Logitech Broadens VoIP Portfolio

Fremont, Calif. — Logitech launched a trio of new PC-VoIP products last week, aimed at the growing legion of Skype, Yahoo!, AOL and other computer-based communications services.

The product line will include a cordless handset for Skype, a USB speakerphone and a Bluetooth headset that can pull double duty as a mobile headset for Bluetooth-enabled cell phones.

The QuickCall USB speakerphone uses a two-microphone array designed to capture sounds in a wide room. It employs the company's RightSound Technology, which Logitech says eliminates echoes. It also offers an auxiliary port for plugging in headsets.

The speakerphone offers dedicated controls to answer/hang up on calls, adjust the volume and mute calls, it offers alert lights and is bundled with CallCentral software to link the phone's controls with specific VoIP programs.

The QuickCall ships in December for a suggested retail of $99.

The Skype-certified Logitech Cordless Internet Handset features a base station that connects to a PC via USB with a handset capable of placing Skype calls up to 150 feet away from the computer. The handset comes with a charging cradle, allowing it to be placed in any room.

The handset sports a color display to preview Skype contacts and it supports Skype's calling features such as SkypeIn and SkypeOut. It also features a speakerphone, an illuminated keypad, and several ring tones. It will ship in October for a suggested $99.

Finally, the company announced a Bluetooth headset for both PC and cellular calling. The headset ships with a Bluetooth USB adapter for connecting to a PC or laptop. It offers an integrated call pick up/hang up button and Logitech WindStop technology for improving call clarity in windy conditions.

The headset will ship in October for a suggested $99.