Logitech Unveils VoIP Products

Logitech introduced an array of new products today designed for VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) users, including a keyboard with dedicated call management buttons and a speakerphone.

VoIP service provider Skype worked with Logitech to make some of the products exclusive to Skype in Europe. The European version of the new Logitech EasyCall Desktop includes a Skype-specific keyboard with dedicated buttons for launching Skype, making a call, ending a call, changing a user's online status, and speed-dialing.

The package also includes a mouse and headset as well as a speakerphone, which eliminates echo and has control buttons such as volume, mute, call answer, and hang-up.

Coming Soon

In the U.S., the package is optimized for use with Yahoo Messenger with Voice and AOL's instant messenger service. It will sell in the U.S. for $130 and will be available in stores in both the U.S. and Europe in mid-September. The companies did not reveal the suggested retail price for Europe.

Logitech also introduced a cordless handset for making and receiving Skype calls. The phone communicates wirelessly to a module that plugs into the USB port on a PC and can be used within 164 feet of the PC. It will start selling in October for $200 in the U.S. and Europe.

Logitech will also sell a speakerphone, designed for VoIP calling, separate from the EasyCall package. The speakerphone connects to a PC via the USB port and will cost $100 when it becomes available in the U.S. and Europe later this year.