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Logitech Outlines Growth Strategy for Mobility, the Digital Living Room, Internet Communications, Cordless Peripherals (20/3/2005)

Today at CeBIT, Logitech (NASDAQ:LOGI) (SWX:LOGN) Chief Executive Officer Guerrino De Luca discussed four key trends linked to the company's growth strategy -- mobility, the digital living room, Internet communications, and cordless peripherals -- and announced an expanded relationship with MSN.

In the mobile category, Logitech kicked off its expansion into personal peripherals for mobile entertainment platforms. The company unveiled its first products to support the highly anticipated PSP(TM) hand held video game system from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc., as well as the first in a line of products for the Apple iPod and other portable MP3 players. Logitech aims to complement these popular mobile-entertainment platforms with high-quality, high-style peripherals that enhance the consumer's experience with the device.

Already a part of the digital living room with gaming consoles and high-end multimedia speakers, Logitech more recently expanded its presence with advanced remote control devices that make it easy to control home-entertainment systems. At CeBIT, Logitech unveiled its latest Harmony(R) remote control for the European market.

Mr. De Luca also announced that Logitech has expanded its relationship with MSN, with the two companies now working together to offer a high-quality, integrated audio and video service that enables people to see and talk to friends and family over the Internet. The new service will be available to MSN(R) Messenger 7.0 customers when it is released this spring. In addition, the company unveiled new webcams and headsets for Internet communications.

A worldwide leader in cordless personal peripherals for the PC and gaming consoles, Logitech also unveiled for the European market, the Logitech(R) MX(TM) 3100 Cordless Desktop, the company's highest-performing cordless desktop. Logitech's product announcements today at CeBIT include:

Harmony(R) Remote for Simplified Home Entertainment

For the European market, Logitech introduced a new universal remote control optimized for people buying complicated new HDTVs and personal video recorders (PVRs). With a large color display, the new Logitech(R) Harmony(R) 885 advanced remote control offers enhanced navigation that simplifies the use of these new home-entertainment systems. Slated for availability in late May, the new remote leverages Logitech's renowned design expertise by incorporating a vibrant, color LCD, finely sculpted buttons, and polished chrome directional pad and buttons that contrast the remote's glossy black and brushed grey finishes. The remote is also rechargeable, eliminating the need to change batteries. The Harmony 885 remote includes support for Teletext by providing dedicated buttons that correspond with the red, green, yellow and blue functions, putting complete control at people's fingertips.

Logitech PlayGear products for PSP

Logitech's first products for the chic and ultra-powerful PSP, the PlayGear family of accessories are designed to complement the device with innovative functionality, while reflecting Logitech's renowned design expertise. Created for the discerning PSP enthusiast, these products include: the Logitech(R) PlayGear Pocket(TM) case, stylish and versatile protective armor for the PSP; the Logitech(R) PlayGear Stealth(TM) earphones, which provide high-quality audio performance and a custom fit with three soft rubber ear fittings; the Logitech(R) PlayGear Amp(TM) portable speakers, featuring a collapsible design and carrying case that makes it easy to take the speakers on the road for rich sound anywhere; and the Logitech(R) PlayGear Share(TM) audio splitter, which creates a pair of open 3.5 mm ports, allowing friends to use two sets of headphones on one PSP device.

Speakers for Portable Music Players, iPod

The Logitech(R) mm22 portable speakers is Logitech's first product targeted at users of portable music players, such as iPod, and the rapidly growing mobile music market. The Logitech mm22 portable speakers produce high-quality audio performance at an affordable price. The system includes a total of four neodymium micro drivers -- two on each side -- that produce rich, smooth sound with tremendous depth for their size. The design complements the stylish design of the much-celebrated iPod -- but also work with any portable music player or notebook PC that features a 3.5 mm jack. Whether it's at the office or on the road, the great-sounding, highly portable one-piece system gives digital music lovers the freedom to listen to their favorite tracks without wearing a headset -- and allows them to share their music out loud with a group of friends.

