Monday, August 15, 2005
Logitech unveils three new gamers products
Logitech had a busy day today officially announcing three new products designed for gamers. The company introduced the Logitech G15 keyboard, G5 and G7 G-Series gaming mice.
According to the press release, the G15 keyboard will have a built-in auxiliary LCD display, and 18 programmable keys. Users will be able to program the LCD to show in-game information and even information from other applications. It should be interesting to see what other uses that the LCD will have for gamers. The product will retail for about $80.
The G5 is a corded device and the G7 is a cordless laser mouse. Both devices will have a resolution up to 2000 dpi, which can be adjusted on the fly (just like the Logitech MX518). Although Logitech claims that the G7 will have no lag or interference, it will be interesting to see if that is really true. Users can expect to see the G5 and G7 gaming mice sometime in September, with the G5 retailing for $69.99 and G7 retailing with a $99.99 price tag. To read more about both of these mice, head over to the Logitech website.
Update (08/12): We had the pleasure to briefly talk with Erik Charlton, senior product-marketing manager at Logitech, who shared a few ideas and details on Logitech recently announced products, please read on for the full interview.
According to the press release, the G15 keyboard will have a built-in auxiliary LCD display, and 18 programmable keys. Users will be able to program the LCD to show in-game information and even information from other applications. It should be interesting to see what other uses that the LCD will have for gamers. The product will retail for about $80.
The G5 is a corded device and the G7 is a cordless laser mouse. Both devices will have a resolution up to 2000 dpi, which can be adjusted on the fly (just like the Logitech MX518). Although Logitech claims that the G7 will have no lag or interference, it will be interesting to see if that is really true. Users can expect to see the G5 and G7 gaming mice sometime in September, with the G5 retailing for $69.99 and G7 retailing with a $99.99 price tag. To read more about both of these mice, head over to the Logitech website.
Update (08/12): We had the pleasure to briefly talk with Erik Charlton, senior product-marketing manager at Logitech, who shared a few ideas and details on Logitech recently announced products, please read on for the full interview.
TS: Could you please briefly detail your position at Logitech?
I'm a senior product-marketing manager at Logitech, responsible for our performance line of mice. The products I help to manage include the MX1000, MX518 and our new G-Series mice designed especially to meet the demands of PC gamers.
TS: The MX518 is arguably the best gaming mouse on the market right now, so how does Logitech plan to top that?
Thanks. We are very proud of the MX518. We think it is a great mouse too.
But, we are always looking to improve our products by better understanding the extreme demands of PC gamers. Earlier this year, we introduced drive-free sensitivity-switching in the MX518. This feature idea was born out of a conversation with a few local gamers. Today, that feature is standard for our premium gaming mice.
Since that time, we have gathered feedback from literally thousands of gamers. We sought information from all types and levels of gamers on a worldwide basis – and we used this information to create some truly awesome extreme performance mice. On August 11th, we announced the launch of the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse and the Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse.
Both feature 2000 dpi, a precision Gaming-Grade™ laser tracking system, full-speed USB, and advanced software that can be customized for gaming. The corded G5 provides gamers with the ability to tune weight and balance for superior control. The G7 mouse is Logitech’s first cordless mouse to be considered truly gaming-grade - offering twin fast-swappable, ultra-lightweight, LI-Ion batteries. For improved glide, we also introduced ultra-smooth gaming feet on both mice. We think gamers are going to really enjoy these mice.
TS: How closely does Logitech monitor the competition?
At Logitech, we are deeply focused on watching and learning from our customers: PC gamers. While it is always fun to see what competitors might be doing, we try not to get distracted from what matters most: creating an awesome user experience.
Gamers are our most demanding customers. When we get it right, everyone loves it. When products are poorly made, even the slightest imperfections or oversight are noted and then referenced in thousands of forums. Gamers are a very tight community. It is to our benefit when we do things right… so attention to detail is critical. We spend a lot of time and effort just following our customers evolving needs… by doing that; we stay ahead of the competition
TS: How hard is it to design new prototypes for new mice?
