Logitech to launch non-IT peripherals

MUMBAI: Imagine having the perfect ambience for your romantic dinner or getting that theatre like experience while watching your favourite movies, at the touch of a single button. That’s exactly what equipment manufacturer Logitech is aiming when it launches its series of non-IT peripherals in the country.

The company is set to come out with its set of next generation of universal remote controls along with a host of new audio system peripherals shortly as part of its latest growth strategy to target the Indian consumer electronic market in India.

The new touch-screen remote control, for instance, would seamlessly inter-connect with your DVD player, TV, sound system and even the lights in your house at the same time.

It also has plans to come out with its high-end MP3 player (iPod) compatible external audio systems for the Indian markets. Logitech better known for its computer peripherals like keyboards, mice and webcams, wants to enter the consumer electronics peripherals space by the next 2-3 months.

“Earlier, we were focused on growing solely our computer related business in India, but now considering the enormous potential that consumer electronics have to offer, we now think that entering the non-IT peripherals for products such as televisions and media players for sector could also be a potential growth area for the company,” says Logitech South Asia director Moninder Jain.

According to ORG-GFK estimates, the consumer durables market is expected to close 2007 with over 10% growth against 8% in last year. The company has plans to tie up with retail outlets such as Future Group’s eZone, Reliance Retail and Tata Group’s Croma for distribution of its non-IT products, Mr Jain added.

Logitech earlier used to sell it computing products through assemblers and channel partners in India. Analysts feel that cheaper computer peripherals from China and Taiwan are proving to be tough competition for the US firm.