Affordable, High-Quality Webcams for Home and On the Go

Logitech, the world's leading manufacturer of webcams, announced two new webcams to address two important trends: the growing notebook PC market and the increased use of personal video communications technology. The QuickCam(R) for Notebooks Deluxe webcam and the QuickCam(R) for Notebooks webcam are portable, deliver great image quality, and are extremely affordable. The two cameras differ in their design, giving notebook owners a choice that fits their specific needs and style, while each features a spring-loaded clip so they easily affix to a notebook PC display. Each produces VGA resolution -- 640 x 480 pixels -- while the QuickCam for Notebooks Deluxe webcam includes an advanced sensor to deliver consistent high-quality video, even in low-light conditions.

Logitech is also introducing the affordable and stylish new QuickCam(R) Communicate(TM) STX webcam, designed for desktop computers. It features a VGA CMOS sensor with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, and enhanced performance even if lighting is less than ideal. The QuickCam Communicate STX webcam has the same popular design as its predecessor, the QuickCam Communicate webcam. The camera sports a polished black finish, flexible flat-panel clip and a cool blue light that glows when in use. Its bold yet smaller design combines Logitech's recognizable eyeball shape with sharp, angular lines that frame and draw attention to the inset lens. The QuickCam Communicate STX webcam will be available later this month in the U.S. for a suggested retail price of $49.99. It will be also be available in Europe beginning in April.

Versatile Headsets for Digital Lifestyle

Logitech unveiled three new headsets -- the Logitech(R) Premium USB Headset 350, the Logitech(R) Stereo USB Headset 250 and the Logitech(R) Premium Stereo Headset -- that deliver crisp, powerful audio performance for every PC applications. Whether for Internet voice communications (VoIP), listening to music, online gaming, or Internet video calling, the new headsets provide a powerful listening experience with their oversized 40 mm neodymium drivers. The style of each is a major departure from wiry, fragile headsets, like those used in call centers -- they look like they belong in a recording studio. The ear cups of each headset create a comfortable seal against the ear, preventing outside noise from seeping through. Each features a high-quality microphone for voice applications that, when not in use, cleverly pivots up and rests inline with the headband so that it blends in visually.

High-Performance Gaming Mouse

Following in the path of Logitech's award-winning MX(R) family of performance mice, the Logitech(R) MX(TM)518 Gaming-Grade(TM) Optical Mouse delivers maximum performance and ultimate flexibility for gamers who look to their mouse for a winning edge in a combat game. The mouse boasts a resolution of up to 1600 dots per inch (dpi), allowing gamers to make lightning fast movements. It also puts quick-shift controls at gamers' fingertips -- with one click, gamers can instantly increase and decrease mouse resolution from 1600 dpi to as low as 400 dpi. The lower settings give gamers the advanced precision they need to succeed in scenes where accuracy is required. And, no software is required -- though special gaming software is provided for those who want to optimize their mouse settings to suit their preferences.

Mobile Kit for Notebooks

Logitech is introducing the Logitech(R) V250 Cordless Mouse and Number Pad Kit for notebooks, aimed at the growing number of people who use notebook PCs as their primary computer. The kit combines Logitech's award-winning Cordless Optical Mouse for Notebooks and a cordless number pad, supplementing the limited functionality of a standard notebook keyboard. The mouse and number pad use Logitech's Fast RF(TM) wireless technology, connecting to a notebook PC through the provided USB mini-receiver. The mouse, number pad and mini-receiver are paired during manufacturing to ensure an instant connection. The number pad also serves as a calculator, a media control for audio and video files, and a time/date and temperature display. Both the mouse and number pad feature convenient carrying cases that make them easy to take on the road. The product will be available in Europe beginning later this month, and in the U.S. beginning in June. Its suggested retail price in the U.S. is $79.99.

www.logitech.com