Logitech has revealed two new items in their Alert video security system range. The 750n indoor master system is a complete surveillance system in a box with powerful HD night vision capabilities, while the 700n indoor add-on offers an extra camera to the HomePlug-powered security system. The new system follows on from their earlier 750 and 750i security system releases.
Logitech has released its Global Graffiti line of colorful computer accessories. The line covers the Logitech M310 and M325 wireless mice, as well as the K360 wireless keyboard. Customers will be able to choose from seven stylish patterns from international designers. Products in the line range from $30 to $40, depending on the model.
Logitech applied its expertise in developing solar power to computer peripherals to the iPad. Its new Solar Keyboard Folio both gives a new iPad or iPad 2 full protection as well as powering its built-in keyboard by light. The new peripheral is capable of using either indoor or outdoor light to charge.
One of the iPad's main weaknesses has always been productivity. It's not a question of apps; while it has taken a little time for a native iPad library to develop, there's usually been some way of getting essential tasks done. It's that even with those apps, the iPad's technical limitations can make things unnecessarily difficult. Bluetooth keyboards can simplify writing, but options have so far been limited to either separate peripherals or full-sized cases, which carry their own tradeoffs. Logitech's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover attempts to bridge that gap -- in our review, we'll judge whether the gear is as convenient as its maker hopes it is.
Following a lackluster fourth-quarter fiscal report, Logitech announced an executive reorganization to simplify the entire organization through restructuring. Two executive management positions were eliminated completely, with one executive leaving the company on May 15.
Logitech has taken the wraps off its new Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for the new iPad and the iPad 2. The device is touted as an all-in-one solution that offers an ultrathin screen protector and built-in keyboard. The cover utilises aluminium in its construction to help keep weight down and includes a stand to hold the iPad at a suitable angle for typing over a Bluetooth connection.
If maybe a little more slowly than Apple would like, AirPlay is becoming a staple of the wireless speaker market for iOS devices. The technology has a few advantages: Wi-Fi streaming allows for higher-quality audio than Bluetooth, in theory, and its integration into iOS and iTunes guarantees widespread support of options like broadcasting to multiple audio outputs in different rooms. Logitech's first entry into the AirPlay market comes courtesy of its Ultimate Ears brand, something previously limited to headphones. The UE Air Speaker rides on two promises: first, an easy setup process, and second, high-fidelity sound. At $400, can it deliver on expectations? We review it here.
Following an inadvertent pre-listing on Amazon UK’s website as far back as October, Logitech has formally unveiled its new UE Air Speaker with AirPlay streaming support. The device supports uncompressed streaming from iTunes, as well as iOS devices connected to home networks. The shelf speaker system creates a large soundstage by employing dual tweeters and woofers.
Logitech has just unveiled its BCC950 ConferenceCam, meant for meetings. It's the first device to combine a 1080p webcam with a full-duplex speakerphone. The camera connects over USB and an included remote control or control pad lets users pan, tilt, and zoom the camera to focus on anyone or anything in the room.
Logitech has launched a new set of airbuds targeting business users. The BH320 USB Stereo Earbuds are designed primarily for voice and video chats, not music. The earbuds use a five-band parametric equalization technology to optimize both the audio and microphone to make it mirror normal speech. Echo cancellation also adds to voice clarity.
An investigation within Android Market stats has suggested that Google TV adoption may be so low as to be under one million users. The TV and Movies app, a core part of the OS, is listed as having between 500,000 to one million installed users, GigaOM found. More than half of them are Logitech Revue owners, while the rest are Sony's combined Internet TV and Internet Blu-ray player owners.
Logitech chose Wednesday to unveil its own alternative to the Magic Mouse. The Touch Mouse M600 uses the same concept of an all-touch surface as Apple but with the technology behind its Cube mobile mouse. Having the larger surface solves some of the issues of the Cube, letting users left- and right-click more naturally while opening the door to horizontal scrolling along with the vertical.
