Rating: ♦♦♦♦◊ (4/5)

MSRP: $99.99

In The Box:  Harmony Link Module, Mini USB Cable, Power Cable, and 1 IR Blaster

Pros: Sleek Styling, Multiple OS Support, Multiple Device Support, 1-touch Programming

Cons: Programming Software Can Be Buggy, Cost, No Bluetooth Support

                At $99.99, the Harmony Link by Logitech allows any mobile device running, android or iOS to serve as harmony remote for your home entertainment center.  The product provides control for up to eight devices.  It works over your home wireless network (802.11 b, g, or n). The device allows multiple mobile devices to serve as a remote, so any member of your household can use their smartphone or tablet as their own personal remote.  In my home I use with my TV, home stereo, PS3, Home Media Center PC, Sony media box, and digital thermostat.  Because the device does not come with native Bluetooth support, I have to use the Logitech PS3 Bluetooth adapter (MSRP $69.99). 

                My first impression of the Harmony Link was that its small form factor and IR blaster technology seemed like win, especially with concept of replacing my Harmony One remote.  The price point was little more than I wanted for the device, but considering that it was going to turn the smart phones and tablets in my home into harmony remotes, I thought it was worth a shot. I got the device home, downloaded the Harmony software, for my phone, and MacBook… and proceeded to set up the device.

                The initial set up is fairly painless, using the PC software I was able to connect the device to my Wi-Fi network, and from there proceeded to enter the model number for my electronic devices.  The only issue in the initial set up was when it came time to program some special feature that my TV remote had onto the Harmony Link.  The Link requires that the IR from the remote it is learning from be pointed at a 45 degree angle, and if you are even just a 5 degrees off, it will make you repeat the process… after reading some forums, and speaking with Logitech support, the general consensus is that the issue will be corrected in future updates for the device.  

Once the device was configured, I proceeded to place it my home entertainment center, tucked away with just the IR blaster exposed.  The device worked just as well as my Harmony One, and when I installed the app on wife’s Evo 3d it paired up and worked without a hitch.  Additional features allow each user to set up custom favorites on their device. 

                My overall impressions of the Harmony Link, are favorable, the device delivers as advertised, though there are some early adoption hiccups that will need to be ironed out with future software and firmware updates.  If you are looking for one device to control your entire home entertainment experience, and you don’t mind a few tech glitches here and there, then I would definitely recommend the Harmony Link.

     This week Apple launched the iTunes match service, which will hold up to 25,000 songs in your personal library in their cloud, to downloaded and played on your cloud connected iOS devices. The service is 25 dollars per year. The service's real selling point is that as iTunes scans though your music library it will issue a license for each of your songs, no matter the source.

     iTunes match, however, is not without its limitations, among them is that you may not stream your music to your iOS devices, you must download them. Also is the inherent issue that the service limited to iOS environments. What that means is that if you have an android, black berry, or any non-apple device, the music stored in iCloud will not be accessible to you on those devices.

     Also launched this week is Google’s Music 11. The Google Music service allows users to upload up to 20,000 songs into the Google’s music cloud. The service is free, and gives you access to your music on PC, Mac, Android, Blackberry, and Nokia devices. There are some restrictions with Google Music. First of all, users are not allowed to download music to PC’s that were not purchased on Google Music (you may however stream). There is also no official iOS application for Google Music. Users may either go directly to music.google.com, or download the gTunes app.

     Both services have their limitations, and the choice between one of the two of them really comes down to the need of the individual user. If you do not have a need to stream you music, and 25 dollars per year is worth the cost of having licenses for your all of digital music, then iTunes match is a lock. Those users looking to stream media across multiple platforms, or who are looking for a more cost effective cloud based music solution, may find the Google Music will fit their needs. Either way it goes you really can’t go wrong with these two fantastic services.

With the influx of iPhones and Android phones now being used in the office, we have the ability to be productive almost anywhere, but the opposite can also true. Personal email, texting, web surfing and social networking have the possibility of becoming huge time leaches. These items are now literally available at your fingertips. Many people are using their work time to conduct personal business or chat with friends and this is not always done from the user’s PC anymore. The enormous amounts of apps that are available have put a lot of people at risk of “playing” on the job.

This also goes for some additional items such as iPads and Android tablets. The ability to watch streaming media as well as downloading games and movies to these devices is very easy to do. This can also make it very tempting to enjoy these things on the company clock. This also gives the ability to view inappropriate data such as porn in the workplace. This leads us to another discussion altogether.

Both smartphones and tablets have the ability to be security risks as well. People can download files to these devices via their USB connections or over a Bluetooth connection. This opens companies up to the possibility of having sensitive data taken offsite without anyone knowing. A lost smartphone, can allow someone access to company email if it not setup for password protection or to have the data wiped if the device is lost.

Smartphones and tablets do have their place in a work environment and can help those want to be productive do so. It can also help those who are less apt to stay on task follow that path. Each company should have a policy on their employee’s usage.