Logitech are making a bold play for the B2B video collaboration market with their new heavy-duty all in one MeetUp web conferencing camera.
With cloud-based web conferences solutions becoming more and more ubiquitous in board-rooms, Logitech are aiming to deliver a product that’s just as versatile.
A Logitech-engineered, low-distortion lens, UltraHD 4K optics allow MeetUp to get the most out of its super-wide 120-degree field of view (with the option to pan an additional 25 degrees to the left and right).
Scott Wharton, vice president and general manager of Logitech Video Collaboration, claims that the webcam “is purpose-built for the huddle room and its unique video and audio requirements, making sure everyone at the table is clearly seen and heard. It provides a truly remarkable collaboration experience.”
Like most Logitech devices, setup is a plug-and-play affair, though there is an accompanying remote that can be used to adjust the angle of the MeetUp’s lens.
Simon Dudley, Director of Product Strategy from Logitech Video Collaboration International, told SmartHouse that when it comes to webcams, “business models matter more than technology.”
Dudley says that, like the best Logitech products, the MeetUp is designed and built to be mass-deployed.
He argues “business models markets matter more than technology on some level.”
Specifically, the MeetUp features an internal processing unit that works clean up the image quality.
He cites the company’s GROUP video conferencing kit as another example where this approach has paid its dividends.
Originally code-named “Colossus”, he says it’s been a massively successful product that’s helped propel Logitech to become the biggest provider in unit terms for meeting video room conferencing solutions.
According to Dudley, the video collaboration division of the company has grown by a factor of 10 when it comes to revenues.
He says the division sold over 170,000 units in the last twelve months.
Dudley goes on to explain that there is a formula of sorts behind that growth.
He says that Logitech specializes in finding “puddles” of consumer electronics that they can compete in, giving them a more diverse suite of products.
Dudley rattles off UE audio and Jaybird earphones as examples.
“We’re a major player in lots of small markets,” he says.
“And we like those markets to be diversified,” he quickly added.
Business customers may purchase MeetUp through the Logitech Video Collaboration reseller network at a suggested retail price of $1,399 from July.
There will also be an expansion microphone available at a suggested retail price of $369.95.
