I have been using the X1 for 8 months. I previously had a Harmony Hub with Companion Remote. After 8 Months I think the X1 is better then the Harmony. Here is what I like about the X1:
- Excellent build quality. It feels great in your hand. It has a good weight to it and has rounded corners. It feels more premium then the Harmony Companion Remote.
- Backlit Buttons
- Minimalist design that doesn't have too many buttons
- LCD Screen
- Relatively easy setup
Here are my suggested opportunities for improvement on future models:
- It occasionally looses connectivity with the hub and/or with the Apple TV via Bluetooth. The wifi connection is excellent with an Eero Hub about 3 feet from the hub so there doesn't appear to be a reason for the disconnects.
- The app is pretty good for setup but could be tweeked to be slightly more user friendly.
- I was able to get it to connect to my Echo Dot but the instructions were not accurate and it took alot of time and some trial and error to get it to work. Here is a link to my instructions in case anyone needs them. https://www.avsforum.com/threads/sofabaton-x1.3211340/post-62447791 Additionally, the Harmony would also let Alexa pause, change channels and change the volume. The X1 only allows Alexa to turn on and off the system.
- The back button is in an inconvenient location that can't be reached without either using my other hand or shifting the remote in my hand so I can reach the top of the remote. I would suggest moving the back button below the screen next to the scroll wheel.
- The battery doesn't last as long as advertised. I usually have to recharge the battery every couple of weeks.
- There isn't a good battery indicator. It only appears on the main menu and not on any other screen. It doesn't show a percent so you never know exactly how much battery is left. There is no overt warning when the battery is low or below 10% like you would get on most other devices. Therefore the battery just dies with know prior warning. Personally I'd rather it just took regular batteries. I buy batteries in bulk so it would be much easier to just get up and replace the batteries rather then have to go put it on a charger and then find my phone or the original remote to continue watching TV.
These are nitpicks and do not change my overall view of the remote. It is a very capable remote and an excellent replacement for the Harmony remotes. I was an early adoptor of the Harmony remotes and the early units were far from perfect. It took years for them to incrementally improve their remotes. I'm confident that sofabaton will continue to innovate and improve their remotes.