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Logitech emphasizing free Android, iPhone apps for Google TV control instead of its remotes

It looks like Logitech is willing to make a dent in the sales of its Harmony line of universal remote controls as long as you buy another Logitech device—its forthcoming Google TV box.According to the company's blog, you will get Harmony Link technology inside the Logitech box when it becomes available this fall.
Written by Sean Portnoy, Contributor

It looks like Logitech is willing to make a dent in the sales of its Harmony line of universal remote controls as long as you buy another Logitech device—its forthcoming Google TV box.

According to the company's blog, you will get Harmony Link technology inside the Logitech box when it becomes available this fall. Essentially, "it’s the brains that allow us to take in all kinds of signals and send them out as infrared (IR) commands." Considering how most remotes already use IR, this will make it easier for them to work with the Google TV device, though I imagine your ability to use all of the functions will be limited by the capabilities of your current remote.

Another (free) option is to use your smartphone. Logitech says it's building a no-charge app to download for your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone. In particular, the iPad app would make it less likely that you would need to buy another Logitech Google TV accessory like a wireless keyboard since you'd have a sizeable virtual keyboard built in already.

Using your Apple device to control a Google-powered platform? Wonder how that will make Steve Jobs feel. Perhaps we'll find out as soon as tomorrow at WWDC if Jobs and company have a new Apple TV up their sleeve to compete fully with Google's growing Android ecosystem.

[Via Gizmodo]

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