Logitech to unveil AI based home devices

The Indian subsidiary of Logitech International S.A, a provider of personal computers and mobile accessories, is all set to introduce voice recognition and Artificial Intelligence based devices in India, said a top executive.

“Currently, we are working on a number of electronic devices to transform your homes, whether it is big or small,” said Sumanta Datta, managing director - India and Southwest Asia, Logitech Electronics India Pvt. Ltd. “We are developing the right kind of solutions for Indian homes at affordable prices.”

To begin with, Indian consumers, in two or three months from now, can lay hands on Amazon Alexa ((a cloud-based virtual assistant) enabled Logitech bluetooth speakers, specially meant for outdoor activities. These speakers would be dust and water proof and provide 360 degree output. This would be followed by a voice-activated TV remote for the Indian market, besides Indian language keyboards for computers.

In Chennai, Logitech recently opened one of its biggest research and development centre to develop products and devices from concept to shelf.

As part of the exercise, a group of Logitech engineers recently visited the U.S. This resulted in developing Harmony (a universal home control remote) by integrating it with Alexa.

“Actually, it was not in the plan. Harmony Elite is used for switching TV, increasing volume, changing channels, operating window blinds and lighting among others. We will soon release the next generation of Harmony Elite in India for one-fifth of the cost with better features,” he said.

“Right now, Harmony Elite and Harmony Hub are not available in India,” said Balajee Rajaram, director, Logitech Engineering and Designs India Pvt. Ltd.

Disclosing that Logitech’s music and gaming business would be entering India within the next 12 to 18 months, Mr. Balajee said that in the last one year, they had doubled the workforce in Chennai to 230 and in the next two years it would touch 400.

“In the coming years, Logitech India would a play a positive role in India,” Mr. Balajee said.