Logitech (http://www.logitech.com) has worked with Google on a line of products for the upcoming Google TV. The company has unveiled Logitech Revue with Google TV, a compact, plug-and-play companion box with its Logitech Keyboard Controller, which together provide control over the Google TV experience and home-entertainment devices.
The company’s portfolio of products for Google TV also includes the Logitech TV Cam and Vid HD service for HD video calling from the comfort of one’s sofa. In addition, Logitech is offering the Logitech Mini Controller for Logitech Revue as well as other applications designed for the Google TV platform.
With a broadband Internet connection available, connecting the Logitech Revue to your home entertainment system is easy, says Gerald Quindlen, Logitech president and chief executive officer. Use the included HDMI cable to connect the Logitech Revue to the port on your HDTV, and then connect another HDMI cable between the Logitech Revue and your cable or satellite provider box with HDMI out.
Then plug in the system to power up your Logitech Revue and follow the directions on the TV screen to complete the software setup. In minutes, the content available on your TV will expand beyond the day’s programming to include virtually limitless web content, as well as a host of preloaded Google TV and Logitech applications, says Quindlen.
Once set up, you can use the included Logitech Keyboard Controller to navigate and interact with the content. It includes everything you need to control Google TV and features a familiar keyboard layout. It includes a touch pad with scroll functionality for control in addition to back and home buttons for web page navigation. The Keyboard Controller uses Logitech Unifying wireless technology.
In addition to the familiar typing and mouse experience, Logitech provides buttons to control your TV, A/V receiver and DVR. These let you power on your TV, turn up the volume on your speakers or access your DVR content without needing to use an additional remote. In addition, you can use the setup software to customize buttons of your controller and map commands for your devices.
The Logitech Mini Controller for use with Google TV is a palm-sized keyboard, touch pad and remote control combo. It offers control over the Google TV experience. It has a touch pad that removes the need for a mouse, as well as illuminated keys that change color depending on the mode you’re in: green for navigation, orange for typing and pointing. Like the Logitech Keyboard Controller, the Mini Controller provides buttons to control your TV, A/V receiver and DVR. The Mini Controller has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can purportedly go up to two weeks between charges.
The Logitech TV Cam lets you make and receive high-definition video calls on your HDTV without a computer. It connects with your Logitech Revue box using USB. T=the TV Cam also provides a wide-angle lens; when you want to have a more personal experience, you can use the 5x digital zoom to get close and personal.
The TV Cam includes two digital, directional microphones that help reduce noise and echoes in a living room environment and uses Logitech RightLight 2 technology to adjust images in dim lighting situations so you look your best. Together, the Logitech TV Cam and Vid HD software enable high-definition video calls of up to 720p.
For added control possibilities, Logitech will offer two downloadable smartphone apps: the Logitech Harmony for iPhone and the Logitech Harmony for Android. These apps allow you to use your iPhone, iPod touch, iPad or Android device to control your Google TV experience. With just one touch of the “Watch Google TV” button, both apps can turn on your television, cable/satellite box and A/V receiver. The in-app keyboard and touch pad lets you search for things to watch — online or on TV — as well as navigate web sites. You can use gesture control, voice searches and more. You can use the Harmony apps in place of — or along with — the keyboard-based controller that comes with Logitech Revue with Google TV.
Available for pre-order today on Logitech.com, Amazon.com and BestBuy.com, Logitech’s line of products for Google TV are expected to be available online and in Best Buy stores across the U.S. by the end of October. The Logitech Revue with Google TV suggested retail price is US$299.99. The Logitech Mini Controller suggested retail price is $129.99, and the Logitech TV Cam suggested retail price is $149.99.
In addition to being bundled with the Logitech Revue, the Logitech Keyboard Controller will be available for purchase online as an individual item to work with other Google TV systems and will have a suggested retail price of $99.99. The Logitech Harmony for iPhone app is expected to be available for download from the Apple App Store for free.