Logitech is intentionally bricking Harmony Link devices in March 2018. This means your Harmony Link will "no longer function after this date". However, after the backlash that followed this announcement, Logitech is offering a Harmony Hub to all Harmony Link owners for free.
All hardware manufacturers stop supporting their products eventually. It's the only way they can operate, or they'll be forced to support countless products forever. However, when it comes to cloud-based products, ending support can essentially stop these products from working...
Logitech Responds to Complaints
Earlier this week, it was revealed that Logitech is planning to brick all Harmony Link devices in the wild. A firmware update will be sent out on March 16, 2018, that permanently disables the devices. Logitech is also turning off the cloud-based service required for the devices to work.
The reason for this move is the expiry of a "technology certificate license" Logitech doesn't want to renew. So, it's Game Over. The reaction to this plan was, as you can guess, rather negative, with Harmony Link owners, and Logitech fans as a whole, really not too happy with the company.
Thankfully, Logitech has responded to the complaints. So while it will still be bricking the Harmony Link in March, it is now offering all Harmony Link owners a free Harmony Hub. Logitech originally only offered to give Harmony Link owners with active warranties a free Harmony Hub.
If you currently own a working Harmony Link, rest assured that Logitech will be in touch with you between now and March 2018 to arrange your upgrade. Or, if you're the impatient type, you can contact Logitech at https://support.myharmony.com/email to start the ball rolling immediately.
Logitech Avoids a PR Disaster
Logitech is within its rights to essentially brick Harmony Link devices. And while the company has averted a PR disaster by upgrading owners, this won't be the last time something like this happens. Unfortunately, we suspect not all companies will see their customers right in this way.
Do you own a Harmony Link? What do you think about Logitech's decision to essentially brick your device? Should a manufacturer ever have the power to do this? Are you happy to be getting a free Harmony Hub as compensation? Please let us know in the comments below!
Image Credit: Robert Couse-Baker via Flickr