Logitech

Telepresence comes home, but it likely won't come cheap

High-quality, high-definition videoconferencing is coming to the living room, but consumers should expect to pay top dollar for it.

Tomorrow not one but two major technology companies will be announcing new videoconferencing products for the home. Cisco Systems, which already has a well-established telepresence line of products for large companies, and Logitech, which makes Webcams and other PC peripherals, each in separate press conferences plan to announce products that will bring telepresence videoconferencing to consumers in the home.

For years, technology companies have been describing a day when grandmas halfway around the globe could dial in to a video call to watch their grandchildren take their first steps. Loved ones separated by oceans could share in all kinds of special moments via high-quality videoconferencing that makes them feel as if they are in the same room.

Finally, the promise will soon be reality. As high-speed Internet access and high-definition TVs become more ubiquitous, and the cost of high-definition cameras and high-end processors comes down, the time is finally right for high-quality videoconferencing technology to come to the home.

But even with price drops on these components and the ubiquity of broadband, getting this high-quality video experience won't come cheap. The Wall Street Journal reports that Cisco is expected to charge $600 for new hardware and a $30-a-month service fee for its home telepresence service. Other news outlets cite a lower-end Cisco solution that costs $200. If Cisco teams up with service providers, such as Comcast or Verizon Communications, it may offer the device for a subsidized price and make up the difference on monthly service fees. … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 1320: Facebook gets zit-o-vision! (podcast)

Flickr breaks a sweat as Facebook finally lets users upload and view high-resolution photos. Also, HP hires a CEO nobody's heard of, and Ballmer's bonus bummer: he's getting paid in unsold Kins.

Logitech unveiling Google TV product on Oct. 6

It looks as if Logitech will beat Sony across the Google TV finish line.

Sony recently trumpeted an October 12 event in New York City, at which the company will be revealing its Google TV-powered Internet TV. But now Logitech has scheduled its own Google TV event in Manhattan event six days earlier.

The invitation (see photo) promises that "Google TV will be a new experience that combines TV, the entire Web, and apps--as well as a way to search across them all." The press conference will be led by Logitech's Executive VP of Products, Junien Labrousse. … Read more

HD Webcam shoot-out: 720p Webcams compared

Paired with free video chat programs like Google Chat or Skype, Webcams are the best way to stay in touch with friends and family from anywhere around the globe. There's a good chance the computer you have now already has a Webcam built in, but a 720p HD upgrade can't hurt, especially for less than $100.

We've rounded up four HD Webcams for your consideration, and though both Logitech and Microsoft offer wide-screen lenses and one-touch uploads to social networks like YouTube and Facebook, our favorite out of the group is the Logitech C510, a solid device … Read more

Logitech F540 headset streams three consoles in one

We've reviewed countless headsets for video game consoles but have never come across a product that can handle more than one console at a time. This morning, Logitech unveiled a headset with the ability to wirelessly stream up to three sources.

The F540 comes with a base that accommodates inputs for two stereo RCA connections and one 1/8-inch headphone connection. Of course your game consoles will have to be tethered to this base, so if they're already wired up to a receiver for surround sound, some unplugging may be part of an initial setup.

The wireless headphones … Read more

Olive delivers digital tunes for technophobes

Let me say this upfront: I haven't tried them myself. But the digital media servers from San Francisco-based Olive seem aimed at a weird niche between audiophile and technophobe.

A lot of home audio devices let you stream digital music from your computer to your stereo over a home network. Olive's digital servers also connect to your stereo, but let you rip CDs to digital formats right on the device--no computer required. (Or, if you're you're lazy and rich, the company will do the dirty work for you.) Then you can play the resulting digital files … Read more

Logitech's Google TV box launching Sept. 29?

Consumers hoping to get their hands on a Google TV device might only need to wait two more weeks, Engadget reported today.

Citing unnamed sources, the technology blog reported that Logitech is planning to release its Revue set-top box on September 29. Engadget said the Revue will retail for $299.

Rumors surrounding Google TV have been cropping up quite a bit lately. Earlier this week, a reportedly leaked Best Buy document claimed Google TV would be launching on October 17. That followed a comment made by Google earlier this year, claiming its service--which allows people to search for content on … Read more

Logitech adds Unifying Receiver to the new Wireless Trackball M570

The classic trackball is admittedly a niche device amid the Magic Trackpad and Arc Touch mice, but Logitech's latest Wireless Trackball M570 has something alittle extra to compete. It adds its Unifying Receiver, which lets you connect it to all the other devices under the Logitech Unifying umbrella using a single USB port, including keyboards and other mice products.

The receiver is also capable of sending a signal from up to 30 feet away from the host computer, a 20-plus-foot improvement from the previous mode.l

And whereas people who use traditional mice worry about the negative effects of … Read more

Power your party with new Logitech portable speakers

Logitech on Wednesday adds two new additions to its line of portable speakers: the Laptop Speaker Z305 and the Wireless Speaker Z515. These portable audio solutions are the ideal way to add a soundtrack to your outdoor activities.

Laptop Speaker Z305

The $60 Logitech Laptop Speaker Z305 is a reimagining of the Z205 that earned a "very good" rating earlier this year for its simple setup procedure, USB-powered convenience, and adequate sound quality for its size and price. This time, the Z305 update still retains the compact, clip-on design but now features "surround sound" thanks to its dual forward- and backward-firing 2-inch drivers.

The Z305's USB cord delivers both sound and power to the speaker, but there's also a 3.5mm headphone jack to draw audio from external devices like an iPod or a Zune. At 12.75 inches long, the speaker is definitely longer (and $20 more) than the Z205, but the "360-degree" sound feature is likely a worthwhile trade-off. We'll know for sure once we finish testing, so keep check back with CNET for our full review!

Wireless Speaker Z515

The $100 Logitech Wireless Speaker Z515 offers full stereo sound up to 50 feet away from its audio source thanks to the 2.4GHz wireless connection. Unlike Bluetooth, the signal can connect to any computer with a USB port available for the adapter, which is included in the box.

Like the Z305, the Z515 also includes a 3.5mm stereo jack for external devices. Dual 2-inch stereo drivers pump audio out of the speaker and an impressive rechargeable battery keeps the party going for up to 10 hours. One more picture of the Z305 after the break.… Read more

Logitech drops curtain on Z623 three-piece speaker system

The Logitech Speaker System Z623 revealed today is a three-piece speaker set that delivers 200 watts of sound and ample thumpage thanks to the accompanying 7-inch subwoofer.

Multiple inputs on the back of the two satellite drivers let you connect the system to a wide range of devices including portable gaming systems, TVs, DVDs players, and anything else with a 3.5mm or RCA audio-out jack.

Finally, integrated controls on the speaker let you control the volume or dial down the subwoofer if your neighbors have sensitive ears. The Logitech Speaker System Z623 will ship in September for $149.99, … Read more