Logitech

Swiss global provider of peripherals

Logitech (sometimes shortened to Logi) is a Swiss company that makes electronics. They are best known for making peripheral equipment for computers, including webcams, keyboards and computer mice.

Logitech's Silicon Valley office
Logitech wireless mouse

History change

Logitech was founded in Apples, Switzerland, in 1981 by graduates of Stanford University Daniel Borel and Pierluigi Zappacosta, and former Olivetti engineer Giacomo Marini.[1]

In 2001, Logitech acquired Labtec for $150 million to expand its range of computer peripherals.

In 2007, Logitech licensed Hillcrest Labs' Freespace motion control technology to produce the MX Air Mouse, which allows a user to use natural gestures to control a PC.[2][3]

In December 2009, Logitech acquired video conferencing equipment maker Lifesize Communications.[4]

In July 2011, Logitech acquired the mobile visual communications provider Mirial.[5]

In January 2013, Bracken Darrell became Logitech's chief executive officer; then-CEO Guerrino De Luca continued as Logitech's chairman of the board.[6]

In January 2016, Logitech spun off the video conferencing equipment maker Lifesize.[7][8]

In April 2016, Logitech agreed to pay US$7.5 million penalty related to accusations that it and some former executives improperly inflated the company's results for its 2011 fiscal year to meet guidance and other accounting violations.

On 12 April 2016, Logitech announced that they had agreed to acquire Jaybird, a leader in wireless audio wearables for sports and active lifestyles, for US$50 million, with an additional earnout of up to US$45 million based on achievement of growth targets.[9]

On 15 September 2016, Logitech announced that they had purchased the Saitek brand and assets from Mad Catz for US$13 million.[10]

On 26 September 2019, Logitech acquired Streamlabs, producer of software and tools for live-streaming, for approximately $89 million.[11]

On 29 July 2021, Logitech, in collaboration with choreographer JaQuel Knight, introduced its #Creators4BIPOC initiative under the Logitech For Creators brand. It allows social media creators, particularly BIPOC influencers, to copyright and monetize their online creations by making it possible for choreographers who amplify attention to hits by major artists in the entertainment business to secure copyright of their choreography using Labanotation and earn royalties from it.[12][13]

Mice change

The first mice were made in Switzerland. Now Logitech makes its items all over the world. Selling computer mice made Logitech a big company. In 2008, Logitech made its billionth mouse.[14]

Product lines change

As well as webcams, keyboards and mice, Logitech also makes other products such as:

  • Loudspeakers
  • Gamepads
  • Phone accessories
  • Special TV remotes
  • Headphones
  • Programmable remote controls

Logitech has also made two computer games: Jelly Jumper and Jelly Battle.

References change

  1. Peter Day, BBC . "165 University Ave: Silicon Valley's 'lucky building' Archived 29 May 2018 at the Wayback Machine." Aug 27, 2010. Retrieved Dec 8, 2016.
  2. Techspot 13 July 2007. Logitech's MX Air Mouse with freespace motion control Archived 4 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  3. "Logitech buys LifeSize for $405 million". IT Pro. 11 November 2009.
  4. "Logitech Acquires Mirial – MarketWatch". marketwatch.com. 2011. Archived from the original on 2020-09-22. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
  5. "Logitech selects Bracken Darrell as president right now, next CEO in 2013". Engadget. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 2016-12-12.
  6. Sead Fadilpasic, IT Pro Portal. “Lifesize splits from Logitech, continues solo Archived 2019-10-12 at the Wayback Machine.” Date Jan 15, 2016. Accessed Oct 12, 2019.
  7. Heather Clancy, Fortune. “Life After Logitech: Cloud Video Pioneer Sees ‘Torrid’ Growth.” Date Jan 21, 2016. Accessed Oct 12, 2019.
  8. "Logitech snaps up wireless earbuds maker JayBird for $50M". Tech Crunch. 13 April 2016.
  9. "Logitech buys Saitek from Mad Catz". Games Industry Biz. 16 September 2016.
  10. Grubb, Jeff (September 26, 2019). "Logitech acquires Streamlabs to get deeper into game broadcasting". Venture Beat. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
  11. "Logitech and Visionary Choreographer JaQuel Knight Drive Change For BIPOC Creators Through Copyright Protection and New Film". www.businesswire.com. 2021-07-29. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  12. Perkins, Njera (2021-07-29). "A Year After Creating Megan Thee Stallion's #SavageChallenge, TikToker Keara Wilson Earns Her Copyrights". AfroTech. Retrieved 2021-08-18.
  13. "Firm makes one billionth mouse". BBC News. 3 December 2008. Retrieved 2008-12-03.

Other websites change