Today Logitech held a special press event where it showed of its latest wares for CES 2008. One of the more interesting items that Logitech had to show off was a new Harmony universal remote control. The remote is directly below the Harmony 1000 touch screen in price.

Logitech says the remote should be available soon at a price of $299. For that amount of cash you get a universal remote that programs via software on your computer so you don’t have to enter any codes. The remote can control 15 different devices.

The remote allows you to program tasks like watch a DVD to a custom button on the integrated touch screen. When pressed the remote will turn on your audio system, set the correct input, set the TV input and even press play for you while you sit back and relax.

The cool part of the Harmony One when compared to the Harmony 1000 touch screen remote that I use in my home theater is that the Harmony One has baked in buttons and shares a common form with the remotes consumers are used to seeing as it is.

This more standard remote form factor makes it easier for consumers used to the standard type of remotes to transition to a high-end universal like the Harmony One. Logitech says that it spent six months choosing the buttons that are located on the top of the remote. It also gave the buttons on the remote a unique feel and a ribbed design on the back of the remote makes it easy for your fingers to find the different quadrants of the remote and easily access the buttons in each area. Within the areas the buttons on the remote each have their own feel as well.

After using the Harmony One for a while the idea is that you will be able to navigate the remote in the dark without having to look down at the remote which is a big problem with the Harmony 1000. The remote is powered by a rechargeable battery and charges when you place it on an included cradle.