Breakthrough Logitech Webcam Delivers True-to-Life Video with Twice the Image Clarity

Logitech (SWX:LOGN) (NASDAQ:LOGI), the world's leadingmanufacturer of webcams, today unveiled the company's flagshipQuickCam(R) Ultra Vision(TM) webcam, offering a true-to-life videocalling experience by delivering twice the image clarity as thatoffered by typical webcams. The stunning new PC device for Internetcommunications outclasses other webcams by combining an extra-large,precision-engineered glass lens with a low f-stop setting, increasingthe amount of light entering the webcam and precisely focusing thatlight to create sharp, vivid images.

With the QuickCam Ultra Vision, people can share the importantlittle things in life -- from that sparkling new engagement ring tothe toddler's first tooth -- with breakthrough clarity as they makevideo calls to friends and family around the world. Even in difficultlighting conditions -- such as low lighting, or intense back- orside-lighting -- QuickCam Ultra Vision delivers a premium performance,thanks to the new Logitech(R) RightLight(TM) 2 Technology, whichintelligently adapts the camera's video settings based on theenvironment in which the camera is used. Logitech's new webcam alsofeatures a premium 1.3 megapixel sensor and supports theHigh-Definition (HD) video format, allowing people to create videoclips and watch them in a wide-screen format.

Upgraded QuickCam Lineup

Logitech also has upgraded other members of its award-winningwebcam lineup, adding new technologies and features that make theexperience of video communications easier and more natural than everbefore. Logitech's performance webcams -- the QuickCam(R) Fusion(TM),QuickCam(R) Orbit(TM) and QuickCam(R) Pro 5000 products -- now includeLogitech RightLight 2 Technology and the ability to record HD video.The redesigned mid-range QuickCam(R) Communicate(TM) STX webcamfeatures an innovative privacy shade that, when flipped open, canlaunch the video IM application of choice (Windows Live(TM) Messenger,Skype(R) Video, Yahoo!(R) Messenger, or AOL(R) Instant Messenger(TM))and mute a video stream when closed. And Logitech's redesignedQuickCam(R) software is included in all the new webcams, complete witha new icon-based interface that makes it easier than ever to accessall of the camera's settings and features, including the popularLogitech(R) Video Effects(TM) software.

"Our 2006 webcam lineup is loaded with innovations that addressconsumer needs and that could come only from a company such asLogitech, which has more than a decade of experience making webcams,"said Gina Clark, Logitech vice president of product marketing forInternet communications. "We've redefined performance at the high endby combining the most premium lens on any webcam with the newRightLight 2 Technology. You have to see it to believe the videoquality -- it is true to life."

Logitech RightLight 2 Technology

Logitech RightLight 2 Technology is a system of hardware andsoftware technologies that intelligently optimizes video settings inlow-light and uneven lighting environments, such as when a windowcreates harsh back- or side-lighting. The breakthrough technologyautomatically adjusts for these conditions, helping to improve theoverall video experience. The technology is an enhancement ofLogitech's first-generation RightLight Technology, which corrects fordim lighting conditions.

QuickCam Ultra Vision

Available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in August, the QuickCamUltra Vision webcam has a suggested retail price of $129.99 in theU.S. The camera lens system comprises five extra-large lenses, severalof which are made with glass, providing exceptionally sharp and clearvideo. Most webcams on the market are made up of only plastic lenses,producing images that seem distant and are often distorted. Also, byfeaturing an f-stop setting of 1.6 -- most webcams on the market havean f-stop setting of 2 or greater -- the QuickCam Ultra Vision webcamis able to capture more light, producing greater image detail in dimlylighted, or back- or side-lighted conditions.

The stunning webcam design incorporates the most premium materialsLogitech has ever assembled into a webcam. In addition to the glasslens, chrome details draw attention to the webcam's built-inmicrophone, lens housing and the edges of the cylinder-shaped webcam.Each edge features a button -- one that launches a mirror video windowso that people can check their image before they engage in a videocall, and the other to take quick snapshots. The webcam also featuresa soft-blue back-lighted ring, surrounding a Logitech logo, whichilluminates when the camera is active.

As with Logitech's other performance cameras, the LogitechQuickCam Ultra Vision webcam includes Logitech(R) RightSound(TM)Technology and Logitech Video Effects software. Logitech RightSoundTechnology combines a webcam's microphone with acousticecho-cancellation software, offering people the flexibility ofconducting video calls without wearing a headset. Integrated with thewebcam's software drivers, Logitech's advanced software algorithmseliminate echoes created by a webcam microphone and speakers in closeproximity.

The Logitech Video Effects software, which works with popularwebcam applications, allows people to completely transform themselvesinto three-dimensional animated characters (avatars) that preciselymimic facial movements, or to add accessories to their on-screenimage, such as glasses, a beard or a crown.

QuickCam Orbit MP

The updated version of the QuickCam Orbit MP webcam, withRightLight 2 Technology and support for HD video, will be available inthe U.S. and Europe beginning in August for a suggested retail priceof $129.99. The award-winning design includes a motorized camera headthat, combined with intelligent face tracking software, follows asubject -- up and down, or left and right -- as that person shifts ina chair or moves freely about the room. The webcam can cover 190horizontal degrees and 100 vertical degrees of a room. The QuickCamOrbit MP webcam includes a weighted base and a 9-inch stand, so thecamera can be elevated to eye level from a desktop.

QuickCam Fusion

Logitech's popular QuickCam Fusion webcam features the sameadvanced technology that is included in the QuickCam Orbit MP -- atrue 1.3 megapixel sensor, Logitech RightLight 2 Technology, supportfor HD video, Logitech RightSound Technology, and Logitech VideoEffects -- but also includes a clip that can attach to a flat-panelscreen or rest atop a traditional monitor. It also includes a buttonto take photo snapshots. The refreshed version of the QuickCam Fusionwebcam will be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in Augustfor a suggested retail price of $99.99 in the U.S.

QuickCam Pro 5000

Featuring Logitech's iconic eyeball design, the popular QuickCamPro 5000 webcam delivers VGA video quality that's enhanced in anylight thanks to RightLight 2 Technology. It also features LogitechRightSound Technology and Logitech Video Effects, offering premiumvalue for its price. The refreshed version of QuickCam Pro 5000 webcamwill be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in August for asuggested retail price of $79.99 in the U.S.

QuickCam Communicate STX

In addition to its new unique integrated privacy shade, themid-range QuickCam(R) Communicate STX(TM) also offers VGA resolution(640-by-480 pixels), adjusts for low-light conditions with theoriginal Logitech RightLight Technology, and features LogitechRightSound Technology. These advanced features are being combined atan affordable suggested retail price of $49.99 in the U.S. The webcamwill be available in Europe and the U.S. beginning in August.

About Logitech

Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and marketspersonal peripherals that enable people to effectively work, play, andcommunicate in the digital world. Logitech International is a Swisspublic company traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and in the U.S.on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are owned byLogitech and may be registered. All other trademarks are the propertyof their respective owners. For more information about Logitech andits products, visit the Company's Web site at www.logitech.com.