Since Logitech left the universal remote market with the discontinuation of its Harmony line , no manufacturer has managed to claim the crown of the perfect universal remote. Digital assistants, which allow users to control devices with voice commands, are partly to blame. However, the need for a physical remote remains, and there's no clear solution. Until now?
Cantata Haptique RS90
Initially launched as a Kickstarter project, the idea has raised over $670.000, far exceeding its $9.000 goal. It consists of two different models, the Haptique RS90 and Haptique RS90X , presented as universal remotes compatible with all types of protocols, allowing you to control any device in your home.
With a design that is very reminiscent of another old acquaintance of universal remotes, Neeo (which ended up being abandoned and sold as an independent project), the peculiarity of the Haptique RS90 is that it has a tilt that recalls the shapes of a semi-open Motorola RAZR. Its screen is 3 inches and on it you can see the covers of the music that is playing, the covers of the content you are watching on Netflix, or directly access the different rooms to take control of all the devices that exist there.
In total, they have 24 physical buttons with which to control a large number of functions beyond volume and channel change. The interesting thing is that the RS90X model has an infrared reader to be able to clone signals from all types of controls, as well as Bluetooth 5.0, Android 12 and 2 GB of RAM, being the most complete model in the family.
Community-based and open API
But beyond the physical appeal of the controller and how well its menus work, the truly important thing about the product will be its open API so that developers can create new ways of controlling other unknown devices, thus opening up an infinite range of possibilities.
All device configuration is done from the official Android and iOS app, which can also act as a remote control in case the Haptique runs out of battery.
A high price for a special remote control
But just like with similar remote controls with screens before, its price won't be particularly low, with the RS90 model officially priced at €600 . The good news is that if you back the project on Kickstarter, you can still get one for €240, a huge saving.
On the other hand, the RS90X will cost around 750 euros , and on Kickstarter it can currently be bought for 300 euros, clearly being the best of the proposals.
Source: Cantata