Logitech

Logitech's Google TV box matches Apple TV at $99

When it was released last year, Google TV was touted as the next big thing. However, things haven't panned out quite as planned. The service has had a rough go of it, with buggy software and networks blocking access to content. But don't count it for dead quite yet.

Logitech, one of Google's partners in the launch of Google TV has slashed the price of its Revue with Google TV system from $249 to $99, matching the price of Apple TV and Roku's new Roku 2 XS. On top of the price drop, Logitech says the more affordable box will be upgradeable to Version 2 of Google TV that includes Android Market later this summer.

Here's what Logitech had to say in a short statement: … Read more

Android Atlas Weekly 58: Droids are selling like Hot Cakes! (Podcast)

Droids selling like hotcakes, GoogleTV's not, and we're moving! All that and more on this week's Android Atlas Weekly

Subscribe:  iTunes (MP3) |  iTunes (320x180) |  iTunes (640x360) |  RSS (MP3) |  RSS (320x180) |  RSS (640x360) EPISODE 58

News

Amazon reportedly ramping up 7- and 10-inch tablets http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19736_7-20084801-251/amazon-reportedly-ramping-up-7-and-10-inch-tablets/?tag=cnetRiver

Samsung smartphone sales may outshine Apple http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-20082922-94/samsung-smartphone-sales-may-outshine-apple/?tag=cnetRiver http://awurl.com/tYihInm16

Android top mobile OS in U.S., but Apple iPhone is most popular phone http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/07/android-top-os-in-us-but-apple-iphone-is-most-popular-phone.html … Read more

Logitech's Google TV debacle drags down earnings

Logitech last night reported a disappointing quarter and named an interim CEO. The company's Google TV experiment is one of the reasons why.

Granted, Logitech can't blame Google TV completely. After all, the company is in the crosshairs as PC sales remain anemic. Logitech makes peripherals that take a hit when PCs aren't flying off the shelves.

But Logitech's well-documented Google TV woes aren't helping matters much. About a year ago, Logitech made a big bet on Google TV to be a digital home player. Its flagship product was the Revue (CNET review). Now the … Read more

Crave giveway: Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard

We met with Logitech the other day to see some of the company's upcoming products (sorry, we can't tell you about them yet, but there's some cool stuff coming), and the folks there offered to give away one of Logitech's nifty new solar-powered wireless keyboards for Windows users, the K750.

What's cool about the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard is that it recharges the internal batteries with ambient light (standard indoor lights) and doesn't require direct sunlight.

Here's what editor Justin Yu had to say about it a few months back (see full post here):

Logitech tells us that a full solar charge can power the keyboard for at least three months, and a convenient on/off button conserves energy while it's not being used. Additionally, the company also includes a copy of the Logitech desktop Solar App with a lux meter that offers quick information about battery levels, drain alerts, and placement tips on where to pick up the most power.

Normally, the Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard would cost around $79.99, but you have the chance to get it gratis. … Read more

Logitech's C615 HD Webcam folds and swivels

Logitech's just added another model to its growing HD Webcam line, and this one brings a new twist.

Due out later this month in the U.S. and in Europe and Asia in September, the HD Webcam C615 features a "fold-and-go" design, 720p video calling (1080p video capture), autofocus, and 360-degree swivel rotation.

Logitech's touting the C615 as a rather flexible Webcam that can do birthday parties or business trips and is compatible with Macs and Windows PCs, as well all the major video chatting programs, including Skype, FaceTime for Mac, Logitech Vid HD, Windows Live … Read more

Writer tests iPad keyboards under deadline fire

Sometimes, gadget reviewers need to turn to their test products in an emergency. I found myself in that very predicament last week when I was on deadline for CNET--just as the hard drive on my MacBook Pro decided to pack it in permanently.

Editors can't print your whining about computer glitches, and you don't get paid much for plaintive cries of "I'm working on it." So when said laptop died on me with only a couple hours left to hand in my commentary on the anniversary of John F. Kennedy's "moon speech," I had to look to my iPad to get the piece written and turned over to the news desk.

You can get any number of word-processing programs for the iPad. For better file swap between my tablet and MacBook Pro, I turn to Pages. Though some say there are better app options, I figured Apple's native program would help me pound out several paragraphs mourning the current state of the American space program. But I can't use that pop-up virtual keyboard the iPad provides for entering text for anything more than an e-mail or a Facebook post. I've tried, and I end up with typed-up pseudo-English that resembles a code pumped out by the Nazi Enigma machine.

You've heard the cliche about an infinite number of monkeys with an infinite number of typewriters eventually creating all of Shakespeare's works? That simian scribble is what comes out of my iPad if I can't hear the comforting "click" of keyboard strokes.

After realizing all of that, I unpacked the five keyboards I had on hand to review and loaded them up for use in this order: the Bluetooth Laser Virtual Keyboard from ThinkGeek, Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg for iPad 2, the Apple Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard, the Omnio Wow-Keys and the ThinkGeek Bluetooth Keyboard Case for iPad.

These are hardly the only options on the market, and some of them have already been reviewed by the gadget crew here at CNET. But my personal crisis offered an excellent test as to how fast I could get these items out of the box and working with President Kennedy and the Apollo Crew waiting. … Read more

Logitech and Panasonic team up for TV Skype cam

Owners of 2011 Panasonic Viera-Connect HDTVs that feature Skype take note: if you're looking to make video calls via your TV, you can now do it with a high-grade HD Webcam courtesy of Logitech.

While the new model appears cosmetically similar to the company's C910, this one's called TV Cam for Skype ($149.99) and does 720p video. By comparison, the C910 can be had for less than $100 and does 1080p video, so hopefully we'll see the TV Cam for Skype street for a little less.

"Once the Logitech TV Cam for Skype is … Read more

After Android, Squeezebox app comes to iOS

Logitech has finally launched its Squeezebox Controller app for iOS-based devices, it announced in a blog post yesterday.

The Squeezebox Controller for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch connects to users' Squeezebox player over their home wireless network. Users can choose music, customize tracks, and search for content from the app. According to Logitech, all the features available to users in their players are included in the app.

The launch of the Squeezebox Controller app for iOS-based devices comes a month after the company launched the program in the Android Market. Like the iOS option, Logitech's Android app gives … Read more

Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg review: Keyboarding your iPad 2

Keyboards and iPads...good bedfellows? A perfect way to add laptop functionality to your tablet? Or, mere accessory silliness? It's a debate as old as the iPad itself, which means only about a year and a month. Still, for as useful and portable as the iPad is, there are always some--myself included, at times--who bemoan its lack of a real, physical keyboard. At least, I feel that way when all I have is my iPad and I want to get some serious writing done.

The Logitech Keyboard Case by Zagg for the iPad 2 is an update to last … Read more