Worldwide consumer demand for cordless peripherals, including mice, keyboards and gaming controllers, is heating up. Logitech, creator of the first cordless RF-based mouse in 1991, has emerged as the category`s clear market leader, according to company sales figures and industry research. Logitech recently shipped its 30 millionth cordless peripheral and has introduced a broad range of new cordless devices now on shelves for the Christmas season.
Industry analysts in both Europe and the US confirm Logitech`s leadership position in this market. According to GFK Data, Logitech`s major European markets (France, UK and Germany) showed a 61% revenue share in cordless mice and an 85% revenue share in cordless keyboards between October 2001 and September 2002. NPDTechworld Point of Sale data, which tracks US sales, reported similar results. Logitech showed a 57% revenue share in cordless mice, and a 93% revenue share in cordless keyboards.
"Thirty million people can`t be wrong," said David Henry, senior vice-president and general manager of Logitech`s Control Devices Business Unit. "Since the introduction of our first cordless mouse in 1991, they have counted on Logitech to deliver cordless products that combine great design and leading-edge technology. We are committed to advancing cordless technology even further as we explore more areas where cordless freedom makes a difference in productivity and enjoyment."
Today, Logitech produces a variety of cordless technologies, each suited for a particular environment. Products designed for the desktop - mice, trackballs and keyboards - rely on the company`s proprietary 27MHz digital radio transmission, a proven, cost-effective solution that guarantees a range of up to two metres. The company`s most recent cordless product for the desktop - the MXT700 high-performance optical mouse - raises the bar for 27MHz to a new level, with its Fast RFT technology that provides 125 reports per second - the equivalent of a USB connection.
For the living room, where people spend increasing free time with entertainment systems such as PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube, Logitech has introduced cordless gaming controllers based on 2.4GHz transmission, for absolute precision and top speed in the highly demanding gaming environment.
In March, the company introduced the world`s first Bluetooth pointing device, the Logitech Cordless Controller. This is an innovative combination of a cordless optical mouse and presentation controller. With the added benefit of Bluetooth`s 10m range, presenters are able to move freely about in large rooms, interacting face-to-face with their audience instead of their PC. As the market for Bluetooth matures and additional user benefits emerge, Logitech will introduce additional Bluetooth peripherals.
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Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal interface products that enable people to effectively work, play and communicate in the digital world.
With operational headquarters through its US subsidiary in Fremont, California, and regional headquarters through local subsidiaries in Switzerland, Taiwan and Hong Kong, Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded in Switzerland on the Swiss Stock Exchange (LOGN) and in the US on the Nasdaq National Market System (LOGI). The company has manufacturing facilities in Asia and offices in major cities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.