URC has just announced a third addition to their Total Control lineup of advanced system controllers. The new MRX-8 ($599 USD MSRP) joins the existing MRX-10 and MRX-20, and includes all the control features of the MRX-10, but with fewer I/Os and in a smaller form factor – similar to that of the previous MRX-1 and 2.

This new model features six IR output ports, two sensor ports, two 2-way RS-232 ports, Ethernet, and an optional TRF-UZ1 2.4ghz antenna for extended 2-way control, and TRF-ZW1 module for Z-Wave capabilities.

During the introductory period, the MRX-8 is bundled with a free copy of the URC Mobile app for unlimited iOS and Android devices (normally $199 USD MSRP per device – so a $398 value).

In related URC news, the company has also just released a new 2-way control module enabling full control over all Sonos devices for Total Control products. The module includes access to all subscribed streaming services (such as Deezer, Rhapsody, Spotify, Pandora, Sirius/XM, Songza, Stitcher, TuneIn, Amazon and Beats), and “most” feature capabilities of the Sonos app, including local NAS browsing, setting favorites, and managing queues.

This independent module release comes after Control4 acquired Extra Vegetables last year, and discontinued availability of the then-available Sonos module for URC products.