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January 19, 2015

Logitech Lifesize Broadens Presence with New Releases


Logitech Lifesize is one of the biggest names around when it comes to cloud-based video conferencing tools, and that's largely thanks to a terrific product line backed by great name recognition. But no terrific product line stays terrific forever without some new introductions to back up the classics—particularly when it comes to technology—and here, Logitech is no exception. To that end, Logitech is bringing out two new products for its Lifesize product line: the Lifesize Icon 400 and the Lifesize Icon Flex.

The Lifesize Icon Flex is a full business-class system, designed to be used with the touchscreen Lifesize Phone, according to reports. It's geared toward smaller meeting rooms, so those who have been looking to connect an entire room might do well here if the room is somewhat small. It works well with a variety of applications, including Skype, Cisco Jabber, and of course Lifesize Cloud, so those who deal in several different contact systems—or just one of the above—will do pretty well here. This works especially well for a Skype office that needs to get in touch with a Cisco Jabber office or the like. Installation requires only a power source and a laptop or desktop with one open USB port. It boasts a 360 degree audio pickup, a dedicated IP phone solution, a 6X zoom function, and video support for 1080p at 30 frames per second on a field of view over 70 degrees.

Meanwhile, the Lifesize Icon 400 is likewise designed for small rooms as well, offering many of the same features as the Lifesize Icon Flex. However, it trades off the support for third party collaboration apps in favor of a data sharing port, which will reduce the flexibility somewhat when calling in to users with other platforms, but instead will provide a tool the Icon Flex doesn't.

The arrival of these two new Lifesize Icon products is seen by some as a distinct positive, a means to bolster the declining performance of Logitech's videoconferencing segment. The last two quarters, at last report, have seen segment revenues on the decline, mostly owing to lower overall demand for the high-end material, material mostly only on the table for larger firms. These devices, meanwhile, are more geared toward the smaller room and the smaller budget, a move that could be a positive one.

Both of these devices are surprisingly similar, so it's something of a wonder why Logitech brought both of these out and didn't just add the data sharing port on to the Flex and call it a day. However, it might be a good idea to have one of each on hand: one for internal communications only, and one for patching into the outside world. Video conferencing, after all, is at its best when it's able to save users money on business travel while still allowing for that face-to-face communication that means so much, so being able to make that contact regardless of someone else's streaming platform makes sense. Meanwhile, inside the office, having the tool that works best on one platform and offers other tools instead is one that will likely prove valuable.

It's nice to see video conferencing tools geared toward the small and medium-sized business (SMB) user that needs something a little more than off-the-shelf consumer system and needs something a little more powerful, if not necessarily powerful enough for a big room, and that's just what we have with the new Logitech Lifesize tools.




Edited by Maurice Nagle
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