Logitech will buy Blue Microphones for US$117 million

Logitech is securing its place in the high-end audio recording market with its latest acquisition. The company just announced that it is buying Blue Microphones for US$117 million. It’ll be an all-cash transaction. Blue, which is known for creating USB condenser mics like the Snowball and Yeti, will be joining Logitech’s other brands like Astro Gaming, Jaybird, and Ultimate Ears.

In a blog post announcing the deal, Logitech wrote, “For Logitech, this is a new space. But, at the same time, it’s not at all. Gamers are already using our Logitech G webcams to stream. People are video calling with friends and family thanks to Logitech every day. And in business, our audio and video know-how is apparent every time a video meeting takes place at the office. Joining up with Blue and their microphone lines is a logical adjacent opportunity with great synergies.”

Logitech builds VR keyboard kit to make it easier to type while using the HTC Vive

While you might be a good touch typist and have been able to do so in virtual reality, sometimes losing sight of the keys will throw you off. Logitech is hoping to make things easier for you with its new VR keyboard kit called the Logitech Bridge. This system works with the HTC Vive VR and makes use of a Vive tracking disk, a Logitech G gaming keyboard, and an accessory that links the two together. Once you have this set up, you’ll be able to see a 3D virtual keyboard that looks precisely like the one you’re using. There are even customization options on how the keyboard looks as well as custom keyboard layout. It’ll let you replace hotkeys or shortcuts with actual labeled buttons. If the game or app you’re using makes use of the Vive’s SteamVR software, the Bridge system will work with it.

Unfortunately, it won’t work with just any Logitech keyboard, you need to shell out US$150 for the concept. Yes, it’s still a concept now and it’s going out to 50 developers who are interested in trying it out. If you’re an interested developer, you can try and apply for one through this form. Applications will close on November 16.

Source: The Verge

New Logitech keyboard introduces smart, customizable dial

The new Logitech keyboard has a bit of magic going on for it—or at least it seems like it. The aptly called Craft keyboard brings with it a “creative input dial” similar to what we see on the Surface Dial. The great thing about this is it work with Windows and Mac. The Craft’s dial comes with built-in integration for seven apps at the moment: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, and InDesign as well as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. However, the Microsoft programs are currently limited to Windows use. On top of that, the dial can also be used for more generic functions like volume control or forward or back on pages—if the program supports that. The dial itself is touch sensitive so when you tap on it, it’ll bring up contextual options, which you can see in the video above. It shows, for example, if you select the brush tool, you just tap on the dial and show you different brush tool options like size, softness, etc.

The keyboard itself is built with the same Flow technology used in the MX series of mice, which means you can switch from up to three devices by just moving the mouse over or with a press of a button. And since it’s designed to work with both Mac and PC, you get keys listing for both systems and have specialized function keys work the same on whatever system you are on. The Craft connects to your computer via Bluetooth, Logitech’s Unifying Receiver, or a wired USB-C port. Don’t worry there is a USB-A to USB-C cable in the package. The keyboard is made with soft matte black plastic mixed with an aluminum bar to give some heft and stability to the top of the accessory. The Craft will be available in October for US$199.99 (around CA$250).

Source: The Verge

Logitech's Slim Combo case completes the iPad Pro

Logitech has accepted the challenge of creating the ideal iPad Pro case accessory. The Logitech Slim Combo iPad Pro case with Backlit Keyboard and Smart connector does a great job of protecting the new iPad Pro, it also offers a slot for the Apple Pencil, a removeable backlit keyboard and an articulating kickstand that gives the iPad Pro a wider range functionality over the slimline Apple iPad Pro keyboard cover.

“In the past, you were bound to a workspace with a PC, and used your tablet for quick messages or entertainment when you weren’t in the office; that’s not the case anymore,” said Michele Hermann, vice president of mobility at Logitech. “To be a pro today, you need the power of the PC, but more easily available whether you're on a train, at the park, in a meeting or wherever you need to be. The Slim Combo unleashes the power of iPad Pro to bring you the future of personal computing; a future that’s easier, faster and more fun.”

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