Logitech

Logitech offers Mac-enabled Webcam

Keith Shaw — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:57:13 -0400

It's hard to see how fans of the Mac would ever want to switch their Webcams from the iSight camera (maybe cost?), but Logitech feels that there's enough of a demand from the Mac faithful to offer them another choice. The company today launched its QuickCam Vision Pro Webcam for Mac, with advanced auto-focus and Carl Zeiss optics features. The $129.99 camera will be available in the U.S. and Europe in July. The camera works with iChat and Skype applications on the Mac, and also includes a two megapixel sensor, Logitech says. In addition, the company's RightLight2 Technology automatically adjusts the Webcam for dim or harsh backlit situations. In addition to videoconferencing apps, the QuickCam Vision Pro can record video clips in 720p high-definition format (960 by 720 pixel resolution).

Read more

3D mouse goes portable

Keith Shaw — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:40:18 -0400

3Dconnexion, a division of Logitech, today launched the latest version of its 3D mouse product line. The SpaceNavigator for Notebooks is designed for 3D professionals and includes the same experience as the original SpaceNavigator, at about half the weight. The notebook will be available in early May at the Logitech Web site for $129. The notebook version includes the same features as the original device (easier movement and control within 3D workspaces), but now includes a new cap design, the company says. The device comes with a travel case for transport, and supports systems with Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Macintosh OS 10.4.6 or later, and Linux (Redhat Enterprise Linux WS3, SuSE 9.0 or later). The mouse is supported by more than 120 3D applications, including Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended and Acrobat 3d, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, 3ds Max and Maya, Blender, CATIA, Google Earth and SketchUp, Microsoft Virtual Earth, NX, Pro/Engineeer, SolidWorks and other CAD, DCC, AEC and GIS applications (a full list of applications supported is available here.

Read more

Logitech unwires VoIP headset

Keith Shaw — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 12:07:09 -0500

At this week's CeBIT show in Germany, Logitech launched a wireless stereo headset aimed at PC Internet voice calling. The Logitech ClearChat PC Wireless Headset ($99.99, available in May) uses 2.4 GHz wireless technology to let users move away from the PC when making VoIP calls. The 2.4 GHz frequency offers a range of 33 feet (or 10 meters) for users to get away from their PC and still have their voice call active. A USB dongle connects to the PC, and the system automatically connects the PC or Macintosh to the headset. Logitech says the headset features uncompressed stereo audio and has an advanced algorithm to minimize interference from other wireless sources. The headset includes a noise-canceling microphone on a flexible boom, with volume and microphone mute controls located on the right earpiece. The microphone automatically mutes when a user rotates the boom to an upright position, Logitech adds. VoIP application support includes Skype, Windows Live, Yahoo, Google Talk and AOL Instant Messenger (AIM). In addition to the voice features, the headset provides audio features to let users listen to music, watch movies or play games.

Read more

Keyboards Bad and Good

James Gaskin — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 11:10:43 -0500

You interface with your computer almost exclusively using your eyes and your hands. Good advice from the ergonomics world says to provide a quality monitor / graphic card set and a good keyboard. Most keyboards included with systems today fail miserably to attain “good” status. They may look nice, like the new Apple keyboard, but they don't provide ergonomic support or any improvement to the typing experience.

Read more

Logitech merges speakers with USB hub

Keith Shaw — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:40:21 -0400

Logitech today announced its AudioHub notebook speaker system, a 2.1 speaker system with an integrated USB hub with three USB ports for attaching additional peripherals. The device is expected in October and will cost $99.99. The AudioHub includes an adjustable-width one-piece, three-chamber speaker system with an integrated subwoofer, and a Mute button cuts off the sound without cutting power to the USB hub. The device measures 3.5-inches high and can comfortably fit behind most notebooks, Logitech says.

Read more

Logitech redesigns the ergonomic keyboard

Keith Shaw — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:51:50 -0400

I'm the farthest thing from an ergonomics expert – at this very moment typing this I'm breaking at least rules of comfortable typing (leaning back in my chair, extending my arms to type, monitor not at eye level), but sooner or later this may catch up with me. For users who aren't fully comfortable with the traditional tilted ergonomic keyboards, Logitech this week announced its Comfort Wave Design, which keeps the straight keyboard but adds design changes to improve comfort. New products include the Cordless Desktop Wave ($89.99 for cordless mouse and keyboard) and the Logitech Wave Keyboard ($49.99). Products are expected in late August (click here for a better look at the keyboard). The company says three elements were combined to create the design – a new wave key-frame design, a U-shaped constant curve, and a cushioned, contoured palm rest. Logitech says the design "guides hands and cradles fingers to create a naturally comfortable typing experience." More details on the design elements can be found here.

