New Logitech io2 Digital Pen Features Improved Handwriting Recognition, Advanced Shortcuts Using ioTags; Pen Turns Handwritten Notes Into Microsoft Word Documents in Seconds.

HANNOVER, Germany -- Today at CeBIT, Logitech (SWX:LOGN) (NASDAQ:LOGI) unveiled the new version of the Logitech(R) io(TM)2 Digital Pen. The new digital pen -- which converts handwriting into digital text in seconds -- has improved handwriting recognition and offers a new written shortcut that efficiently transforms notes into a Microsoft(R) Word(R) document. The new pen also is available at a lower retail price.

The Logitech io2 Digital Pen's improved handwriting recognition software learns the user's personal lexicon and individual handwriting style for a more accurate conversion of notes into digital text.

With the Logitech ioTags feature, the pen improves people's efficiency by allowing them to send portions of their handwritten notes directly into their e-mail and calendar applications by using written shortcuts. Originally introduced last September, the Logitech ioTags feature now links the digital pen directly to Microsoft Word. When the pen is docked, selected notes appear instantly as both handwritten notes and automatically converted text within a split-screen interface. Users can click a single button to have that text instantly inserted into a new Word document, or they can first edit the text as they compare it on-screen with the handwritten notes. When using the io2 Digital Pen, people can always go back to the images of their original handwritten notes, because they are automatically saved when the pen is docked.

"Our digital pen technology continues to get better -- with each of the improvements designed to help professionals increase their efficiency," said James Stanford, general manager for the digital writing group at Logitech. "We often sit in meetings and take several pages of notes, and then we either spend valuable time transcribing those notes, or simply put them aside. With the io2 Digital Pen, each line of notes can be automatically sent to a new e-mail, task, meeting or Word document, maximizing the usefulness of the notes while minimizing the time it takes to convert them."

Synchronized Personal Dictionary

Logitech's updated software makes it easy for people to personalize and add words to the dictionary used by the handwriting recognition software to convert notes to text. During the setup process, the io2 software completes a search of the user's contacts within Microsoft(R) Outlook(R) or Lotus Notes(R) and automatically adds those names to the Logitech io2 dictionary. When the software encounters these recognized names, it correctly converts them from ink notes to digital text. To further adapt to the user's personal lexicon, the io2 software frequently checks the custom dictionaries from all of the Microsoft Office applications. This ensures that user-defined words, acronyms and other terminology are translated more accurately. During regular use, the Logitech io2 software prompts the user to add new words to the io2 dictionary when it does not recognize them, continually improving the experience of using the pen over time.

Logitech ioTags

The Logitech ioTags feature gives io2 Digital Pen users the ability to automate where different portions of their notes are sent when the pen is docked. Categories of ioTags include calendar entries, new tasks, e-mails, and standard text. To designate an ioTag action while taking notes, a person simply draws the symbol for the type of note to be created; the symbol is simply a predefined uppercase letter within a circle. For example, the letter T with a circle around it denotes a new task. When the pen is docked, a new task window opens in Microsoft Outlook or Lotus Notes and automatically becomes populated with the converted text. The letter W with a circle commands the software to open the split-screen interface from which users can send the converted text to a Microsoft Word document.

Affordable Price, Simplified Paper

The new-look, black-and-silver Logitech io2 Digital Pen, available in Europe and in the U.S. beginning in May, is more affordable than ever at a suggested retail price of $149.99 in the U.S. Logitech also has redesigned the special paper that comes with the pen. The company removed the header and footer areas so that there is more room to take notes on each page. Each retail package comes with a standard A5 (5.83-by-8.27 inches) notebook; additional sizes and formats of paper will be available in retail stores and at www.logitechio.com.

About Logitech

Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal peripherals that enable people to effectively work, play, and communicate in the digital world. Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded on the SWX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and in the U.S. on the Nasdaq National Market System (LOGI). The company has manufacturing facilities in Asia and offices in major cities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

Logitech, the Logitech logo, and other Logitech marks are owned by Logitech and may be registered. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.