The world of mice could often be described charitably as stagnant: it's an endless sea of ergonomic shapes that assume you're sitting at a desk and have lots of room in your bag. Logitech's Cube is about as different as you can get, with a small, brick-like design that relies on touch and orientation to make it an ultraportable mouse and presenter. We'll gauge in our Logitech Cube review whether it's a welcome break or a novelty.
Logitech detailed some of the fuller extent of its Google TV fallout with its fall results early Thursday. The company's profit dropped by $10 million from year-to-year to $55 million, and its revenue from $754 million to $715 million, based primarily on poor results in the Americas as well as a poor exchange rate against the Euro. An eight-point drop in Americas sales was blamed heavily in a statement (PDF) on the final sales of the Google TV-based Revue, which brought down sales to $15 million after the steep price cuts triggered by a lack of sales.
Logitech has introduced the Cube for Mac or PC, combining some of the functions of a mouse with a presenter. The device is not much larger than a Zippo lighter, and will fit comfortably in a shirt pocket. In mouse mode, a user can use swipe gestures across its main panel to scroll down a slide using Logitech’s FlowScroll tech.
Consumers who bought or received the Logitech Revue for the holidays may have to RMA or return the device to where they bought it. The company acknowledges that a "small number" of the Android-based devices were shipped with what the company claims to be corrupted firmware. In a message on the forums, Senior Product Manager Peter McColgan advised customers that there was "nothing that you can do to fix this" and that the only choice was to get a full replacement.
Sling Media has finally released a web app that allows Logitech Revue Google TV users to access its Slingbox service. We sampled the feature nearly one year ago at CES, and a beta showed up late in May that allowed users to watch Slingbox content in other rooms via streaming. Users can access the SlingPlayer app from Google Spotlight and use it to change channels, browse the program guide, and watch or schedule recordings on a connected DVR.
Google chairman Eric Schmidt made an aggressive prediction at the Le Web conference in Paris (video below) that Google TV would dictate the TV landscape by summer 2012. He believed that the "majority of televisions you see in stores" should have the Android-based OS build inside over the course of the next several months. No indication was given of which companies were involved and how many of their models would make the leap.
About six weeks after first previewed, the Google TV 2.0 update for the Logitech Revue has started reaching users. Those on the official forums mention getting the interface revamp over-the-air starting at least late Monday and were expected to get it in force late Tuesday. Although some adopters were skeptical, calls to Logitech confirmed that they had been given the all-clear to send the Android 3.1-based update to Revues.
Samsung's long-promised Google TV hardware might make an appearance early next year. TV division head Yoon Boo-keun told Reuters Monday night that the Korean company was in "last-stage" discussions to bring out its own Google TV hardware. It would "differ from those of competitors," he said, although how wasn't mentioned.
LG might take a risk on unveiling a Google TV 2.0 set at the CES expo in January, a pair of contacts said late Friday. They gave no details of the set to Bloomberg, although it's presumed the TV will look much like the ultra-thin bezel LMx600 series sets that LG accidentally if briefly revealed through CES awards. Most TV sets introduced at CES don't ship until several months later.
Logitech's acting CEO Guerrino De Luca shook up the TV field at an investor day late Thursday by revealing that the company was effectively quitting Google TV. The price-cut Revue media hub was now selling through remaining stock in the fall and wouldn't have a sequel. The company was bringing "closure to the Logitech Revue saga," he said.
Logitech gave owners of its long-serving Squeezebox music hubs an update Tuesday for MOG's online audio. The addition lets listeners stream on-demand from MOG's whole catalog at 320Kbps, at the higher end of the compressed audio most listen to. It joins Napster and Spotify among the choices for unlimited music on the devices.
Logitech has quietly introduced the Mini Boombox, a compact speaker accessory that can be connected to Bluetooth-equipped smartphones, tablets or other devices. The new model, which was briefly posted on Amazon before the listing was removed, serves as a pocket-size cousin to the company's larger Boombox speaker system.
Google on Friday posted its long-in-waiting Google TV update. First shown back in May, the update runs on Android 3.1 and adds support for downloadable apps for the first time. While it already had built-in apps before, it now has access to new video apps, games, and other titles optimized for the TV in Android Market.
