Cisco and Logitech introduces Couch-to-couch video calls (USA)

LifeSize, a part of Logitech is aiming to build a High Definition Videoconferencing platform along with industry giants Cisco and Microsoft and will soon announce products for the consumer market.

According to sources, Cisco is planning the launch of an inexpensive home tele-presence product for personal use in US market. The services will be launched in conjunction with either Comcast or Verizon’s network facilities. The subsidized prices might range from US$200-US$500.

According to ATD, the big selling point for the company is the high-definition quality which is supposed to be very good. Cisco will use this selling point to contrast it to what will be its big competitor, Internet telephony and video-calling giant Skype.

If reports are to be believed, Couch-to-couch video calls are being introduced by Cisco and Logitech as the tele-presence systems of the corporate world and will become affordable for mainstream consumers.

The two companies will not be alone in introducing family video calling to the living room this autumn, Skype’s calling service which is already available on several models of high-definition TVs sold by Panasonic and Samsung. In November, video calling will be offered by Microsoft with the launch of its Kinect motion controller for the Xbox 360 games console. The device features a camera and an array of microphones.