Sofabaton X2 review
Although I'm still able to program my Logitech Harmony One, I'm afraid that Logitech will remove support one day completely. Furthermore, the newer Logitech software also lacks some basic functionality like ordering your activities (only possible in the app for Harmonies with a hub which I don't have).
So I decided to go for a new universal remote to control my HTPC, PS5, amplifier, tv, etc. After searching for a long time, I decided to go for the Sofabaton X2. The Unfolded Circle also looked interesting, but it was unclear when it would actually be available.
Setting up the remote was relatively straightforward. Below are some remarks and issues I’ve encountered.
- App works fine although syncing is not that fast especially with devices that have a lot of keys (like a Microsoft MCE Keyboard). Perhaps an option to not always automatically synchronise would be an idea.
- I bought the X2 because the remote itself has an IR transmitter. In comparison to the Logitech Harmony, it seems a bit weaker. I have to aim more precisely at the device (e.g my Rotel RC-1580 amplifier). I’ve tried increasing the number of repeats to amplify the signal, but that doesn’t seem to help.
- The database of devices is understandably smaller than the one of Logitech, but you have the ability to learn IR-commands. That worked fine for the devices I have. I did have to adjust quite some existing configurations, because they were not completely correct. It seems possible to upload newly created configurations to Sofabaton, but I haven’t figured out yet how to do that (perhaps just mail support?)
I have a Linak TV lift which is controlled by an ESP32 with a simple webserver. A very nice feature of the remote is to also call API’s. This way, I can now also control the TV lift with the remote.
Controlling my PS5 with the remote also works fine, although you can’t switch it on with the remote. But that’s a limitation of the PS5 itself.
The button layout of the remote is nice. I like the fact there’s a separate submenu for the numbers on the touch screen. The back button is also located on a much better place than on the X1S. Personally, I would have used icons for the lower three buttons instead of A,B and C. The dimensions and weight of the remote are perfect for me.
The Sofabaton software of the remote works well. The touch screen is responsive. I do have some small remarks.
- Personally, I would have placed the Activities button to the top left of the screen.
- Starting an activity is done by enabling the slider. Just pressing it would have been fine with me as well.
- When you grab the remote after charging, the battery indicator still shows the initial capacity when you started charging it. Just pressing a button on the touch screen solves that. Seems like a small bug.
All in all, I'm very happy with the remote. The remote has a sleek design and the app works well. There are some issues which could be improved, but I'm sure Sofabaton will work on that.