Skip to main content

The Smart Remote X delivers one-touch control of your smart home

Remember the days before smartphones, when television remotes were bulky devices that burned through batteries with a vengeance? Universal remotes were a lifesaver — though huge, they worked with nearly any TV and made it easy to control your VCR, TV, and, later, your DVD player from one source. Now most devices are controlled from your smartphone, but it can feel like every device has a different app. Sevenhugs has introduced a modern-day equivalent to those old-school remotes in the Smart Remote U and the Smart Remote X.

Both models are an evolution of the smart remote Sevenhugs first released in 2018. The magic of the Smart Remote X lies in its contextual interface. Sevenhugs calls this its “Point Mode” feature. The remote is built around the idea that you can point it at any compatible smart home device and the interface will automatically show the proper controls for it. The Smart Remote X uses an indoor positioning system that allows it to know where each smart device in the room is located.

Recommended Videos

Sevenhugs calls the smart remotes “a magic wand for your home.” The remotes are said to be compatible with more than 650,000 devices, which means almost any smart home device you can think of will work with the Smart Remote U or X. That said, only 80 devices can be controlled with a given remote, but that is still far more than the average person has in their home.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Smart Remote X and the Smart Remote U connect to devices via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and infrared control. This is what makes it possible for them to connect to so many different devices. They enable one-touch automation for your home through the creation of scenes. Want to create a mood centered around your television? Set the lights to your favorite team’s colors and save it through the smartphone app.

Both remotes have a sleek, aesthetic design and are available in black. The Smart Remote X also comes with a white color option. The Smart Remote X with the Point Mode feature is available for $299 from Sevenhugs and BestBuy. The Smart Remote U is available for $199, but does not include the Point Mode feature.

Patrick Hearn
Patrick Hearn writes about smart home technology like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, smart light bulbs, and more. If it's a…
Roku expands smart home lineup with two upcoming security cameras
The Roku Battery Camera on a tree

Roku might be known for its streaming sticks and smart TVs, but the brand also has a strong presence in the smart home market. From video doorbells and smart lights to plugs and motion sensors, Roku’s smart home catalog is surprisingly robust. The catalog is set to expand in the coming months, as Roku has officially revealed two upcoming security cameras -- the Roku Battery Camera and Roku Battery Camera Plus.

The Roku Battery Camera Plus is the most enticing of the two, as it can get up to two years of battery life on a single charge (the Battery Camera gets up to six months). They can also be combined with an optional solar panel to extend their battery life. Beyond that, most specs are shared -- including 1080p resolutions, color night vision, and the option to receive motion alerts when activity is detected around your home.

Read more
Yale Assure Lock 2 vs. Lockly Vision Zeno: which is the better smart lock?
The Yale Assure Lock 2 Smart Lock Deadbolt keypad being used by someone.

If you’re seeking a premium smart lock that’s packed with features, the Yale Assure Lock 2 and Lockly Vision Zeno are probably at the top of your list. Both are among the best smart locks on the market, offering reliable performance, remote access, and heaps of versatility that catapult them above most of the competition. But which is better for your smart home?

While you can’t go wrong with either product, there are some key differences to be aware of before finalizing your purchase. Here’s a look at the Yale Assure Lock 2 vs. Lockly Vision Zeno to help you decide which is best for your needs.

Read more
The Nanoleaf Pegboard Desk Dock makes it easy to organize your gear
The Nanoleaf Pegboard

Nanoleaf makes a wide variety of smart lights, and its catalog is filled with highly customizable tiles, bulbs, and light strips to help bring a pop of color to your home. That catalog grew larger during CES 2025, and today it's expanding once again with the arrival of the Pegboard Desk Dock -- a 3-in-1 device offering solutions for storage, lighting, and charging.

Nanoleaf is known for its long list of premium smart lights, so it should come as no surprise that the Pegboard Desk Dock is overflowing with RGB lights. It’s built with a dual-faced lighting system, with one side offering an obstruction-free source of light and the other equipped with a lattice design that allows you to store accessories like controllers and headphones on a series of hangers. The Pegboard offers full support for the Nanoleaf mobile app, so you can display over 16 million colors. You can also create various scenes or pick from a prebuilt list for quick access to popular options.

Read more