Just launched by Cantata, the Haptique RS90 universal remote is poised to fill a significant market gap left by the discontinuation of the Logitech Harmony series. With a blend of a touchscreen and physical buttons, the Haptique RS90 promises a superior user experience tailored for the modern smart home.
In the wake of the Logitech Harmony discontinuation, there has been a noticeable void in the market for a robust and versatile universal controller. The RS90 is Cantata's response, designed to seamlessly control an extensive array of home devices via infrared (IR), Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. By integrating controls for gadgets across a spectrum ranging from TVs to complete home automation systems, this controller is set to redefine interaction in smart environments.
Dual-Interface Design
The Haptique RS90 distinguishes itself with a dual-interface that includes intuitive physical buttons for essential commands and a slightly tilted 3.2-inch touchscreen for enhanced interaction and display of detailed controls. This touchscreen boasts a resolution of 480 pixels by 800 pixels, ensuring clear and responsive touch interactions. This approach not only simplifies day-to-day operations but also enriches the control by providing direct access to sophisticated features without needing a separate hub or additional accessories.
Device Compatibility and Connectivity
The RS90 works with and without smart hubs or controllers, providing absolute control over home electronics with just Haptique. Equipped with infrared, WiFi (dual band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), and Bluetooth, it is designed to offer maximum flexibility. The RS90 model comes with Android 8.10.0, while the RS90X runs on Android 12, featuring a more advanced set of capabilities, including Bluetooth 5.0 + BLE.
Hardware and Security
The RS90 series features an aluminum chassis for durability and a premium feel. The RS90 model includes 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of flash storage, powered by a quad-core ARM processor. In contrast, the RS90X steps up with 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of flash storage, and an octa-core ARM processor, providing more power and efficiency.
Security is a key feature, with the RS90X model incorporating a fingerprint sensor for user-defined policies and enhanced protection. This, along with the IR reader, makes the RS90X a robust and secure choice for smart home control.
User Experience and Customization
Macros are at the heart of the Haptique UI, offering extreme customization while also providing predefined activities such as watching TV, listening to music, and game time. Quick buttons on the home screen allow for quick control of added devices, enabling users to switch between two devices from one screen without an additional page change.
Launch and Future Prospects
Cantata aims to kickstart the distribution of the RS90 with a showcase at IFA 2024, Europe’s largest tech show, scheduled from September 6 to 10 in Berlin. This event will likely include live demonstrations, offering tech enthusiasts and potential users a first-hand look at its capabilities. Prior to this, a Kickstarter campaign has been launched to fund the final stages of development and production, appealing to early adopters and tech aficionados who are keen to be part of innovative advancements in smart home technology.
The introduction of the Haptique RS90 heralds a new era in home automation. With its standout features, broad device compatibility, and the promise of adding more integrations, the RS90 is geared to not just meet but exceed the expectations set by its predecessors in the universal remote market.
As Cantata sets the stage with the RS90, it will be interesting to watch how this device stands against the demands of a continually advancing smart home industry.
More must-reads: