Sofabaton (Love that name) sent me out a smart remote that uses an app to program it. It reminds me of an inexpensive Logitech Harmony remote...without some of the drawbacks. This smart remote uses standard AA batteries, programs with a fairly simple app (once you get to know it) and has 500,000 devices in the cloud (and more...if your device isn't there you can request it be added). Smart Remotes on this level I'd expect to cost a bit more, as the Logitech Harmony was well over $200 (and I believe over $300 when I first got it). This remote is under $60 USD and can replace quite a few remotes.
That said, it's not perfect, and in this review I try to break down the good, the bad, and the awkward.
Note: This review is based on software that was before an August 2023 update which fixed some of the critiques. I've noted that in the video via text overlays where I can. When a company actually supports the software and fixes it and updates it, it can make a review feel a bit outdated right off...that's the nature of video reviews. That being said, much of what I say about the feel, look, functionality is all relevant. Sofabaton has been very responsive to me and my feedback on the remote, and I'll update here if they fix further critiques.
Here's an associates link to the official store:
amzn.to/44YXhw0
Пікірлер: 16
I'm surprised nobody is simply emulating what the Harmony remotes do. I want to set up devices, then set up activities or macros that make use of the devices. Harmony activities could turn on and off the devices associated. The Sofabaton macros just fire the exact same codes with each press. Then theres no help function for when your remote accidentally misses turning on a device or switching to the correct source. I bought the U2, but I am going to return it. Wish I saw this review sooner.
@geektoolkit
6 ай бұрын
It’s a frustrating hole that Harmony has left and I hope someone cracks the code soon
I went ahead and bought the remote, despite some of the negatives, because my Harmony has gone stupid. I like the idea of an App interface because that give so much flexibility. However, like you, I feel that creating an account for stupid things like this is bad. But I can deal with it. What you did not mention (or perhaps they added it since) is that it want to "access your location" and will not proceed without it. WTF do they need my location! Every time I go this Universal Remote cycle (I have had a number over the years) I am flabbergasted that nobody can make a remote that actually is good AT ANY PRICE! Sometimes I toy with the idea of just making my own!
@geektoolkit
9 ай бұрын
It’s very frustrating that we don’t have a company that’s been able to nail this. I don’t recall the location requirement but the challenge with reviewing things like this is the mfg can update the app right after the videos recorded and make the whole thing outdated. I will keep an eye out for better options and see if any come my way
Is there a way to set this up without a previously chewed up by the dog remote? This thing wouldnt find my TV. And i cant use IR to set it up remote to remote
@geektoolkit
11 ай бұрын
If your tv isn’t in the database email their support and report it and they’ve been getting things added. Can you find the brand at least? Sometimes the same brand will get you close enough as well
@Damomonopolos
11 ай бұрын
@@geektoolkit yeah it's an LG something something within the last 2 years, the problem is that it wont predictive text fill in, and I dont remember the exact model
Great review. This made me decide on NOT buying the remote 🙂
@geektoolkit
10 ай бұрын
Yeah a good review will hopefully help the decision not make it! This one I struggled with but it highlighted some of the issues in general with these smart remotes. I’m still looking for the perfect one!
From all that I understand it's not the Harmony replacement the hype pretended. That exclusive on-off issue Harmony solved by storing the devices status, so when doing combinations (macros), it didn't send a TV-ON again, if it's already ON. Hmmm...which is the next candidate?
@geektoolkit
11 ай бұрын
The other one I reviewed is a step up, but has the same issue related to on/off, however it CAN communiate with home assistant. That would be a much more complex setup, but could be ideal. The Harmony macro memory is cool for pre-cec devices, but my devices sometimes turn each other on via CEC (for instance the xbox will turn on my reciever and tv) and I believe that would put it all out of sync. We REALLY need discrete codes to move the experience forward, and it's a bit frustrating that's not just a thing in recent devices!
@karenwolofsky1653
6 ай бұрын
Did you say that this 100% does not work if I keep my Directv box or this hub “behind” cabinet doors? My Harmony Ultimate is on the Fritz with battery issues. I use it for my Samsung & Sound Bar so kinda desperate what to replace it with. ?? Thx so much.
@geektoolkit
6 ай бұрын
@karenwolofsky1653 if the item uses IR then this won’t work without an IR repeater. IR repeaters are usually inexpensive and can route the IR through a cabinet. Just something good to look into. It’d allow this and other IR solutions to work
Looked up on Amazon about to buy, but you got into the register... So, NO I'm gone... China is not going to be able to turn off my remote, thanks....
@geektoolkit
11 ай бұрын
Yeah I gave them that feedback….like….why do we have to register everything, esp. a remote?! It was a really odd choice on their part