Personally I believe that a touch screen mobile device is a degraded experience for any UX. This is just the cheapest way to manufacture a device so it's what has won out. But I hate the lack of tactile feedback and avoid using my phone for anything I can
Agreed. That's why the Harmony Hub + Remote was/is the best option on the market. No touch screen, just buttons, I can operate it "blind", I don't have to point it at anything (I've left it in my pocket while cooking and I can reach in and play/pause/navigate all without even taking it out of my pocket). The battery (a coin battery) lasts somewhere in the 6 months - 1 year range, I literally have no idea because it's so rare that I have to update it.
It's a shame that Harmony has left the remote business. Sofabaton is the closest to what my Harmony's can provide but they have a screen on the remote which I'd really rather do without. If my Harmony Hubs died today I'd probably get an X1 (though I actually like the design of the U2 way more) but I'm really hoping that I can ride the Harmony wave a little longer until a real spiritual successor comes out.
