Logitech today unveiled Logitech Revue with Google TV, a compact, plug-and-play companion box with its Logitech Keyboard Controller, which controls 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. In addition, Logitech is offering the Logitech Mini Controller for Logitech Revue as well as other applications designed for the Google TV platform.
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Once set up, you can use the included Logitech Keyboard Controller to navigate and interact with the content available. Pick up the controller, and type in anything you want to find. Watching the big game on live TV and want to know the latest stats on your favorite player? Simply use the dual-view mode to see the stats on the Web while still watching the game.
The Logitech Keyboard Controller 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.
Logitech also developed the Logitech Mini Controller for use with Google TV – a palm-sized keyboard, touch pad and remote control combo. Despite its compact size, 6-inches by 3.5-inches, the Mini Controller offers full 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 Logitech TV Cam lets you make and receive high-definition video calls on your HDTV. It connects to your Logitech Revue box using USB to deliver the images and audio. The TV Cam also provides a wide-angle lens that will capture your whole living room so your friends and family can relax, talk comfortably and enjoy a natural conversation. You can use the 5x digital zoom to get up close and personal.
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. Tapping the “Watch Google TV” button lets both apps can turn on your television, cable/satellite box and A/V receiver. The in-app keyboard and touch pad allow users to search for things to watch — online or on TV — as well as navigate websites. You can use gesture control, voice searches and much 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, 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.
More info here.
Source: Logitech
MacDailyNews Take: Steve Jobs is laughing his ass off right about now. This thing is far, far too complicated for 99% of the market and the prices are insane – in a bad way. It has a keyboard, an effing keyboard! At first, we thought it was all a joke. Then we began to feel sorry for the people at Logitech who wasted their time on this thing. Of course, some percentage of well-heeled geeks will get all excited. Too bad for Google and Logitech there are nowhere near enough of them to matter. Not even remotely close. Seriously, the vast majority of the world can barely switch inputs on their TVs to see the cable box, DVD player, etc. Frankly, we’re a bit stunned at the cluelessness of it all. This thing is DOA.
There are a lot of people that are deeply steeped in the Google world, with Voice and Mail, and Google Docs, etc. etc. These people are going to gravitate these types of equipment just like people already in the Apple environment go for TV. I wouldn’t count them out so quickly. Not everyone knows the extent of Eric the Mole’s creepiness factor. In fact the majority of average people still revere Google for all their “free” services.
There are a lot of people that are deeply steeped in the Google world, with Voice and Mail, and Google Docs, etc. etc. These people are going to gravitate these types of equipment just like people already in the Apple environment go for TV. I wouldn’t count them out so quickly. Not everyone knows the extent of Eric the Mole’s creepiness factor. In fact the majority of average people still revere Google for all their “free” services.
Apple have patented alot of touch control gestures. Does logitech infringe any of them? I wonder.
Apple have patented alot of touch control gestures. Does logitech infringe any of them? I wonder.
Is this a joke? Google’s cluelessness is starting to get embarrassing.
Is this a joke? Google’s cluelessness is starting to get embarrassing.
@ Joe: Perfect answer. That would work too.
@ Spark: I use alot of the free services of Google. But I would not run out and buy a Android phone or anything else by Google. It just does not measure up to Apple’s. I would count Google out this quick without seeing it working.
@ Joe: Perfect answer. That would work too.
@ Spark: I use alot of the free services of Google. But I would not run out and buy a Android phone or anything else by Google. It just does not measure up to Apple’s. I would count Google out this quick without seeing it working.
The only plus it has, if you want to call it a plus, it works with the iPhone.
The only plus it has, if you want to call it a plus, it works with the iPhone.
@Vatdoro:
Looks like $300 for the Revue, $130 for the Mini Controller, and $150 for the TV Cam… at least that’s how I read it. Unless some parts listed come in the $300 box…
@Vatdoro:
Looks like $300 for the Revue, $130 for the Mini Controller, and $150 for the TV Cam… at least that’s how I read it. Unless some parts listed come in the $300 box…
Still baffles my mind why anybody would use any of Google’s products after all the creepy things Eric Schmidt has said. Talk about big brother and privacy issues, the less Google knows about me the better.
Still baffles my mind why anybody would use any of Google’s products after all the creepy things Eric Schmidt has said. Talk about big brother and privacy issues, the less Google knows about me the better.
Timing is revealing. If they had in the confidence in this thing, they would’ve put it out yesterday. Google probably forced them not to, so Google could get at least one day worth of excited announcements and positive headlines out of its Google TV release.
Timing is revealing. If they had in the confidence in this thing, they would’ve put it out yesterday. Google probably forced them not to, so Google could get at least one day worth of excited announcements and positive headlines out of its Google TV release.
$299?
STFU! OMG!!
$299?
STFU! OMG!!
Did Logitech make Microsoft’s WebTV for them? Cause this looks similar. Just like Logitech makes Microsoft’s keyboards and mice.
Did Logitech make Microsoft’s WebTV for them? Cause this looks similar. Just like Logitech makes Microsoft’s keyboards and mice.
I for one welcome the addition of a typewriter to a TV. Clearly this is what has been missing for us B&W 1940s journalists in RKO B pictures looking for a replacement for the glass domed teletype.
Hoorah! Google. I take my hat off to you.
I for one welcome the addition of a typewriter to a TV. Clearly this is what has been missing for us B&W 1940s journalists in RKO B pictures looking for a replacement for the glass domed teletype.
Hoorah! Google. I take my hat off to you.
Now, if that came with a pipe holder, I would buy one from the piggly wiggly right now.
Now, if that came with a pipe holder, I would buy one from the piggly wiggly right now.
Ok now roll that clip of Steve Ballmer laughing uncomfortably, with over dubbing
“299 for a set top box?!?!”