Logitech to Build Universal Remote Certified for Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005

Business Wire, Jan 6, 2005

LAS VEGAS -- Logitech (NASDAQ:LOGI) (SWX:LOGN) today announced that it is working with Microsoft to build and certify a next-generation Harmony(R) universal remote that will control a PC running Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 -- and any entertainment devices that may be connected to it. Logitech will first provide its technology as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) offering to Media Center PC manufacturers. The company plans to introduce a retail version of the remote this summer.

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 enables the best in home entertainment, personal productivity and creativity on a home PC, in an easy, familiar and connected way. With Media Center Edition 2005, people can engage in a simple, seamless digital entertainment experience, with digital photos, home movies, music, television and DVDs. The new Harmony remote will offer people a single point of control for all their living room entertainment, including their Media Center PC, high definition television, home theatre stereo receiver, DVD player, and any other device with an infrared receiver.

"With its ability to provide advanced universal remote control, the Logitech Harmony technology promises to greatly extend the value of the Media Center Edition 2005 platform, both for Media Center PC manufacturers and users," said Joe Belfiore, general manager of the Windows eHome division at Microsoft Corp. "The philosophy behind the Media Center Edition 2005 platform is to provide all home entertainment in an easy, complete and connected way. The Logitech Harmony advanced universal remote complements that philosophy perfectly."

"Logitech and Microsoft are both committed to providing a simple, unified, intuitive home entertainment experience," said Bryan McLeod, vice president of Logitech's Remote Control group. "People can trust that with the certification for the Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, the Harmony remote is going to be optimized for that platform. And with the remote's ability to control any other hardware tied to the Media Center PC, we've helped to integrate the new world of entertainment with the old."

Logitech Smart State Technology

Powered by Logitech's patented Smart State Technology(R), Harmony remote controls are designed to work the way people think, requiring just one click of a button to initiate a home-entertainment activity. For example, to watch TV on a satellite system with a Media Center PC, the TV, home theatre receiver, and PC may all have to be powered up and set to the right inputs. A Harmony remote can send all of the appropriate infrared (IR) commands with one touch. Without the Harmony remote, the activity might require pressing 10 or more buttons on several remote controls.

All Harmony remotes are Internet-powered: They use a USB connection to interface with the PC for programming the remote to control any electronic components with an infrared receiver. Through the Internet connection, the remote can access a shared, online database containing information about tens of thousands of home stereo components and remote controlled devices. Customers of the Harmony remote for Media Center PCs will have their own online home page that details their exact setup and can be viewed and managed through the Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 interface.

About Logitech

Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal peripherals that enable people to effectively work, play, and communicate in the digital world. Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the Swiss Stock Exchange (LOGN) and in the U.S. 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.

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are owned by Logitech and may be registered. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.