Replacing harmony one hub and remote...what approach to take

Hello All

Q: What hardware to replace the harmony one remote control with.

Like a fair number of people I jumped on the logitech harmony remote solution several years ago and to be fair until Logitech pulled the plug I had no intention of changing.

Knowing there is a ethereal axe waiting to fall when the servers turn off gave me the final push to jump into HA. I figured I had a two part problem, a) replace the hub, b) replace the remote controller.

Any issues with my logic?

Q: How to replace the harmony hub
A: Use HA with the right hardware. I’ve got to the point whereby with some trial and error with yaml configurations HA can turn on and control most of my hardware independently of my harmony hub, including:

  • Roku TV
  • Onkyo Amp
  • MediaPC
  • Amazon Fire TV

So that covers off, WatchTV, WatchFilms, PlayMusic stye activities.

The major exception being the Xbox One, what a PITA…but thats another story/post!

Q: What hardware to replace the harmony one remote control with?
What I’m stuck on now is what hardware could replace the remote control and hook up with HA, i’d really like some ideas but I suspect I’m looking for a unicorn.

What i’d like would:

  • have tactle buttons not touchscreen…I’ve tried and its just so slow and inaccurate to use. I could work with a hybrid.
  • Ideally not use IR
  • integrate with HA
  • be relatively small

I’ve looked at the SofaBatons, doesn’t seem like it will do the job, again other servers I believe
I’ve looked at the Unfolded Circle, and while I have huge respect for the product, it just seems huge size wise.
I like the FLIRC remote but thats IR

Has any one got any ideas or success stories?