Logitech Announces BRIO - First Ever 4K Professional Webcam with HDR and Windows Hello Capability

There is finally another option for consumers who want to use a third-party camera to access the facial recognition/biometric log-in features of Windows Hello on Windows 10.

We first learned about the biometric security and log-in feature for Windows 10, called Windows Hello, in March of 2015. Between then and July 2015, everyday users/testers of Windows 10 were unable to experience this whiz-bang feature because the software and hardware had not been integrated. Our only source of seeing this functionality were Microsoft’s public demos at their various conferences.

Don’t get me wrong, those demos always garnered a gasp or wow reaction from the audience, but users wanted to start using this technology themselves.

Well in July 2015, just days before Windows 10 was expected to be generally available at the end of the month, the software and hardware came together in the form of a Windows 10 pre-release build and the Intel RealSense DevKit F200 camera. Although this camera was not a consumer device, it was purchased by a lot of Windows 10 users with no warranty or guarantees, it was very popular as evidenced by it going on back order almost immediately and several times afterwards. In fact, our video of this camera’s setup and use, the first published outside of Microsoft, continues to be the number one result when you look for windows hello demos on YouTube and has garnered more than 160,000 views.

However, even after the release of Windows 10 and its first two major updates - a total of 13 months, there were no options for consumers to purchase a Windows Hello Compatible camera. Then finally, back in October of last year, the first commercially available third party Windows Hello compatible camera, the Razer Stargazer, was released to the general public to finally give users with Windows 10 upgraded home PCs or laptops an option for using Windows Hello.

Now, just less than four months later, we now have a second option for a Windows Hello compatible device for those users and Logitech brings the big guns to the table by introducing the first ever 4K Professional webcam with HDR.

The Logitech BRIO introduces a handful of new features and for anyone who has used Logitech webcams in the past, you know they always seem to top their previous model and have done so successfully each time.

In the briefing, which I sat in on last week with Logitech, the presenter was using BRIO and it had impressive video and sound quality.

Logitech is introducing a few new features with the release of BRIO:

Ultra HD 4K Image Sensor - Supports multiple resolutions, including 4K (Ultra HD) at 30 fps, 1080p (Full HD) at 30 or 60 fps, and 720p (HD) at 30 or 60 fps, to best support the quality offered by your application and monitor.

RightLight 3 with HDR - Look your best in any lighting environment, from low light to direct sunlight or high contrast.

Quick and Easy Login with Infrared Sensor - Infrared technology supports facial recognition for advanced security with Windows Hello™ or other facial recognition software. 

5X Digital Zoom - Need a closer view of fine details? Zoom in and move around the scene with precision using Logitech or in-app controls.

The camera is also Certified for Businesses and can be used with business video conferencing applications like Skype for Business, Cisco’s compatible implementations, and Logitech Collaboration Program cloud partners such as BlueJeans, BroadSoft, Vidyo, and Zoom.

While cameras like the Intel RealSense Camera require a USB 3.0 port to work properly, the BRIO will provide full 4K when using USB 3.0 but it is backwards compatible with USB 2.0 but will drop down to full 1080p at 60 frames per second (FPS) when used with that slower port. The Razer Stargazer only does 60 FPS at 720p HD versus just 30 FPS at full 1080p HD.

Unlike the Intel RealSense camera, which is only certified to run on Intel based devices, Logitech confirmed the BRIO will run on AMD and Intel based systems without any problem. The camera is also compatible with not only Windows but also Mac OS X and Chromebooks.

Whether this device is purchased online through Logitech, Amazon, in stores such as Best Buy, or through a B2B channel the packaging will contain the camera, its BRIO clip and a carrying bag to protect the camera while you are carrying it on your computer bag.

In fact, here is a snapshot of the product specifications:

Logitech BRIO Camera

Logitech BRIO Clip

System Requirements

Included in package:

The MSRP for the Logitech BRIO is $199 and it is available today through Logitech’s reseller channel, at Logitech.com and it will soon be available at Amazon.com and in Best Buy stores.

I am expecting a BRIO review unit later this week or early next so I will have a product unboxing gallery and give you my first impressions of the actual camera.