Logitech late Thursday quickly stepped in to quell speculation over its Android 3.1 notices on Revue boxes. The Google TV hardware was "prematurely updated" in expecting the new interface, a spokeswoman said. She declined to say when the update would come but promised that the current hardware was getting a "free and automatic update" that would be pushed out later.
An unnamed electronics store has obtained updated Logitech Revue boxes hinting that the Google TV revamp is underway. The sighting by someone visiting an electronics retailer showed Engadget a new box touting Google TV, but "now with Android 3.1 and Android Market." None of the boxes have been opened yet to see if it has the new Google TV interface already installed or if it will need to get a post-sale update.
Logitech will soon be releasing its Air Speakers, a new sound system that features Apple's AirPlay. An inadvertent pre-release listing on Amazon UK has shown the Air Speaker, its own bookshelf-sized option. The Air Speaker incorporates a drawer that hides a dock and can take audio both over Wi-Fi from any iOS 4.2 device or later as well as over a physical link from an iPod classic or nano.
Logitech has introduced a new gaming keyboard and mouse for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and a new high-precision laser mouse designed to make surfing the web easier. The Logitech Gaming Keyboard G105 and Laser Mouse G9X have a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare theme. They have green LED backlighting that recalls military night vision equipment. The Wireless Mouse M525 is a high precision compact laser mouse for general use that has several features to make web surfing easier and faster.
Intellectual Ventures swung back into its patent lawsuit campaign by targeting Motorola Mobility, with the company now filing a patent infringement complaint (PDF) in the US District Court of Delaware. According to the company's Chief Litigation Counsel Melissa Finocchio said Intellectual Ventures and Motorola Mobility weren't able to reach a licensing agreement after lengthy negotiations. It thus has a responsibility to its current customers and investors to defend its intellectual property rights, the company claimed.
Turner has confirmed that it has Google TV apps for TBS and TNT in development but which will be limited. Following premature appearances on Android Market, a representative told GigaOM that both apps will require that viewers sign in with an account linked to traditional TV service to watch video. Authentication has been common on mobile apps but hasn't shown up on TV through the lack of third-party apps.
Logitech early Tuesday morning brought out the Harmony Link, an adapter focused on turning the iPad into a true multi-role remote. The puck-sized hub bridges a Wi-Fi link to infrared and, through an app, lets the iPad handle everything a Harmony remote could, including macro-based tasks like playing a movie or listening to a home stereo. Viewers also get a customized program guide through Rovi to help match the TV's own guide.
Logitech has introduced several new wireless accessories geared for the iPad, iPhone and Android-based devices. The headset features Bluetooth connectivity, enabling users to listen to music and videos or place calls without a wired connection to the device. A noise-canceling microphone is claimed to reduce background noise, while the integrated battery is said to offer six hours of playback time depending on conditions.
Logitech offered an olive branch on Tuesday to Windows users who want the experience of the Magic Trackpad without having to get a Mac. The Wireless Touchpad provides the same basic concept of a multi-touch trackpad on the desktop with a five-inch 'buttonless' surface that can sit anywhere. Special drivers give Windows the support it doesn't normally have, including two-finger scrolling, three-finger page flip gestures, and four-finger app switches.
After giving Windows users a taste of what a solar keyboard is like, Logitech has swung its attention to Mac users with a native version of the Wireless Solar Keyboard K750. It still promises to forever eliminate charging, but it now has a new Mac-oriented design and a fresh look. We'll see in our K750 for Mac review how well it works on Apple computers, including apps, and whether some earlier quirks have been sorted out.
Logitech has unveiled two new iPad accessories. The first will appeal to iOS gaming fans on the iPad. The Logitech Joystick for iPad aims to give gamers more precise control as well provide a more comfortable gaming experience. The new Fold-Up Keyboard for iPad gives users who need a compact integrated iPad keyboard and case a solution for productivity on the go.
