logitech

Logitech thanks science for new 'G' PC gaming accessories

Logitech has rebranded its gaming group division with six mice and keyboards, along with two new headsets that make up the company's latest "Logitech G" lineup. Using infrared technology and a bit of science to determine optimal hand position, the new G100s and G400s optical mice are both clues to the company's commitment to innovation, with a new sensor technology called Delta Zero that promises to improve accuracy at any speed.

The G100s, G400s, G500s, and G700s gaming mice are all equipped with a "hydrophobic" coating that repels palm perspiration to keep your hand … Read more

The killer iOS 7 feature the iPad needs: Touch-pad support

It took using the Microsoft Surface Pro to make me remember an article I wrote a year ago, about productivity on an iPad.

I love using the iPad. I also love some of its keyboard accessories. As a product, it's superior to a Surface Pro. But that doesn't mean it's the perfect laptop replacement. And that's still, in my opinion, largely because of one little touch pad. Or, a lack of it.

The iPad never claimed it was a laptop replacement. It stands in its own, hard-to-define "post-PC" territory. Yet, accessories have sprung up … Read more

Logitech looks to lay off 140 employees as trouble persists

Logitech is looking to make some major changes, and part of that plan is a reduction to its workforce.

The company announced today that it will lay off 5 percent of its worldwide workforce, or about 140 employees, and take a charge related to that of $12 million to $14 million.

Logitech has been going through an exceedingly tough time. The company posted an operating loss of $180 million during its fiscal third quarter (calendar fourth quarter) on sales of $615 million. The company's sales were down 14 percent compared with the same period last year.

That trouble prompted … Read more

Logitech to unload Harmony line after 'disappointing' quarter

Logitech today announced its intention to sell its Harmony remotes division after a "disappointing" third quarter.

The electronics company posted an operating loss of $180 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 on sales of $615 million, a 14 percent decline over the same period last year.

"As we articulated when we started the third quarter, continued weakness in the global PC market was the primary factor in our disappointing Q3 results," Logitech CEO Bracken P. Darrell said in a statement. "These results are unacceptable and we are taking decisive action as an outcome … Read more

Ultimate Ears' new ultimate: The Personal Reference Monitor

With most speakers or headphones, you're stuck with the designer's sound, but with the Logitech UE Personal Reference Monitors (PRM) you get to play headphone designer and dial in exactly the sound you want.

Each pair is totally unique; they're built with the individually designed equalization curves you selected. My PRMs sound absolutely amazing, but I'm a little biased, I designed them to please my ears! Every PRM buyer will do the same, and if they totally screw up and hate the result, Ultimate Ears will give them another try. Each PRM set is handmade in UE's facilities in California.

The price for this level of customization doesn't come cheap, though; the Personal Reference Monitors sell for $1,999. That's extreme, but so are $285,000 luxury cars. I cover the full gamut of audio, from affordable to the craziest expensive gear. … Read more

Windows 8 touch-enabled peripherals: The spread

The launch of Windows 8 also brings an opportunity for PC makers to release third-party peripherals that complement the push for touch sensitivity. If you're planning to purchase tablet, laptop, desktop, or some combination of the three, these accessories let you get hands-on with your new computer, because let's face it -- a touch-based device is only as good as the accessories available for it.

Many of the devices in this list already have reviews, but we'll continue to add products as they emerge. Head here for a comprehensive list of every major computer launching with Windows 8 or RT.… Read more

MetroPCS merging with T-Mobile

Wednesday's CNET Update shakes up your prepaid world:

T-Mobile USA announced it will merge with the prepaid regional cellphone carrier MetroPCS. If the deal is approved, there will be no changes until the first half of 2013. The CEO of T-Mobile said this merger will make the company a leader in no-contract offerings. That's a direct challenge to Sprint, which has its prepaid business with Boost Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Assurance Wireless.

October 26 looks like a busy day for Microsoft. Not only is that the day that Windows 8 and the Surface tablet arrive, but Microsoft may also launch its Xbox Music service, … Read more

Logitech leaves Squeezebox fans wondering what's next

Editors' note: This story was updated September 27, 2012, to include a response from Logitech.

In my review of the Logitech UE Smart Radio, there's a single parenthetical line mentioning that the company is discontinuing the Squeezebox line of products. Incredibly, that's more than Logitech has officially said on the matter, leaving the passionate fans of the Squeezebox platform wondering what's going to happen to their network audio streamers.

To be clear, the Squeezebox product line is unequivocally over. Logitech representatives have confirmed to me that there will be no new Squeezebox products, and the Logitech Web siteRead more

Logitech UE rolls out new wave of headphones and wireless speakers

Logitech purchased the Ultimate Ears headphone line way back in 2008. Since then, slowly but surely, the UE logo has been creeping in as the upscale Logitech audio brand -- witness the UE AirPlay speaker from earlier this year.

As of today, the Logitech UE branding officially goes large with the introduction of seven new audio products. Among the new models are two mobile Bluetooth speakers, three new headphones with memory foam cushions, a noise-isolating in-earphone with four-armature speakers in each earpiece, and the next evolution of the Squeezebox Radio powered by Logitech UE's new mobile companion app.… Read more

There's no escaping the mobile-ad attack

Thursday's tech news roundup is feeling square:

In the search for more money, YouTube is adding video commercials to play before videos on smartphones and tablets. These ads will play for five seconds before users can skip right to the video. As we spend more time on mobile devices, it's only natural for advertising to migrate. Android users will be the first to see pre-roll ads, since the YouTube iPhone app cannot show ads. But that will change in the next YouTube app version for iOS 6.

The Google+ network has updated its sliders. The feature, found in … Read more