Snap One recently announced the introduction of the much-anticipated line of Control4 hand-held interfaces: the Halo Family of Remotes.

The two new models include enhanced features like backlit buttons, a new graphical interface, and dual-band WiFi support, along with innovative new features like a push-to-talk voice button.

“Remote controls are one of the key interfaces customers use to control and interact with their system, and that experience influences their perception of the system as a whole. Therefore, we’re focused on improving performance and ease-of-use, connectivity, and reliability, while also adding features and capabilities that will exceed expectations and ensure a positive, enjoyable control experience,” says Eric Fritz, Snap One director of product management – control.

He adds: “Featuring in-demand capabilities such as voice integration with leading services like Apple TV and Xfinity, and improved lighting control including full colour customisation, these remotes enhance user satisfaction and provide partners with a valuable upsell opportunity for both existing and new projects.”

The Halo model features a slightly smaller 2.8-inch screen that is navigable with hard buttons and provides full access to connected subsystems. The Halo Touch model features a premium brushed-aluminium chassis and makes every function available through an intuitive 3.2-inch customisable touchscreen.

Snap One designed the new Control4 remotes using feedback from Snap One partners, adding new features and upgraded technologies while maintaining the sleek aesthetic of the company’s coveted Neeo Remote. Both remotes include backlit buttons for transport controls, user interface functions, and a machined aluminium DPad. Other enhancements include programmable text above custom buttons, and an ultra-low power processor that enhances battery life.

The upgraded dual-band WiFi antennas support 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks to improve reliability with three to five times stronger connections than Neeo Remotes. When users press the new Voice button on the Halo or Halo Touch remote, Control4 captures the user’s command with the embedded microphone and dynamically routes it to the proper voice service via proprietary new technology. Voice integrations available today include Xfinity and AppleTV through Siri, with services like Josh.ai on the horizon.

Control4 Halo Remotes provide excellent upsell opportunities and can even be installed and added to systems by homeowners using an easy new procedure in the Control4 app. Partners can choose to sell and ship the Halo and Halo Touch without requiring site visits depending on their needs and their client relationships. In systems that include OvrC remote management, partners can quickly view real-time battery life and connectivity data for all Halo Remotes to ensure consistently excellent operation and long-term customer satisfaction.

“These are truly premium remotes with innovative and in-demand features that set a new bar for next-generation deployments in homes and commercial locations,” Eric adds.

“The ability to work as both an Apple TV Siri Remote and a Xfinity Voice Remote gives our partners a powerful selling proposition for users that want ultimate simplicity in a single remote without sacrificing access or convenience. Additionally, this hardware platform allows for significant opportunities to grow, as we will continue to add new software features in upcoming releases.”