Read more

Logitech shrinks USB adapter on cordless mouse

Keith Shaw — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:12:18 -0400

One reason many people don't carry a mouse with them for their notebooks is that the USB adapter (aka dongle) juts out from the notebook, and can snap if users forget that it's attached when they're putting the notebook back in the case. Logitech aims to fix that issue with its new "nano-receiver" on its VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse for Notebooks ($69.99, available in late August). The "plug-and-forget" USB adapter sits nearly flush to the side of the notebook (it juts out only 8mm), virtually eliminating the chance it would snap. The mouse includes Logitech's MicroGear Precision Scroll Wheel, technology it users on its MX Revolution cordless laser mouse and VX Revolution cordless laser mouse for notebooks, which lets users scroll in "hyper-fast" mode with the flick of a finger. Pressing a click on the scroll wheel enables a "click-to-click" scrolling mode. The mouse runs on two AAA batteries, and also includes a storage compartment for the nano-receiver (in case users want to remove the adapter from the USB port).

Read more

Logitech wants you to think differently about PC speakers

Keith Shaw — Tue, 29 Aug 2006 11:22:22 -0400

Logitech's new Z-10 Interactive 2.0 Speaker System, announced this week, features a new design that includes touch-sensitive controls and backlighted display that shows digital music track data, a clock, volume and other features. Logitech says "these trophy speakers are meant to be touched and seen," in addition to providing sound for your PC. The Z-10 speaker system will be available in September for $149.99 in the U.S. and Europe. The USB speakers include polished acrylic faces with two metal mesh grills, and provide "rich audio without using a separate space-consuming subwoofer," Logitech says. The system includes integrated 1-inch tweeters and 3-inch woofers on each satellite (measures 9.7- by 4.5- by 4.7-inches), and the built-in amplifier splits high and low frequencies, the company adds. The touch-sensitive controls eliminate the need for users to toggle between applications to control music on their computer monitor. Tasks like volume, treble and bass adjustments, as well as music track navigation (play, pause, skip) can be done on the speakers instead of the computer application. Application support includes media players such as iTunes, Windows Media Player, Winamp and Musicmatch. The speakers also include four Internet radio preset buttons, which let users quickly save and recall favorite Internet radio stations or playlists. More details on the Z-10 system can be found at the Advanced Peripherals section of the Logitech Web site.

Read more

Logitech updates iPod speaker systems

Keith Shaw — Fri, 18 Aug 2006 15:11:39 -0400

Logitech this week launched two new speaker systems designed for iPod users to let them listen to their digital music with more powerful sound. The AudioStation ($299.99, available in October) and AudioStation Express ($129.99, available in October) can become replacements for traditional living-room stereo systems or for use in an office or bedroom, Logitech says. The AudioStation measures 16- by 4.25- by 7.25 inches and includes a digital AM/FM tuner, 1-inch soft-dome tweeters and 4-inch long-throw woofers, the company says. The system has no knobs or buttons -- all of the controls are touch sensitive, with soft-glow white LEDs for the display. The LCD can show information such as radio station, the time or audio spectrum analyzer. For radio stations that use the Radio Data System, song titles can be displayed on the LCD. When an iPod is connected through its Universal Dock connector, the AudioStation can simultaneously play music and recharge, Logitech says. For non-dock iPods or other music players, the system includes a 3.5-mm input. The AudioStation Express portable speakers includes an AC adapter for power or can run on AA batteries to let users take the system outdoors (when used with the AC adapter, users can recharge their iPods). The Express system includes two 2.5-inch Max-X high-excursion drivers and a bass port, ad well as a video output jack that lets users watch iPod photos and movies on a TV. A 3.5-mm input jack is also included for non-dock iPods and other MP3 players or audio systems.

