Webcam Improves Video Calling Experience with 1.3 Megapixel Sensor, Greater Light Sensitivity, Acoustic Echo Cancellation, 3D Avatars
FREMONT, Calif. - Aug. 15, 2005 - Logitech (SWX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI), the world's leading manufacturer of webcams, today unveiled the Logitech QuickCam® Fusion webcam, establishing a new benchmark for consumer webcam performance with its breakthrough audio, video, and software technologies. With a true 1.3 megapixel sensor, Logitech® RightLight™ technology, Logitech® RightSound™ technology and an integrated microphone, the QuickCam Fusion webcam vastly improves audio and video performance over previous-generation webcams. Recommended by Microsoft for use with MSN® Messenger Video Conversation, the QuickCam Fusion webcam makes the experience of synchronized voice and video calling over the Internet better than ever before.
The QuickCam Fusion webcam is the first webcam to come with Logitech® Video Effects software, also announced today, offering people the ability to further personalize and have fun with their video calls. This first-of-its-kind software allows people to completely transform themselves into three-dimensional animated characters that mimic facial movements, or to add accessories to their on-screen image, such as a pair of glasses or a crown. Logitech Video Effects software works with all popular instant messaging applications including MSN® Messenger, Yahoo!® Messenger and AOL® Instant Messenger™(AIM®).
"The introduction of the QuickCam Fusion webcam is truly a milestone for consumer video communications," said Gina Clark, director of product marketing for the Logitech Video Business Unit. "We're breaking new ground with our webcam technologies - audio and video, hardware and software - making the experience of video calling over the Internet more natural and more personal than ever before."
Improved Video Performance
The Logitech QuickCam Fusion webcam uses Logitech RightLight technology, which is a system of hardware and firmware technologies that improves the image quality of a webcam in a wide variety of lighting conditions, particularly in low light. Logitech RightLight technology consists of advanced sensor technology, sophisticated firmware and high-quality lenses that work together to deliver greater light sensitivity and optimized skin tones, while minimizing distortion of the images.
The Logitech QuickCam Fusion webcam also features an ultra-wide field of view lens, which provides 78 degrees of visibility - making it convenient for an entire family to join a video call. The Logitech QuickCam Fusion webcam can capture still images at resolutions of up to 1.3 megapixels without software enhancement, or up to 4 megapixels with software enhancement. This is also Logitech's first webcam certified to support the faster data rates of Hi-Speed USB.
Clear, Echo-Free, Flexible Audio
With an integrated microphone, a bundled stereo headset and Logitech RightSound technology, the QuickCam Fusion webcam provides people with flexibility in how they conduct video calls, while maximizing audio performance. Until now, using a webcam with a live audio and video calling application required wearing a headset because of echo, or feedback, created by computer speakers and microphones located in close proximity. Integrated with the webcam's software drivers, Logitech RightSound technology consists of advanced software algorithms that eliminate echo, so people can communicate freely without a headset - just as they would when they're in the same room as a friend or a family member. For a private conversation, a high-quality stereo headset is also included.
Sophisticated New Design
The Logitech QuickCam Fusion webcam has a stylish new low-profile design that brings the webcam closer to eye level. Instead of sitting high above the computer's monitor, the eyeball-shaped lens rests only slightly above the display. A flexible clip can attach to any display, whether it's a traditional desktop display or a flat-panel display. When in use, the Logitech logo, located on the face of the webcam, lights up with a soft blue glow. When not in use, the integrated privacy shade can be used to cover the lens for an added level of security. The webcam design itself is smaller than other Logitech webcams - the webcam lens housing is only 1.6 inches tall. A chrome metal ring around the lens, subtle detailing and polished metallic midnight blue webcam body help the webcam match the most sophisticated of modern computer designs.
Pricing and Availability
The Logitech QuickCam Fusion webcam has a suggested retail price of $99.99 in the U.S. It will be available at retailers and online beginning this month in both the U.S. and Europe.
About Logitech
Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal peripherals that enable people to effectively work, play, and communicate in the digital world. Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and in the U.S. on the Nasdaq National Market System (LOGI). The company has manufacturing facilities in Asia and offices in major cities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
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