Logitech intros two Mac accessories: the Easy-Switch Keyboard and an external trackpad

After unveiling a handful of accessories designed for Windows 8, it's clear Logitech had some catching up to do on the Mac side. The company just announced two things, the Bluetooth Easy-Switch Keyboard and the Rechargeable Trackpad for Mac, and they're both more or less Apple-friendly versions of items that were announced for Windows back in October. Starting with the keyboard, it's basically the same as the Illuminated Bluetooth K810 keyboard, in that you can pair it with up to three Bluetooth-enabled devices and switch from one to the other by pressing a button. As the name suggests, it's also backlit, with sensors that turn on the lights when your hands are hovering, and lower the brightness when backlighting isn't necessary. The truth is, the K810 does all of this too and can pair with devices running any OS; it just has Windows 8-specific hotkeys, which you wouldn't need if you were a Mac user.

[Source: Engadget]

Logitech Alert security cameras get OS X support for mindful MacBook owners

Logitech's Alert camera system has given security to Android, BlackBerry, iOS and Windows users alike, yet there's been a conspicuously Mac-shaped void in support. Logitech is plugging that hole with a native OS X version of its Alert Commander app. So long as Alert system owners are running Snow Leopard or later, they'll have an Orwellian view of live and pre-recorded video feeds from as many as six of the HomePlug-connected cameras. The control extends to 16 motion-sensitive zones, digital zoom, backups and desktop notifications for when an intruder disturbs the peace. As the app itself is a free Mac App Store download, the only cost left is a recent camera array like the Alert 750n to keep track of home from a MacBook Air.

[Source: Engadget]

Logitech announces $200 Broadcaster WiFi webcam for iPhone, iPad and Mac

After trying (and failing) to surreptitiously shepherd it through the FCC, then seeing it leak out anyway, Logitech has formally outed the HD WiFi Broadcaster webcam. The 720P shooter (not 1080p as we hoped) allows wireless transmission from 50 feet away to any Mac computer, iPhone or iPad, instant broadcasting on Ustream and the ability to toggle between your device or computer's built in camera with a button push. The hard plastic carrying case with a magnetic lid doubles as a stand to elevate the cam, which Logitech says will "play nicely" with apps like iMovie, Final Cut Pro and FaceTime. Broadcaster is already up for preorder for $200 in the US and €180 in Europe.

[Source: Engadget]

Logitech outs two wireless mice and an external trackpad, all optimized for Windows 8

It'll be another two weeks before Windows 8 PCs go on sale, but if you like, you can hand pick out your gesture-enabled peripherals now. Logitech just announced two wireless mice and an external trackpad, all optimized to support gestures in Windows 8. Starting with the mice, the Touch Mouse T620 has the same design as the M600 announced earlier this year, except it supports Win 8 gestures out of the box. (The M600 will get a software update allowing it to work the same way.) Similar to its predecessor, the T620's entire top surface is touch-enabled, which means you can do things like swipe the right side for the Charm Bar, or swipe from the left to rotate through open programs. You can also double tap with one finger to return to the Start Screen, and double tap with two fingers to show the desktop.

Moving on, the Zone Touch Mouse T400 has a touch strip that you can use to move up and down through pages, as well as scroll through the live tiles on the Start Screen. In a brilliant twist, though, the touch strip itself is comprised of two buttons, which you can use to toggle open apps or bring up the Start Screen, depending on which end you press. Finally, the Wireless Rechargeable Touchpad T650 is a Magic Trackpad-style touchpad with a spacious glass surface, which seemed impeccably responsive during our brief hands-on with it. Unlike the two mice, which run on AAs, the T650 has a rechargeable battery, which you can re-juice over USB.

[Source: Engadget - Click here to read the full story]

Logitech launches TV Cam HD for living room video chats: built-in Skype, 720p, $200

If Cisco's ill-fated Umi video conferencing system had been more like this, would it have survived? Logitech is about to find out, one way or the other, once its TV Cam HD -- recently spotted at the FCC -- arrives in the US this month. The $199.99 device hooks up to your TV and contains all the processing power needed to run Skype and transmit wide-angle, 720p footage of your couch over WiFi or Ethernet. Unlike the previous TV Cam, there's no need for a Viera Connect HDTV -- anything with HDMI-in will do. The company is banking on the notion that families will forgo the use of their existing mobile devices and laptops in favour of an always-on dedicated system with incoming call alerts, four noise-cancelling mics and a Carl Zeiss lens that "gets the whole family in the video call, so everyone from grandparents to grandchildren can move around naturally." If you're tempted, the publicity video after the break gives a decent overview of the product in action.

[Source: Engadget]

Logitech introduce new range of accessories

Logitech is today unveiling a line of iPad and Android-based tablet accessories that enable you to make the most of your tablet, no matter how or where you use it. Whether you want to catch up with friends on Facebook, post quick updates to your blog or send an email or share you favourite music – Logitech has the perfect tablet accessory. Please find further information on today’s launches below:

 

Logitech Keyboard Case: £89.99

· Exclusively for iPad 2 users who need a keyboard on the go

· Doubles up as stand

· Sleek aluminium cover with military-grade, high-density padding

· Intuitive keyboard layout and improved keystrokes for comfortable typing

Logitech Wireless Speaker: £89.99

· Eliminates cables

· Rich, full stereo sound from up to 50 feet away from your iPad or Android tablet

· Rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 10 hours

· Easy Bluetooth wireless setup

Logitech Tablet Keyboard: £49.99

· Keyboard-and-stand combo

· Tailored versions for iPad and Android tablets

· Designed to travel easily

· Can be used on your desk, lap or anywhere within 30 feet of your table

· Quick setup with Bluetooth wireless

Logitech MX1100 Cordless Laser Mouse - WOW!

I love Logitech gear, their keyboards and mice (amongst other things) rock. Up until I recently changed to a Microsoft Natural Laser Mouse 6000, I had always used Logitech gear, including their S530 keyboard and mouse combo for the Mac.

Their latest offering looks very nice. The MX1100 cordless laser mouse has a total of ten programmable buttons, that include their Stealth Thumb Button. This one is strategically placed where your thumb would naturally fall, making it easy to switch between applications. Improved battery life is also claimed. Costing just under $80 in the USA with official UK pricing TBC, although I have found it for £50 on pre-order at some UK websites. Expect to see a video review on Geekanoids in due course.