Creating a new gaming mouse is a totally exhilarating process. It is an amazingly complex process of integrating market research, human factors, psychology, industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering and even manufacturing process engineers to create a single product. It is both exhausting and rewarding. What I love about Logitech is the commitment and passion of our team. This group never seems to rest… the result is products that our whole team is proud of.
TS: The MX1000 was a stellar all-around mouse, what are your plans for laser technology, should we expect more breakthroughs of this kind?
We feel that laser tracking will have a sweeping impact on PC gaming. Our new Gaming-Grade mice sport 2000dpi laser engines that churn images at 6.4 megapixels / second. They support screaming fast 20g moves up to 45 inches / second...and even higher, depending upon the surface. Laser tracking will be the new standard for high-performance gaming mice.
TS: What kind of methods does Logitech use to try and design a comfortable mouse?
There are a lot of factors that go into making a truly comfortable mouse. Issues such as the shape, material and weight are all essential considerations. Regarding the shape, we meet regularly with an ergonomic specialist. He helps to provide us with a great baseline understanding of how to fine-tune the shape for superior long-play comfort. In addition, we create many, many shapes and show them to gamers. We study gamers seriously. We watch them play. We videotape their moves and record their keystrokes. We do everything we can to understand the optimal hand posture. For Logitech, it is the best way to help guide our shape creation and tuning process.
In addition to the shape of the mouse, materials play an essential role. For example, with the G5 we are introducing a new "dry grip" material. Gamers, even with sweaty hands, don’t have to worry about the mouse slipping in their hand at a critical moment. Some have suggested that we offer even softer materials, but we find that there is a fine balance between grip and control. A spongy mouse is too hard to move precisely. But we look into new innovative materials everyday here at Logitech.
Last, but in no way least, weight is an important aspect of the mouse to consider. For gamers, the optimal weight is highly subjective. Some gamers like a bit more weight and inertia. They feel that it gives them greater control. Others argue that heavier mice are harder to control and can be tiering during long gaming sessions. That is why the G5 Laser Mouse offers gamers the opportunity to tune the weight and balance of their mouse. The G5 ships standard with 16 mini-weights of 4.5 and 1.7 grams. Gamers now have the opportunity to tune the weight for the ultimate in personalization and control.
TS: Something that many people mention to me is that there aren't very many mice designed for people that are left-handed. What does Logitech plan to do about that?
As a left-handed gamer, I understand the issue. There is definitely an opportunity for a left-handed gaming mouse, and we will continue to explore that. That being said, we have nothing to announce at this time.
TS: Is there anything that you would like to say to TechSpot readers?
I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your site and the role it plays in the gaming community. I would also like to let all of your readers know that we are always looking for ways to improve our mice. So, always feel free to speak up and have your voice heard. I can’t promise to make everyone happy, but together with the gaming community, Logitech wants to create some even more amazing products.
source:http://www.techspot.com/news/18332-Logitech-unveils-three-new-gamers-products.html
I'm a senior product-marketing manager at Logitech, responsible for our performance line of mice. The products I help to manage include the MX1000, MX518 and our new G-Series mice designed especially to meet the demands of PC gamers.
TS: The MX518 is arguably the best gaming mouse on the market right now, so how does Logitech plan to top that?
Thanks. We are very proud of the MX518. We think it is a great mouse too.
But, we are always looking to improve our products by better understanding the extreme demands of PC gamers. Earlier this year, we introduced drive-free sensitivity-switching in the MX518. This feature idea was born out of a conversation with a few local gamers. Today, that feature is standard for our premium gaming mice.
Since that time, we have gathered feedback from literally thousands of gamers. We sought information from all types and levels of gamers on a worldwide basis – and we used this information to create some truly awesome extreme performance mice. On August 11th, we announced the launch of the Logitech G5 Laser Mouse and the Logitech G7 Laser Cordless Mouse.
