Logitech Harmony and Ubi

Just a couple of weeks ago, we released a review of Ubi, the voice of the internet. It’s a wonderful computer that acts as a digital personal assistant, similar to the way that Apple’s Siri or Google Now does. With a simple, “Ok, Ubi,” voice command, you can request current weather or even just historical facts that Ubi can recall by connecting to its internet-driven servers.

Yesterday, Ubi, together with Logitech, announced the availability of a new API for the Harmony remote system. This API will allow developers to leverage the Logitech platform of more than 270,000 home entertainment and automation devices to create smart home experience. UCIC, the creators of the Ubi, join the Logitech family of companies – a list that includes IFTTT, Ivee, SmartThings, and Platabase.

“We know that entertainment is critical to the smart home experience, and will be a main driver for mass adoption of smart home products,” said Mark Spates, head of the smart home platform for Logitech Harmony. “By opening our platform to developers, we’re giving developers the ability to create complete smart home experiences that include the living room, knowing that their entertainment component will offer the same flawless experience that consumers have come to expect from Harmony.”

This new partnership is going to make it possible for Harmony users to interact with their TV and home entertainment systems like never before. Imagine starting your favorite movie by asking Ubi to play it or being able to simultaneously dim your lights by saying a single word. Using the API, developers are already working to add voice, gesture and motion control to the Harmony smart home control experience.

“Part of the value of the Ubi platform is the ability to expand voice to more connected devices. One of the places people spend the most time in the home when they’re relaxing is the living room. Harmony makes it easy to connect and control device and we can enhance this interaction through connecting the Ubi – turning on the TV for a relaxing evening or setting the lights to the right mood.”

The Harmony API is available now and can be found at www.myharmony.com/developer. To learn more, please visit www.myharmony.com.