Google late Monday took the redesigned Google TV an important step closer by posting a preview version of the Google TV Add-on. The extension gives Android developers a way to optimize phone and especially tablet apps for the Google TV interface without having to change their tools. Along with supporting TV screens, it adds extras like hooking into a TV's channel lineup and other elements specific to the remote-control interface.
Logitech has just added a new G-Series peripheral for gamers, the Gaming Mouse G300. It sports nine programmable controls that can issue commands usually performed by the keyboard. A three-game memory lets players save profiles, so no software needs to be uploaded for a favorite title when switching to another computer.
Logitech has unveiled the Tablet Speaker for iPad, its latest audio accessory. Despite its name, the gear is designed to attach to any tablet thin enough to support it. A rubberized clip latches on to one edge of a tablet, while a 3.5mm cable bridges with the tablet's headphone jack.
(Update: pics, links) The Logitech K750 solar-powered, wireless keyboard for PCs is now available in a Mac-compatible version. Additionally, it also available in five colors, four of which are exclusive to the Mac line. Like the PC version, the Mac version integrates on-board solar cells that power the keyboard using ambient light.
Google during the call for its buyout of Motorola hinted that it was confident about its ability to defend Android against patent complaints. The company declined to talk about its exact strategy but said it was now in a "very good position" to protect the entire ecosystem. The $12.5 billion deal gives it access to 17,000 existing and 7,500 in-progress patents, giving it more clout than if it had bought the collective Novell and Nortel patents.
Logitech has just made a Bluetooth metal case for the Galaxy Tab 10.1 that has an integrated hardware keyboard available for pre-order. The aluminum and plastic accessory lets users place the tablet horizontally or vertically while the Bluetooth link allows for a wireless connection and control. A USB port will charge the built-in battery.
The recently leaked Google TV Android 3.1 revamp has had its first trial runs through video (below) and reports from those on GTVHacker willing to experiment. A run-through from Channel Android on a Logitech Revue has shown more of the interface than what was seen at Google I/O in May and shows that virtually none of the original interface is left over, and much of it is now devoted to apps and widgets. Android Market is the most relevant as it's now known to have a "featured for TV" section much like that for tablets as well as a clearly TV-native interface.
In spite of rapidly growing problems, Logitech Revue owners got a treat with a leaked copy of the Android 3.1-based upgrade for Google TV. Hacking the install requires just a USB drive and a special reboot and should bring the completely remade interface, including support for third-party apps when they appear. Those in the GTV Hacker forums note that there's no root required to force the upgrade like on some Android phones and tablets.
Logitech as promised has dropped the Revue's price down to $99. Shopping at the company store or elsewhere now shows the price Logitech had mentioned just on Thursday. The lowered cost is permanent and a third of what the Google TV box cost when new.
Concord Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claimed that Apple wasn't likely to update the Apple TV this year. New checks in Taiwan showed little signs of a new model coming in the summer, he told AppleInsider. Instead, Apple would rely on the software updates linked to iOS 5, such as for iPad 2 display mirroring, to sell it.
Logitech revealed ongoing struggles for the current Google TV platform with a price drop on the Revue. The set-top box will now cost $99, half as much as before. The company also admitted it had to take a loss to support the price as $34 million of its $45 million operating loss accounted for the "cost of goods" from selling below plans.
Logitech has acquired Milan Italy-based Mirial, a maker of personal and mobile video conferencing. Mirial's products build upon standards-based HD audio/video services running on IP networks. Terms of the deal weren't announced.
Spotify as promised has at last started up service in US. The music streaming provider is currently active in an invite-only beta but has 15 million tracks and the full feature set of its European counterpart. It includes an expanded free service with ads, a $5 Unlimited monthly plan that gives full streaming on the web, and a $10 Premium plan that gives full access on Android, iOS, and other devices like Sonos and Logitech Squeezebox systems.
Intellectual Ventures late Monday continued a string of lawsuits against technology firms with a new lawsuit (below) claiming companies violate five patents for system memory. The complaint hits direct memory part suppliers such as Adata, Elpida, Hynix, and Kingston but also some of their customers, such as Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Logitech. Even Best Buy and Walmart, stores merely selling the products, are included in the Seattle-based suit.