Read more

Logitech joins VoIP brigade

Keith Shaw — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 17:00:43 -0400

Logitech today launched three new products in the VoIP space, including a USB speaker phone, a VoIP/mobile phone headset and a cordless VoIP handset. The QuickCall USB Speakerphone for Internet Calling (pictured) includes a two-microphone array – one on each side — that aims to capture voices and sounds from a wider area in a room, Logitech says. It includes the company's RightSound Technology for echo-cancellation, and includes a built-in auxiliary port for plugging in a headset. The system connects to a PC via USB cable, requiring no additional power source, Logitech says. The system also includes CallCentral software, which lets users choose which communications applications to use with the phone. The device will be available in the U.S. in October, and Europe in December, for $99.99. The Logitech Cordless Internet Handset integrates with Skype and includes a range of up to 164 feet, Logitech says. Key Skype calling features, including Skype-to-Skype calling, SkypeOut and SkypeIn, are supported on the device. A color display shows available Skype contacts, voice mail and lets users check incoming and outgoing call logs. Other features include a hands-free speaker phone mode, illuminated keypad and several ring tones. The device will be available in the U.S. and Europe in October for $99.99. The Cordless Headset for PC and Mobile Phones comes with a USB wireless receiver that connects to a PC to provide an instant connection for VoIP calls. The headset also includes Bluetooth technology to connect to any Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. Logitech says the headset also can work with its QuickCam Webcams for video calling. The headset supports Logitech's WindStop technology that reduces noise in windy conditions, the company adds. The headset will be available in the U.S. and Europe for $99.99.

Read more

Logitech offers new streaming music system

Keith Shaw — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 16:31:39 -0400

If you've been aching for a digital music system that streams music from your PC's music collection to a stereo system or powered multimedia speakers but can't afford those giant home audio systems, Logitech is offering an alternative. The company this week launched its Wireless DJ Music System ($249.99, available in late September), which connects a PC to a stereo system or speaker system through its Music Anywhere wireless technology. The system can play any PC audio file, including MP3, iTunes (AAC), Windows Media Audio, Internet radio and podcast files (listen to Twisted Pair on your home stereo!), Logitech says. An included remote control includes a display and scroll wheel that lets users change songs from anywhere within the house, and includes a "DJ List" option, which lets users add songs or albums to the queue without having to stop the music. The system includes a transmitter that plugs in via USB on the computer, and a Music Receiver/Dock, which connects to a stereo system via RCA connections, or a powered speaker system through a 3.5mm headphone jack. The system can stream music at a range up to 150 feet (50 meters), and the remote control automatically connects to the PC and offers the same range, Logitech says. The system also includes Logitech's StreamPoint PC software, which compiles audio files, playlists and Internet radio stations from iTunes, Windows Media Player and Musicmatch Jukebox to create a unified music library, the company adds. Additional Add-On Receivers will cost $79.99, which allows for additional systems to connect to the unit. Up to four additional receivers can be added to the system, creating a multi-room audio system.

Read more

Video: Logitech Wireless Headphones for PC

Keith Shaw — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 18:41:29 -0500

The latest Cool Tools Video Show is up, where we test the Logitech Wireless Headphones for PC, which lets you listen to music on your PC from anywhere in the house (via Class 1 Bluetooth). The $130 headphones comes with a USB adapter to connect to the PC (including an adapter stand) and bundled software in case you want to specify what sounds go to the headphones instead of your speaker system.

Find out whether we were able to get the full 165-feet range suggested by Logitech by watching the video.

Read more

Logitech announces new mice, speakers and webcams

Keith Shaw — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 16:26:16 -0500

At CeBIT today, Logitech unveiled a raft of new products in the digital music and home entertainment space, including a new version of the mm50 portable speakers (pictured) for iPod, this time in black to match the black iPod nano or iPod video models. The speakers are now available for $149.99 in the U.S.

The company also announced its Logitech Noise Canceling Headphones, which filter out environmental noises, including jet engine sounds, a fan or an office air conditioner. The $149.99 headphones will be available in the U.S. and Europe in April, and include Logitech's SilentSound technology to remove up to 22 decibels and 92% of background noise, the company says.

Read more

Logitech, Skype to offer free video calling

Keith Shaw — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 12:51:31 -0500

Technology titans Logitech and Skype are teaming up to give Skype users free video calls worldwide. The companies today released a Skype video feature, part of the beta version of Skype 2.0. Logitech says it has certified its QuickCam Web cameras and PC headsets to work with the new video feature, "ensuring that Skype Vidoe and the features of Logitech's webcams provide a superior experience for Skype users."

The Skype Video feature is available for free at the Skype Web site, and includes a full-screen video mode. Devices from Logitech that are certified by Skype include QuickCam Fusion, Orbit, Pro 5000, Pro 4000, Communicate STX, QuickCam Chat, Zoom and QuickCam for Notebooks Pro models. The Logitech headsets with certification include the USB Premium Headset 350, the USB Headset 250, the Premium Stereo Headset and the Internet Chat Headset.

Read more