Logitech International S.A. (commonly referred to as Logitech or Logi, stylized as logitech, previously LOGITECH) is a Swiss provider of personal computer and mobile accessories, with its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland and American headquarters in Newark, California. In addition to its Swiss and American facilities, the company has offices throughout Europe, Asia and the rest of the Americas. Logitech's sales and marketing activities are organized into three geographic regions: America (AMR); Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA); Asia Pacific (AP).
The company develops and markets personal peripherals for PC navigation, video communication and collaboration, music and smart home. This includes products like keyboards, mice, tablet accessories, webcams, Bluetooth speakers, universal remotes and more.
The name Logitech is derived from the French word for software, "logiciel". In Japan, Logitech was established as Logicool to avoid conflict with the Logitec brand.
History
Logitech International S.A. was co-founded in Apples, Vaud, Switzerland, in 1981 by two Stanford alumni, Daniel Borel and Pierluigi Zappacosta, and a former Olivetti engineer, Giacomo Marini.
The mass-marketed computer mouse was the product that made Logitech well-known. The range of products offered improvements over a product originally developed at LAMI (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) by professor Jean-Daniel Nicoud and engineer André Guignard, who was involved in the design changes of the computer mouse originally invented by Douglas Engelbart.
For a time during its formative years, Logitech's Silicon Valley offices occupied space at 165 University Avenue, Palo Alto, California, home to a number of noted technology startups.
From there, Logitech expanded its product line (see below) to encompass many mass market computer peripherals and beyond (such as the "Harmony" range of programmable universal remote controls).
In 2007, Logitech licensed Hillcrest Labs' Freespace motion control technology to produce the MX Air Mouse, which allows a user to use natural gestures to control a PC.
In August 2008, Logitech acquired Ultimate Ears, supplier of custom in-ear monitors for professional musicians and earphones for the consumer market.
In December 2008, Logitech announced that it had manufactured one billion mice since 1985.
In August 2009, Logitech introduced the Logitech Unifying receiver, which enabled multiple wireless devices to connect through one USB port.
In May 2010, Logitech, in partnership with Google, introduced the Internet-enabled television; named Google TV.
In May 2011, Logitech entered the tablet market with a line of accessories, including cases and keyboards, speakers and mice for iPad and Android-based tablets.
In July 2011, Logitech acquired the mobile visual communications provider, Mirial.
In January 2013, Bracken Darrell became Logitech’s chief executive officer and then CEO Guerrino De Luca continued as Logitech’s chairman of the board.
In November 2013, the company announced the launch of its new iPhone game controller, the PowerShell, which also doubles as a battery pack with a built-in 1500mAh battery.
Logitech's profits were hurt by the proliferation of tablet devices. In 2013 the company operated at a loss, but returned to profitability in 2014.
On July 8, 2015, Logitech announced the biggest brand transformation in its history. The transformation included a new, simplified and modernized logo and the announcement of a greater emphasis on design going forward. Logitech also highlighted that they are looking to move beyond PC peripherals.
In July 2015, Logitech announced a 2 percent first-quarter revenue drop to US$470Â million, due to a strong dollar and falling demand for the company's computer accessories. Logitech has been focusing on new lines like wireless music speakers, videoconferencing and video game controllers to offset a decline in personal computers and weak demand for mice and keyboards
In September 2015, Logitech and Prezi announced a plan to work together on co-marketing and product development.
In April 2016, Logitech agreed to pay US$7.5Â million penalty related to accusations that it and some former executives improperly inflated the company's results for its 2011 fiscal year to meet guidance and other accounting violations. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission said the alleged accounting issues left investors without an accurate view of the Swiss-U.S. company's finances.
On April 12, 2016, Logitech acquired Jaybird, makers of fitness-focused wireless earbuds and trackers for US$50Â million.
On September 15, 2016, Logitech announced that they had purchased the Saitek brand and assets from Mad Catz for US$13Â million in cash.
