Logitech recently disclosed the launch of their latest mouse model, the Signature AI Edition M750. A representative from Logitech contacted Ars Technica to highlight this new wireless mouse, which is described similarly on the product’s official page.
My personal experience with Logitech’s wireless mice has been positive, including the one I currently use. Therefore, I was intrigued by the potential enhancements that could be integrated into their new design. Possibilities such as a quieter clicking mechanism, an ergonomic design tailored for extensive use, or the inclusion of multiple user profiles tailored for professional environments were considered.
However, my expectations were tempered upon discovering that the primary new feature of the M750 is a button positioned below the scroll wheel. This button is preconfigured to activate the ChatGPT prompt builder within Logitech’s updated peripheral software, Options+.
The M750 retains a similar aesthetic to its predecessor, the Signature M650, released in January 2022. Additionally, the M750’s forward button is programmed to initiate dictation features on Windows or macOS, and the back button launches ChatGPT via Options+. At the time of this review, the retail price for the new mouse is set at $50, marking a $10 increase from the M650.
Upon querying Logitech regarding the apparent similarities with the M650, a spokesperson clarified that the M750 is distinct, primarily due to the added functionality of the new button when integrated with the Logi Options+ application. This button can toggle DPI settings between 1,000 and 1,600 DPI in the absence of the software. Such reprogrammable buttons are not uncommon and are even found in other Logitech models. The spokesperson also noted that despite using similar design platforms, the electronic components between the two models differ.
The spokesperson declined to comment on the absence of a comparable button in the M650 model. Pricing could be a factor, although Logitech does offer more economically priced mice featuring similar capabilities.
Nevertheless, the minimal enhancements from the M650 to the M750 suggest the latter may not warrant an entirely new product launch, barring the inclusion of Logitech’s recent software feature. The M750 also prompts the question of whether modern computer peripherals really require integration with trendy generative AI capabilities.
Regarding Logitech’s software developments, last week’s significant release was not a peripheral but a feature enhancement to the Options+ app. The new AI Prompt Builder function is supported by various Logitech mice and keyboards, including models that predate the M750, like the MX Master 3S, which I personally tested. The AI Prompt Builder activates a dedicated interface within Options+ for users to generate prompts for ChatGPT. Despite Logitech stating a ChatGPT account is necessary, I accessed the functionality using GPT-3.5 without such an account.
While the typical Ars reader might not require assistance in crafting ChatGPT prompts, the feature might appeal to those less familiar with generative AI, providing a structured introduction to using ChatGPT. However, the necessity and effectiveness of such a feature in promoting professional productivity remain debatable, and not all Logitech users view the AI Prompt Builder as a valuable addition.
This development is part of a broader trend where companies are keen to integrate one-touch AI functionalities into their devices. For instance, Nothing has also recently incorporated ChatGPT access into its earbuds and smartphones via specific gestures, underscoring a growing industry inclination to integrate AI features into consumer electronics.
Overall, the tech industry’s pursuit of embedding AI into devices continues to expand, often serving more as a marketing strategy than a genuine enhancement of user experience. As this trend progresses, it will be crucial for consumers to maintain a discerning approach towards these innovations, recognizing when such features genuinely improve functionality versus when they are merely superficial additions.