Logitech FAQ Resource Central

Highlight for this week's CES:
- G19 Gaming Keyboard
- G9X Gaming Mouse
- G35 Gaming Headset




G19


The G19 will be the new premiere gaming keyboard. Features beyond the G15 include: 2 rows of G-keys, USB 2.0 powered hub functionality with 2 USB ports, improved volume roller, improved USB routing channels under the keyboard (Including paths to run two cables underneath and a cable"snake" area to wind up excess cord when using the spacebar area cable path), user selectable colors (like the G9, G9x, and G13), and tilt-able quick-response QVGA (320x240) LCD color screen that supports everything from Youtube video playback to emulation of classic G15 apps. This keyboard will also be Mac compatible (Though, at this point, features like Youtube, picture slideshow, and other media playback are not currently supported on the Mac. We are looking into adding this at a later date). SDK for the screen will also be released, but at a later date. Keyboard will include an AC adapter to power the screen and USB ports, and this AC adapter plugs into the line near the USB plug (to minimize desktop clutter).



G35


This is a Dolby virtual surround sound 7.1 USB gamer headset. While the 3 G-Keys can be programmed like any G-Key, Logitech designed it more in mind of program launching (Or, if you want to pretend you're a Solid Snake or Sam Fisher type, you could possibly program one of the G-Keys to be a push-to-talk button as well). The headset features an off-the-ear design, where the headset exerts minimal to no pressure on the ears to make long playing sessions comfortable (The headphone cups surround the ear and press against the head properly). The device also features an adjustable length headband with interchangeable pads for the top bar, allowing for a comfortable fit on most heads. The rotating boom microphone features a flexible section, allowing for a comfortable placement in front of the mouth, and the volume dial/ bar and mute keys are directly on the headset, as well as a Dolby switch, allowing users to select surround sound using a switch on the headset (Located on the back side of the left ear muff).

G9X

The G9x is very similar to the current G-9. Some reigons (AP, JP, EMEA) will receive silver/ grey grips, while AMR will receive black grips. The only other significant differences are the different logos on the mouse, and a new laser sensor that allows for an increased, 25-5000 DPI range. The new sensor should prove to be a more reliable component than the current G-9, and this should phase in and replace the current G9 mouse.

SightSpeed FAQ

Q: We are acquiring SightSpeed for the development of future initiatives. Will we maintain and support the current SightSpeed services?

A: Yes. The current SightSpeed services, which are very highly valued by their users, will continue to be available and fully supported.


Q: Do we plan any updates or enhancements to the existing services? And in what timeframe?

A: For the time being, we expect to keep the site as is. But we will evaluate any enhancements as we move forward.


Q: Will we put more marketing clout behind the SightSpeed services to make them more competitive against the likes of Skype and MSN?

A: Our focus for the SightSpeed team will be on the development of new technology that we think will drive growth of the video communications market. We are not planning an increase in marketing for the current SightSpeed services.


Q: SightSpeed is a direct competitor to Skype and MSN. How does this acquisition affect our partnership with these companies?

A: We expect our strong relationships with Skype and MSN to continue. As you know, Skype is primarily a VoIP service with video capabilities as an added feature. So if people communicate via Skype, they will probably continue to do so. Likewise, MSN is an IM platform with video added on. So people will probably continue to use MSN if it is how they communicate with friends and family.
For those consumers and businesses looking for a service built for video calling, they will most likely consider SightSpeed.


Q: Will we continue to enhance our webcams to take advantage of new features or capabilities offered by Skype or MSN?

A: We always consider enhancements to our webcams based on the best interest of consumers. For example, if Skype were to enhance their service to improve the experience for webcam users, we would consider how to take advantage of that for the benefit of our customers.


Q: This acquisition seems out of the norm for Logitech if we are just trying to sell more webcams – why buy this company instead of partner with them?

A: Logitech has been a driving force in the video communications market over the last several years because we have many reasons to believe in it. To help create the next wave of video communications enthusiasts, we believe that it is necessary to focus on an intuitive solution that will allow people to better incorporate video communications into their lifestyle. This means a cross-platform solution that works for people at a computer or in the living room. By acquiring SightSpeed, we can drive this development in the best interest of the future users.


Q: We have done a lot of development already for video calling services. We offered a video calling service until last year. Why couldn’t we develop this internally and not spend so much money?

A: SightSpeed is already pretty far down the path of having the kind of services technology that we would like to make available. By working with SightSpeed, we can get such a service to market much faster. In addition, they have significant engineering talent that we believe will enhance Logitech’s overall technology development efforts.


Q: Who on the SightSpeed team will join Logitech and who will not?All of the SightSpeed employees will be offered jobs at Logitech and we are delighted to have them join the company.
What exactly does SightSpeed bring to the party?

A: SightSpeed has a very talented development organization and they have a standards-based architecture, which we consider to be very important. They have a technology platform that we believe is right for delivering a solution to the marketplace in a timely fashion. They also have a proven track record of global deployment.


Q: Who are the primary competitors?

A: No company has specifically targeted the mass market with a service focused on a solution that crosses the personal computer and the living room.


Q: Where will SightSpeed fit into Logitech?

A: SightSpeed will be part of Logitech’s Internet Communications Business Unit, reporting into General Manager Gina Clark.


Q: Will they remain in Berkeley?

A: The SightSpeed staff will continue on in Berkeley and we will evaluate options as we go along.


Q: Do we expect to sell more webcams because of this acquisition?

A: We expect to drive future growth in video communications.


Q: What about services revenue?

A: We acknowledge that there is a potential upside with regard to services revenue but it is not a significant factor in our business model.