Hello, all, new 659 user here (like it). If this subject has been covered previously, I failed to find it.

Are we entirely at the mercy of Logitech when it comes to product life? The unit seems to be unprogrammable without the use of the ‘Net, so if Logitech withdrew support for the unit, we’d be left with paperweights.

To be sure, considerations like not wanting to antagonize an existing customer base probably dictate a nice, long support phase, but I feel a little nervous. At least with my old Radio Shack remotes it was the advance of technology that began limiting their usefulness, not a corporate/marketing decision about the cost of maintaining a web based service.

Jed

This question used to come up when there was a small, relatively unknown Canadian technology company at the helm, and at that time, the assurance came to the user community from Intrigue Technologies directly that in the event that the Harmony line of remotes were to be discontinued, a method for continued support would absolutely be made available. I would imagine that Logitech in its infinite wisdom would see the value in continuing to honor this arrangement in the unlikely event that the line of remotes is cut short. Somehow, given the steady rise in popularity of the Harmony way of life, I don't see them getting rid of it so fast! We'll all just have to keep our fingers crossed, but the same can be said of many of the technologies we have integrated into our daily lives.

For spare parts, most companies are required to support a product for 7 years after the last one is sold. That was definitely the policy at Apple when I was there. I don't know if the law extends to something like programming a Harmomony over the web, but its the policy most companies follow.

As for the advance of technology - that's the advantage of a Harmony - new devices are added to the database all the time and unless there is a fundamental change in the way signals are transmitted to equipment (highly unlikely given FCC regulation of the rest of the EM spectrum) it should be able to keep up. (Unlike remotes that have "codes" and have trouble controlling obsucre equipment or equipment that is newer than they are.)

Also assuming some sort of Harmony line continues there is no reason for Logitech to stop supporting any particular remote model. The 7xx are still supported all the 6xx use the same web application.... I would not worry.

... and even if Logitech didn't formally support the 659 product in the future, I would think they would still provide the web interface to it. That is, I doubt you'd be left with a paperweight if the product became unsupported. Then again, that's just my opinion and I have no way of knowing Logitech's plans. It would be interesting to hear how Logitech has phased out other products since they've been making mice, keyboards and other products as long as I can remember. Of course, if they did drop support for the 659 completely they might be convinced by a loyal user base to make it available in some form (ie. open source, 3rd party, etc...).

Typically, even legacy products, although not officially supported any longer can still be useful. I recall owning a 1st gen SMC wireless router, about 2 years later it had some issues, I called SMC and they said they don't support that model any longer. Fortunately, their website still had all of the documentation, utilities and drivers.

My point, if I had one... don't give up on the 659 just yet. It still remains, IMO the best Harmony product to date. I haven't used others, but the posts I have read and the button layouts I have seen have me convinced. Even looking at the 880, I just don't get the button layout at all. It looks like Harmony is going for "looks cool" rather than what's truly important-- form and functionality.

Phil

Ahh just go on to the next big thing remote.. its the nature of the beast..

Gee... Harmony $70....Pronto 200-700...Take control (Old) 200.....

My pronto died after 1 year, take control even with Bill Gates behind went bust... Considering the investment its really the best

You pays yer money and takes yer chances, I reckon, but it sounds like at least there’s no track record of early orphaning of the units.

Thank you everyone for the comments.

Jed