Logitech Intros Three New Windows 8 Gadgets

News
By Kevin Parrish
published

Logitech is launching three Windows 8-focused peripherals later this month.

On Wednesday Logitech revealed three new peripherals designed specifically for Windows 8, Microsoft's updated OS slated to launch later this month. These new gadgets include the Logitech Wireless Rechargeable Touchpad T650, the Logitech Touch Mouse T620 and the Logitech Zone Touch Mouse T400. Each was developed with Microsoft's new Modern UI interface in mind, offering shortcuts to make it easier for users to move between the old Windows desktop and the new Windows 8 Start Screen.

Logitech Wireless Rechargeable Touchpad T650

This actually looks rather interesting: a large pad sporting an ultra-smooth glass touch surface. Logitech claims it will speed up navigation while giving fingers plenty of room to perform up to 13 unique Windows 8 gestures. Users can even click anywhere within the touch zone to zip directly to the Windows 8 Start Screen.

The tech specs weren't provided, but the gadget will have precision sensors, resistance to fingerprints, and a rechargeable battery promising up to one month of performance on a single charge. "Just plug in the USB cable – even while using it – and instantly begin charging," Logitech said on Wednesday. "With an on/off switch and low-battery status indicator, never worry about losing power again."

Logitech Touch Mouse T620

Here's a wireless mouse with an ultra-sleek design that's packed with a full-touch surface for fluid navigation. Like the larger Touchpad T650, users will have the freedom to gesture wherever their fingers rest on the mouse (even on the edges, Logitech says) so everything feels natural, including horizontal and vertical scrolling, and app switching.

Logitech said this upcoming mouse will feature advanced 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity and a receiver that connects up to six compatible devices. It will also sport advanced optical tracking and customizable controls, allowing users to configure the mouse their way via the Logitech SetPoint software. The two AA batteries will offer a six-month lifespan on one charge, but that will also depend on its overall usage.

Logitech Zone Touch Mouse T400

This Windows 8 peripheral will "go beyond traditional mouse functionality," and sports a glass touch-surface that is designed for smooth horizontal and vertical scrolling. Users will be able to click anywhere on the front of the touch zone to go directly to the Windows 8 Start Screen. Also thrown into the mix will be a rubber grip wrapping, as seen above, so that the gadget doesn't suddenly escape across the desk.

Like the Touch Mouse T620, this model will connect to a Windows 8 device via an included 2.4 GHz USB receiver which will support up to six compatible devices. The battery will provide up to 18 months of performance, and Logitech even included a battery status indicator just in case time slips by too easily. Optional Logitech SetPoint software will allow the user to customize the controls, just like the T620.

The Logitech Wireless Rechargeable Touchpad T650, Logitech Touch Mouse T620 and Logitech Zone Touch Mouse T400 are expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in October 2012, for a suggested retail price of $79.99, $69.99 and $49.99, respectively. Below Logitech has provided a video demonstration so you can see these Windows 8 peripherals in action.

Kevin Parrish
9 Comments Comment from the forums
  • nukemaster
    Waiting got the anti Win8 comments now....

    Only the touch pad looks useful to me(mice look too small) if it is accurate enough to play with some light photo editing.
    Reply
  • seels
    In the boardroom at Logitech:

    "Ok guys if we're going to remain relevant, we need to follow these steps:

    #1 We HAVE to copy Apple here otherwise we're done for.
    #2 Apple has a great gesture type mouse for iMacs...yeah let's copy that.
    #3 Let's watch Apple really closely and see what they do next so we can copy that
    #4 Copy Apple"

    Yet again, more Apple copying. Samsung with basically every product they make now, Microsoft with Surface and their smartphones, now Logitech. Very, very sad. Apple proves why it is the best time and time again.
    Reply
  • bllue
    I like these. When I saw the pictures I didn't think they'd work as good as they did in the demo
    Reply
  • imsurgical
    seelsIn the boardroom at Logitech: "Ok guys if we're going to remain relevant, we need to follow these steps:#1 We HAVE to copy Apple here otherwise we're done for.#2 Apple has a great gesture type mouse for iMacs...yeah let's copy that.#3 Let's watch Apple really closely and see what they do next so we can copy that#4 Copy Apple"Yet again, more Apple copying. Samsung with basically every product they make now, Microsoft with Surface and their smartphones, now Logitech. Very, very sad. Apple proves why it is the best time and time again.


    ...you're a biased idiot.
    Reply
  • ohim
    seelsIn the boardroom at Logitech: "Ok guys if we're going to remain relevant, we need to follow these steps:#1 We HAVE to copy Apple here otherwise we're done for.#2 Apple has a great gesture type mouse for iMacs...yeah let's copy that.#3 Let's watch Apple really closely and see what they do next so we can copy that#4 Copy Apple"Yet again, more Apple copying. Samsung with basically every product they make now, Microsoft with Surface and their smartphones, now Logitech. Very, very sad. Apple proves why it is the best time and time again.open your eyes and see from where apple actually "invents" all of their products before you open your stupid mouth.

    Back to the subject, i was actually expecting such devices for windows 8 to mimic the gestures of a touch screen for Win8`s interface.
    Reply
  • NightLight
    this is actually quite interesting!
    Reply
  • zodiacfml
    I was about to say the same. I like that touch pad without windows 8. I have feeling that a touch pad moving a cursor could be lil bit faster but less tiring than a mouse for usage of several hours.

    nukemasterWaiting got the anti Win8 comments now....Only the touch pad looks useful to me(mice look too small) if it is accurate enough to play with some light photo editing.
    Reply
  • ChromeTusk
    I would love to see reviews on these, especially the touchpad. If it has good range, it might work well in a classroom environment.
    Reply
  • dimar
    I think using a mouse with a tablet is pretty retarded. Constantly switching full screens from one to another is even more retarded. MS will probably get rid of metro in windows 9 anyway.
    Reply