Logitech 2003 Annual Report Download - page 121

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• PC Game Controllers. Logitech provides a full range of controllers for PC gamers. The products address key
game genres: joysticks for flying, steering wheels for driving, and gamepads for sports, action, and adventure
games. Though the products are very different in nature due to their different target applications, they are united
by Logitech's attention to quality and excellence of design. They also share some core Logitech technologies,
such as cordlessness, force feedback, and optical sensing. Logitech consistently breaks new ground in PC game
controllers with such award-winning products as the Logitech MOMO® Force steering wheel and the Logitech
Freedom 2.4 cordless joystick.
• Console Game Controllers and Accessories. Since entering the console market two years ago, Logitech has
consistently broadened its line with popular products in strategic segments. Logitech is now offering products
for all three of the top platforms (PlayStation®2, Xbox™, and GameCube™) and is working closely with those
platform providers and game developers throughout the world to develop important new applications and
technologies for this market. With its expertise in force and vibration feedback, cordlessness, voice input, and
video input, Logitech is enabling a broad range of new gaming experiences. Logitech provides retail hardware,
such as the Logitech Driving Force™ wheel and Logitech Cordless Controllers, and OEM hardware including
the USB headset (bundled with Sony Computer Entertainment's SOCOM: U. S. Navy SEALs) and the Sony
EyeToy™ camera. To enable this hardware and ensure high-quality support within games, Logitech also
provides state-of-the-art software drivers and tools to game developers.
• Multimedia Speakers. The Company’s multimedia speakers are designed for three different user groups: Basic
PC users listening for the sounds of audio affirmation from multimedia software such as e-mail and educational
or basic music applications; Audio Enthusiasts wanting full fidelity music from CDs, MP3s, and DVD programs;
and Gamers/Desktop theater users desiring the most involved surround sound experience. The Company offers a
range of models from its flagship multi-platform Logitech Z-680 speakers (simultaneously working with PCs,
game consoles, and DVD players) with 500 watts of power, THX approval, and 5.1 channels - to high volume,
entry-level 2-piece speaker systems. The flagship models consistently garner multiple best in class awards,
which affirm Logitech’s brand in the speaker space.
• PC and Game Console Headsets and Microphones: Logitech offers a complete line of voice access headsets and
microphones. This line is designed to provide the best performance from many PC and game console
applications, including voice-over-internet communication, speech recognition, and video game voice command.
Logitech is the world’s largest producer of USB headsets for PCs and game consoles.
• Mobile Phone Headsets. This recently introduced line consists of innovatively designed corded headsets that
address the active lifestyle of users, as well as new cordless models offering advanced technologies. Extensive
research drove the invention of proprietary patent pending designs, which enable the Company to create headsets
that are more compatible with the “on the go” lifestyle of mobile phone users. The headset designs are cost
effective, making the products price competitive, while providing an enhanced user experience.
• 3D Motion Controllers. The Company’s subsidiary, 3Dconnexion, offers 3D input devices for the growing field
of 3D motion control, used in the CAD (Computer Aided Design), EDA (Electronic Design Automation), GIS
(Geographic Information Systems) and DCC (Digital Content Creation) markets. Over 200,000 professionals
use 3Dconnexion motion controllers, including its SpaceBall®, SpaceMouse®, CadMan®, and
SpaceNavigator™. All 3Dconnexion motion controllers leverage the productivity benefits and comfort of
working with two hands – one hand on the mouse to select, modify or annotate, and the other hand on the motion
controller to navigate.
Technology
Logitech products are sophisticated systems that combine multiple engineering disciplineslightweight radio
frequency transmission, optical, mechanical, electrical, acoustical and softwareand incorporate both cognitive and
physiological elements in user-centric industrial designs. These systems share common design elements, including:
sensors to detect and encode motion, images, sound or other analog data into electrical signals; custom ASICs;
microcontrollers to convert and process signals received from the sensor; a communications subsystem to exchange
signals with an attached computer or other intelligent host; and a suite of driver, utility and user interface software
modules and web sites. The Company believes these software modules and web support complete a seamless user-
centric solution for information input, access and control. Logitech's products incorporate the following principal
technologies:
• Motion Sensing. The Company's sensors transform analog motion and images into electronic signals. Logitech
was the first to introduce optical sensing in pointing devices. For example, all of Logitech's patented Marble®
products utilize an optical trackball sensor, greatly improving trackball accuracy and durability. Similarly,
Logitech's digital cameras utilize optical sensors to detect colors, shapes and other image attributes and convert