On August 11, 2017, Logitech acquired ASTRO Gaming, makers of professional gaming equipment (mainly headset solutions), for US$85Â million in cash.
Production
The first Logitech mice were made in Le Lieu, in the Swiss Canton of Vaud by Dubois Depraz SA.
Production facilities were then established in the US, Taiwan, Hungary and Ireland before being moved subsequently to Suzhou, China. As of 2005, the manufacturing operations in China produce approximately half of Logitech's products. The remaining production is outsourced to contract manufacturers and original design manufacturers in Asia.
Logitech product lines
- Logitech â€" worldwide (except in Japan, where it is known as Logicool) for PC peripherals, remote controls, security cameras, mice, keyboards, webcams, Computer speakers, and accessories for smart phones and tablet keyboards and covers.
- Logitech video collaboration, including all B2B video conferencing equipment.
- Logitech G gaming products. Called Logicool G in Japan.
- LifeSize â€" worldwide for video conferencing products.
- Ultimate Ears (UE) for in-ear monitors, wireless Bluetooth Speakers and universal-fit earphones.
- Jaybird for wireless bluetooth sport earbuds
- Slim Devices audio brand.
- Saitek was purchased on September 15, 2016, from Mad Catz for US$13Â million in cash.
Product launches
2014
In January 2014, Logitech launched a new video conference camera, the Logitech ConferenceCam CC3000e. The system includes a 1080p HD video camera, enterprise-quality audio and the capability to connect to a laptop or thin client.
In July 2014, Logitech announced the G402 Hyperion Fury Ultra-Fast Gaming Mouse. The mouse can track over 500 inches per second and features Logitech's own Delta Zero sensor technology.
In September 2014, Logitech released the Logitech K480, a new Bluetooth keyboard that can connect to three devices simultaneously and allows you to switch between them using a small dial.
In October 2014, Logitech released the Logitech Wireless Mouse M320 which used the Logitech wireless USB dongle.
In October 2014, Logitech debuted the Keys-to-Go rugged fabric keyboard for the Apple iPad.
2015
In January 2015, Logitech released the ConferenceCam Connect, a portable product for video conferencing with a design for small and medium-sized rooms.
In January 2015, Ultimate Ears released the UE MEGABOOM speaker.
In March 2015, Logitech announced its new flagship mouseâ€"the MX Master, a successor to the Performance MX.
In June 2015, Logitech announced the Logitech G29 and Logitech G920 Driving Force Racing Wheel for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.
In July 2015, Logitech introduced the X50 mobile wireless speaker. It allows to connect the phone via Bluetooth as well as auxiliary jack.
In September 2015, Logitech introduced the Logi Circle, a portable home connection camera that connects to your smartphone for home monitoring.
In November 2015, Logitech launched the CREATE line as the first accessories for iPad Pro, leveraging the new Smart Connector, and specially designed with Apple.
In December 2015, Logitech exits its OEM business and announces the separation of Lifesize in December 2015.
2016
In January 2016, Logitech’s gaming division Logitech G released the G502 Proteus Spectrum with RGB customizable lighting.
In April 2016, Logitech acquired audio wearables maker Jaybird for 50 million USD.
In April 2016, Logitech announced the Logi BASE Charging Stand with Smart Connector for iPad Pro.
In May 2016, Logitech launched its first Jaybird product, Jaybird Freedom Wireless Bluetooth® Buds.
In August 2016, Logitech introduced the POP home switch, a wireless button that controls smart home products from a variety of manufacturers.
In October 2016, Logitech launched Jaybird X3 wireless earbuds.
In September 2016, Logitech acquired the Saitek simulation product line from Madcatz for 13 million USD in cash.
2017
On February 7, 2017, Logitech announced to launch the Logitech Brio, the first webcam with Ultra HD support with HDR and a 5x near-lossless zoom. The Brio supports Windows Hello, Microsoft’s face-recognition security system.
References
External links
- Official website
