Logitech offers new VOIP products

VOIP service provider Skype Ltd. worked with Logitech to make some of the products exclusive to Skype in Europe. The European version of the new Logitech EasyCall Desktop includes a Skype-specific keyboard with dedicated buttons for launching Skype, making a call, ending a call, changing a user's online status and speed-dialing.

The package also includes a mouse and headset as well as a speakerphone, which eliminates echo and has control buttons such as volume, mute, call answer and hang-up.

In the U.S., the package is optimized for use with Yahoo Messenger with Voice and AOL LLC's instant messenger service. It will sell in the U.S. for US$129.99 and will be available in stores in both the U.S. and Europe in mid-September. The companies did not reveal the suggested retail price for Europe.

Logitech also introduced a cordless handset for making and receiving Skype calls. The phone communicates wirelessly to a module that plugs into the USB (universal serial bus) port on a PC and can be used within 164 feet of the PC. It will start selling in October for $199.99 in the U.S. and Europe.

Logitech will also sell a speakerphone, designed for VOIP calling, separate from the EasyCall package. The speakerphone connects to a PC via the USB port and will cost $99.99 when it becomes available in the U.S. and Europe later this year.