3Dconnexion and Google Collaborate to Make 3D Navigation Natural and Intuitive for Users of Google Earth and Google SketchUp.

SpaceNavigator Device Delivers Advanced Control to New Class of 3D Applications

LAS VEGAS -- 3Dconnexion, a Logitech company, today introduced the SpaceNavigator[TM], a three-dimensional navigation device that offers 3D designers and enthusiasts intuitive and powerful 3D navigation control. Compatible with Google Earth[TM] and Google SketchUp[TM], as well as with today's most popular 3D design applications, the SpaceNavigator gives people the ability to move naturally and fluidly in 3D environments -- without making repetitive mouse movements or having to type multiple keyboard commands. Logitech and Google worked together to develop native support for the SpaceNavigator with Google Earth.

"We're always excited to see new innovations that further enable people to connect to the power and discovery of 3D exploration in Google Earth," said John Hanke, director of Google Earth.

The SpaceNavigator has six optical sensors that continuously communicate multiple threads of navigation data to 3D applications. This technology enables people to fly through three-dimensional worlds without stopping to use the keyboard or mouse to change directions.

"3D applications are no longer used only by 3D designers, as evidenced by Google Earth being downloaded more than 100 million times in the first 10 months of its release," said Rory Dooley, president of 3Dconnexion. "Combining an easy-to-use, affordable 3D navigation device with Google's easy-to-use 3D applications offers an amazing 3D experience to virtually anyone."

A companion to the mouse, and held in the alternate hand, the SpaceNavigator significantly reduces the number of times people need to switch tools to manipulate 3D imagery, increasing productivity. In addition, people can use the SpaceNavigator to simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate 3D objects, which is not possible with a mouse and keyboard alone. People who use multiple 3D applications can appreciate how SpaceNavigator unifies the unique navigation systems of each application into a single easy-to-use device.

The small footprint of the heavy steel base holds the SpaceNavigator to the desktop and supports a controller cap that is designed to flex in all directions. When the cap is moved, the optical sensors capture a continuous stream of navigation information that is sent to the running application to control the 3D object or environment. The cap can be pushed, pulled, tilted, or spun a fraction of an inch in any direction to activate the SpaceNavigator's optical sensors. A firm push on the cap activates a quick movement, while a more gentle push results in slower movement. The SpaceNavigator's two programmable buttons, located at the three o'clock and nine o'clock positions, allow people to customize their workflow and reduce movement as the hand switches among the SpaceNavigator, mouse and keyboard.

The SpaceNavigator features a new 3Dconnexion Configuration Wizard to simplify speed adjustment and other settings. It uses animations and imagery to demonstrate how to use and configure settings for the device. The last panel of the Configuration Wizard offers demonstration applications so users can immediately begin using the device. The SpaceNavigator is compatible with Windows XP, 32-bit and 64-bit.

Pricing and Availability

The SpaceNavigator PE (personal edition) has a suggested retail price of $59. The personal edition license supports non-commercial use of the device and offers online technical support only. The SpaceNavigator standard edition has a suggested retail price of $99. The standard edition license supports both commercial and non-commercial use and offers online, e-mail and phone technical support. Upgrades from SpaceNavigator PE to SpaceNavigator standard edition licenses are $40 and are available online at www.3Dconnexion.com.

SpaceNavigator is available through major online resellers, including Amazon and CDW; a network of value added resellers; as well as directly from 3Dconnexion at www.3Dconnexion.com.

About 3Dconnexion, a Logitech Company

3Dconnexion, a wholly owned subsidiary of Logitech (SWX:LOGN) (Nasdaq:LOGI), is the leading provider of 3D navigation devices for 3D design and visualization. 3Dconnexion devices support today's most popular and powerful 3D applications by offering users a more intuitive and natural way to interact with computer-generated 3D content. 3Dconnexion's award-winning devices are used by designers, animators and artists worldwide.

3Dconnexion is headquartered in San Jose, California, with European headquarters in Seefeld, Germany and offices worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.3Dconnexion.com.

[c] 2006 3Dconnexion. All rights reserved. 3Dconnexion, the 3Dconnexion logo, and other 3Dconnexion marks are owned by 3Dconnexion and may be registered. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.