Logitech announces Squeezebox Touch

[maggior]

Hi Mark -

I'm very glad that you took this in the spirit which was intended. I'm glad to hear that there is indeed excitement behind the scenes.

I wish you the best with this release! There are some real interesting possibilities here. This update to the product line will hopefully draw in new SB users. It'll be interesting to see what happens to the forum traffic once the SBT is shipping.

Guess I'll have get in touch (an unintentional pun, sorry :-) with an architect to start plans for a new addition to provide a new room in need of a squeezebox :-).

Cheers!
Rich

Interesting feedback, thanks.
<snip>
I guess would add:

- Since I started this thread, I will take responsibility for the fact that I can sometimes be terse. I'll try to do better next time
- Two major new products are being released at almost the same time. Don't be surprised that some of the engineering team that you've gotten to know are spending more time right now preparing for a successful release.

[Mark Lanctot]

Plus, given the amount of accurate discussion beforehand covering many months - including pictures mistakenly leaked from Logitech sites - then I think that the willingness to be hyped up again was low.

Yes, these leaks kind of deflated the surprise factor.

[bbfoto]

Yes, these leaks kind of deflated the surprise factor.

The surprise, yes, but not the interest or excitement here.

I feel that all of the discussion here about the Touch even before it has been formally released will give Logitech good insight as to which features are of most interest to potential buyers (both 1st time NMP purchasers and existing customers looking to upgrade.) It will give you an earlier indication of why the Touch was or will be a successful, or not so successful, product.

The Product Planners will know that much sooner which features and capabilities should be implemented in future products or upgrades...where they got it wrong, and where they got it right. Unfortunately, it also gives the competition valuable insight, which I feel ultimately benefits us, but maybe not so much Logitech.

It is amazing how much can be done or changed just by upgrading the Firmware and Software alone, so it will be very interesting to see the full capabilities of the Touch upon its release. For example, if you are familiar with it, look at the features and usability changes in the the iPhone 3G going from v1 to v3. I realize that it's a much different device, but...

/end of rant

Billy B.

[Nonreality]

I think this is a very cool device. I don't think it offers "me" anything to upgrade, but for new buyers I'm sure it does. I've never ever had the need to touch my sb3. Album art on it would not be seen by my present situation. 24/94 I'm sure is nice but 24/48 now sounds just fine. I do like the idea of using memory cards but probably would never do that. But like I say it looks fantastic and if I was just buying I think those things would suck me in. Just not enough in my present condition to upgrade mind you. But that's not a notion on it just on me. Very fine job you guys and gals!

ps: please keep the classic with maybe a slight upgrade.

[Nonreality]

Interesting feedback, thanks. I can assure you that everyone in the company is very exited about these products both in terms of how cool they are as well as the business opportunity they present (which will allow more new cool things in the future). I guess would add:

- Since I started this thread, I will take responsibility for the fact that I can sometimes be terse. I'll try to do better next time
- Two major new products are being released at almost the same time. Don't be surprised that some of the engineering team that you've gotten to know are spending more time right now preparing for a successful release.

With all due respect to Dean and Sean, neither their departure or the Logitech acquisition has diminished anyone's passion.

I guess I already blew this idea but how about a trade in program? I probably wouldn't but who knows? Maybe something that gives a wonderful amount for old sb's. Wouldn't hurt much and it would get the ball rolling. Just an idea. An addon idea, If you have a registered recent product, no trade in needed but a 20% discount to those adding on for a month or two to get the ball rolling. Again just an idea for you to get an impact.

[iPhone]

I guess I already blew this idea but how about a trade in program? I probably wouldn't but who knows? Maybe something that gives a wonderful amount for old sb's. Wouldn't hurt much and it would get the ball rolling. Just an idea. An addon idea, If you have a registered recent product, no trade in needed but a 20% discount to those adding on for a month or two to get the ball rolling. Again just an idea for you to get an impact.

This is a $300 retail unit not a home or automobile with thousands of dollars of margin. What are they going to do with traded in SB3s? Recycle them? It would cost less just to let you keep it. As for me, nobody is getting any of my SB3s.

20% off is $60 and Logitech usually offers free shipping on all pre-orders which probably puts that at $70 of a $300 retail product. Just my opinion, but not a good idea when the whole idea of selling from the Logitech website is so the Company gets full retail instead of the wholesale for the units that go to Best Buy. And if I am paying retail, I would rather give my money to the company that is going to support me then to Best Buy or Amazon! You guys trying to save a few bucks buying from Amazon think about that. Buying from the Logitech website is better for you and the future of Squeezebox in the long run.

Now maybe a $20 loyalty coupon and free shipping for anybody that has bought a Squeezebox in the last two years.

[snarlydwarf]

Now maybe a $20 loyalty coupon and free shipping for anybody that has bought a Squeezebox in the last two years.

While your points are totally valid...

The Touch is just damned sexy. I don't think it really needs a promo.

The Radio in some ways is even sexier... I was thinking of one for the kitchen but now I'm thinking I need one at work.

I don't see myself madly replacing my existing stuff: they work fine and do more than they do when I bought them. But augmenting? Well, yeah, that is gonna happen somehow, even if I have to add on to the house to get it.

(Headline: Housing Remodels on the Upswing, Economy Saved, Logitech Credited).

Maybe we can get some ObamaBucks to stimulate the economy.

[It's Friday, I'm sleepy, and don't feel like smiling. Figure it out yourself.]

[iPhone]

While your points are totally valid...

The Touch is just damned sexy. I don't think it really needs a promo.

The Radio in some ways is even sexier... I was thinking of one for the kitchen but now I'm thinking I need one at work.

I don't see myself madly replacing my existing stuff: they work fine and do more than they do when I bought them. But augmenting? Well, yeah, that is gonna happen somehow, even if I have to add on to the house to get it.

(Headline: Housing Remodels on the Upswing, Economy Saved, Logitech Credited).

Maybe we can get some ObamaBucks to stimulate the economy.

[It's Friday, I'm sleepy, and don't feel like smiling. Figure it out yourself.]

I also agree about not needing to discount the Touch or Squeezebox Radio as in my opinion they will be hot sellers out of the gate. I forgot to put that in my post, but as anyone can see by my saying buy from the Logitech Website, that I think full retail is appropriate at this time. Got caught up in the spirit of NonReality's post looking for a possible way to increase sales to current Squeezebox owners and forgot to finish off my post with the same opinion that I feel no discount(ing) is needed any time soon. Its going to be the silly season when it is released after all.

[cheetah]

is iTouch out in the market for sales already or in Dec?

It appears someone already got them on the street. i still cannot find it here in hong kong.

[toby10]

Touch (not iTouch) will not be available till Dec at the earliest, at best.