Logitech today unveiled the MX Brio, an extension of its MX Master line. Following mice and keyboards in this series, the hardware maker now offers a webcam under the MX branding as well. Many improvements have been made, but one conspicuously absent feature is Windows Hello.
The MX Brio is the first MX webcam, which targets advanced users. However, this moniker only concerns the ability to tinker with the image behind the scenes. The new Brio itself already delivers significantly better image results than its 4K predecessor, especially in challenging lighting environments.
The maximum image resolution, by the way, remains the same, with a choice of 4K/30Hz or 1080p/60Hz. The camera requires a USB-C connection with USB 3.0 speed to transfer such images to the PC. Compared to the Brio 4K, the pixels are 70 percent larger, so the webcam captures better light. Light performance is said to be even twice better than before, according to Logitech, while face visibility should also be twice as strong.
At Logitech’s presentation, it quickly became apparent that people with darker skin tones in particular could be seen a lot better than with the 4K. In normal circumstances, however, the difference may be minimal, especially since the image appears in a compressed Teams or Zoom box when speaking with others online.
Better hardware (aided by software)
Logitech offers the MX Brio in two forms: a “For Business” version and one aimed at consumers. Other than the recommended software, there are no under-the-hood differences. In both cases, there are certifications for Teams, Zoom, Meet, and ChromeOS.
In terms of audio, Logitech opts for two Beamforming Mics, which together with the help of AI-assisted noise cancellation can isolate the user’s voice. The aforementioned camera consists of a five-element lens made by Logitech itself. There is a faster autofocus with a closed-loop VCM, a small motor that can move at lightning speed. Images are further complemented by AI face recognition, which should make auto white balance, exposure, focus and HDR work optimally.
The hardware additionally includes a Privacy Shutter that mechanically shuts the camera off from the world. According to Logitech, the build quality is impressive; we ourselves conclude that the device does indeed feel sturdy and solid. The webcam can be stuck behind any monitor with a built-in micro-suction pad, which should be able to provide adhesive strength time after time. We moved the webcam frequently, and with enough pressure, it generally held up well.
A new Brio feature is called Show Mode, which lets users display their physical desktop by tilting the webcam downward. The image automatically flips 180 degrees so that fellow conversationalists watching along can, for example, view notes or sketches on a desktop. It’s a somewhat niche feature, but works properly.
But. Why doesn’t the MX Brio have Windows Hello?
The hardware is thus no different between the consumer and business versions, but the software is. Enterprise customers can use Logitech Tune and Sync to set general settings and perform remote management. This scales up to thousands of devices simultaneously. GHub and Logi Options+ can also adjust settings for all Brio, such as viewing angle and other camera settings. Anyone using the non-business version can still install the business-oriented software and vice versa.
On almost all fronts, the MX Brio is an improvement over the Brio 4K. Since the price, at 229 euros, is considerably higher than what the Brio 4K can currently be purchased for, that’s a necessary state of affairs for this to exist. However, one feature is conspicuous by its absence: Windows Hello. Strangely enough, Logitech states that, for that functionality, we should just be buying the 4K. It results in an extremely bizarre positioning that means the MX Brio beats its effective predecessor in just about every way, apart from one (rather desirable and useful) feature.
Regardless, Logitech is trying to make the purchase of the MX Brio one step more attractive. Through a partnership with Adobe Creative Cloud, users receive one month of free all Adobe apps on 2 months of this company’s Photography Plan. This would otherwise have cost 60 euros and thus counts as a deal sweetener for doubting customers.
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