Now you can use a simple voice command to control your Logitech Circle cameras. On Thursday, Logitech announced that its Circle 2 security camera, as well as, the first generation Logi Circle is getting support from Google Assistant.
Logitech Circle cameras now support voice command
“We’re excited to announce that Logitech Circle 2 home security cameras now work with the Google Assistant on smart speakers like Google Home, eligible Android phones and iPhones, so you can easily ask to watch live video of what’s happening in and around your home on your TV,” Logitech said in a press release.
The feature will work on any device having Google Assistant, like Google Home speaker, Android phones and iPhones. Further, a TV with a Chromecast attached or built-in will also be required. To view the footage, a user will just need to say, “Ok Google, show me the front door camera,” where the Circle 2 Camera is named “front door.”
According to the company, the integration with Google Assistant works on both wired and wireless versions. In addition, the company said the “integration will continue to evolve, so people always have access to the latest smart home features and voice experiences they love.”
Integration of Logitech Circle cameras and Google Assistant is now live in the U.S., and will soon be rolled out to more countries. The Logitech Circle 2 Wired costs $179.99, while the Wire-Free version costs $199.99. Logitech now boasts that it is the first smart security camera to support three major ecosystems: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Homekit, notes Android Headlines.
Tops Q2 earnings and sales
Earlier this week, Logitech posted its financial results for the second-quarter of Fiscal Year 2018. The Switzerland-based company reported earnings were beat for the eighth consecutive quarter. For the quarter, earnings came in at 40 cents per share, beating the consensus estimates of 36 cents. The impressive performance can be attributed to the strong performance in the Asia-Pacific region along with an impressive show by Gaming and Video Collaboration businesses.
Net revenue came in at $634.2 million, up 12.4% year-over-year, beating the consensus estimate of $620 million. The rise in sales was somewhat offset by a product transition in Mobile Speakers. Sales of gaming gear, which includes headsets and controllers, was up 44%, while sales of video collaboration (such as video conference cameras) increased by 61%. For the current fiscal year, Logitech expects the revenue to rise by 10% to 12%, against the consensus of 10.9%.
“We delivered another strong quarter of growth,” said Logitech president and chief executive officer, Bracken Darrell. “Gaming and Video Collaboration categories showed particular strength and momentum.”
Analysts were, however, concerned with the gross profit margin, which dropped from 36.6% in the September quarter from 37% last year. At the conference call, Logitech Chief Financial Officer Vincent Pilette noted that the drop is attributed to higher marketing costs for the new products and transition to a new third-party distribution center.
On Wednesday, Logitech shares closed down 1.36%. Year to date, the stock is up almost 38%, while in the last three-months, it is down almost 7%.
