Sofabaton Releases The X1S Hub-Based Remote
Sofabaton released the X1S hub-based remote with a simple email and little fanfare. A slight upgrade to their X1, it features some new features and functionality. Is now the time to switch to the Sofabaton X1S? With 20% off the new X1S for a limited time, it might just be! Let’s discuss.
What’s New With The Sofabaton X1S?
At first glance, there is little outward difference between the Sofabaton X1 and X1S. Both have the same dimensions. Plus, both share the same 2″ OLED screen. That’s why we’ve included pictures from my review in this preview article. The new X1S looks identical to the X1.
The major differences are the new X1S includes a raise-to-wake feature and a better backlight. One of the minor gripes I had pointed out in my X1 review is that you would be required to press a button to wake the remote, and then push the button you want. With the Sofabaton X1S, there is now a raise-to-wake feature that brings it one step closer to Harmony territory.
The second difference is that Sofabaton claims a 60-day life with the same 1050mAh battery. Sofabaton has somehow made the X1S more efficient, allowing for an additional 15 days of battery life over the X1.
Lastly, Sofabaton claims the new X1S has better connectivity than the original X1. I didn’t have any issues with connectivity with my X1, but it was a common complaint on the Sofabaton forums.
Should You Upgrade To The Sofabaton X1S?
I will almost certainly not upgrade to the X1S, unless it is for a review (spoiler alert: we’re getting one in for review). There is not enough wrong with my existing X1 to justify the upgrade, even with a limited-time 15% discount (as of March 2024). If you want 15% off, buy directly from Sofabaton with the coupon code avgadgets.
For those who were taking a wait-and-see approach to the X1, now might be a time to get one at a discount. Or, you might be able to snag a deal on an X1 as they move to the new platform.
Our Take
While this is just a slight upgrade to the X1, it shows that Sofabaton is listening to their customer base. Adding a better backlight and raise-to-wake functionality shows that Sofabaton is committed to improving their remote.
On top of this, I think it should comfort those who thought the X1 was a flash-in-the-pan affair. Not only has Sofabaton continued to improve the database and setup processes, but they are also continuing to make new, updated remotes! In my opinion, Sofabaton is starting just like Harmony did over 20 years ago. Maybe we will see the same type of evolution? We can only hope it won’t take 20 years!
I mistakenly purchased the X1. It is a slight step up from your basic all-in-one to be honest. There is another brand to watch out for. The YIO Remote Two is a huge improvement in terms of quality and can literally work with anything. I have used both extensively. As soon as the YIO came I boxed up the X1 and it hasn’t seen the light of day since. The YIO is my remote now and I couldn’t be happier with it.
That said, I do agree that it’s nice to see Sonobo releasing a second version and continuing to do their software updates. Many try to tackle this very competitive field and give up before they can really show the world what they are capable of. Having competition is good for all of us and I wish both companies the best!