Both feature 2000 dpi, a precision Gaming-Grade™ laser tracking system, full-speed USB, and advanced software that can be customized for gaming. The corded G5 provides gamers with the ability to tune weight and balance for superior control. The G7 mouse is Logitech’s first cordless mouse to be considered truly gaming-grade - offering twin fast-swappable, ultra-lightweight, LI-Ion batteries. For improved glide, we also introduced ultra-smooth gaming feet on both mice. We think gamers are going to really enjoy these mice.
TS: How closely does Logitech monitor the competition?
At Logitech, we are deeply focused on watching and learning from our customers: PC gamers. While it is always fun to see what competitors might be doing, we try not to get distracted from what matters most: creating an awesome user experience.
Gamers are our most demanding customers. When we get it right, everyone loves it. When products are poorly made, even the slightest imperfections or oversight are noted and then referenced in thousands of forums. Gamers are a very tight community. It is to our benefit when we do things right… so attention to detail is critical. We spend a lot of time and effort just following our customers evolving needs… by doing that; we stay ahead of the competition
TS: How hard is it to design new prototypes for new mice?
Creating a new gaming mouse is a totally exhilarating process. It is an amazingly complex process of integrating market research, human factors, psychology, industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering and even manufacturing process engineers to create a single product. It is both exhausting and rewarding. What I love about Logitech is the commitment and passion of our team. This group never seems to rest… the result is products that our whole team is proud of.
TS: The MX1000 was a stellar all-around mouse, what are your plans for laser technology, should we expect more breakthroughs of this kind?
We feel that laser tracking will have a sweeping impact on PC gaming. Our new Gaming-Grade mice sport 2000dpi laser engines that churn images at 6.4 megapixels / second. They support screaming fast 20g moves up to 45 inches / second...and even higher, depending upon the surface. Laser tracking will be the new standard for high-performance gaming mice.
TS: What kind of methods does Logitech use to try and design a comfortable mouse?
There are a lot of factors that go into making a truly comfortable mouse. Issues such as the shape, material and weight are all essential considerations. Regarding the shape, we meet regularly with an ergonomic specialist. He helps to provide us with a great baseline understanding of how to fine-tune the shape for superior long-play comfort. In addition, we create many, many shapes and show them to gamers. We study gamers seriously. We watch them play. We videotape their moves and record their keystrokes. We do everything we can to understand the optimal hand posture. For Logitech, it is the best way to help guide our shape creation and tuning process.
In addition to the shape of the mouse, materials play an essential role. For example, with the G5 we are introducing a new "dry grip" material. Gamers, even with sweaty hands, don’t have to worry about the mouse slipping in their hand at a critical moment. Some have suggested that we offer even softer materials, but we find that there is a fine balance between grip and control. A spongy mouse is too hard to move precisely. But we look into new innovative materials everyday here at Logitech.
Last, but in no way least, weight is an important aspect of the mouse to consider. For gamers, the optimal weight is highly subjective. Some gamers like a bit more weight and inertia. They feel that it gives them greater control. Others argue that heavier mice are harder to control and can be tiering during long gaming sessions. That is why the G5 Laser Mouse offers gamers the opportunity to tune the weight and balance of their mouse. The G5 ships standard with 16 mini-weights of 4.5 and 1.7 grams. Gamers now have the opportunity to tune the weight for the ultimate in personalization and control.
TS: Something that many people mention to me is that there aren't very many mice designed for people that are left-handed. What does Logitech plan to do about that?
As a left-handed gamer, I understand the issue. There is definitely an opportunity for a left-handed gaming mouse, and we will continue to explore that. That being said, we have nothing to announce at this time.
TS: Is there anything that you would like to say to TechSpot readers?
I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your site and the role it plays in the gaming community. I would also like to let all of your readers know that we are always looking for ways to improve our mice. So, always feel free to speak up and have your voice heard. I can’t promise to make everyone happy, but together with the gaming community, Logitech wants to create some even more amazing products.
source:http://www.techspot.com/news/18332-Logitech-unveils-three-new-gamers-products.html
# posted by dark master : 8/15/2005 09:54:00 AM
