The impossible dream of the universal remote: the Harmony story
The latest episode of 'Version History' explores the rise and fall of the Harmony universal remote, a product that once came close to solving the universal control problem but eventually faded away.
The Verge has released the first episode of the fourth season of its podcast 'Version History', focusing on the history of the Harmony universal remote. Host David Pierce, along with Nilay Patel and John Higgins, is joined by special guest Matt Rogers, CEO of Mill and former co-founder of Nest, to discuss two decades of buttons and touchscreens.
The Harmony began as the 'Easy Zapper', was later acquired by Logitech, and for years dominated the universal remote market. However, it eventually declined, partly due to the rise of smart TVs and integrated entertainment systems. Despite this, the idea of a single device controlling everything remains compelling.
This episode is the first in a series about smart home devices, covering everything from Hue lights to Keurig coffee makers and the viral sensation The Clapper. Subscribers to The Verge can listen ad-free, while others can access the podcast through standard platforms.
