RSSMicrosoft Introduces Branded Webcams
By Ed Oswald | Published June 13, 2006, 11:50 AM
Microsoft on Tuesday took a page from the Apple playbook by releasing its own line of webcams, a joint effort of the Windows Live and Microsoft Hardware teams. The company says the new cams would dramatically simplify the video communications experience.
Two models will initially be released, the LifeCam VX-3000 and VX-6000, and are optimized for use with the Windows Live Messenger application. A feature called the Windows Live Call button on each model would allow for one-touch access to a buddy list tool that shows online friends.
A dashboard application has been built into Windows Live Messenger that would allow the user to control camera features such as pan, tilt and zoom without having to take attention away from the conversation. Additional features allow for easy video blogging with Windows Live Spaces.
The LifeCams are part of a new initiative by the Redmond company that includes hardware products that tie into and enhance Windows Live services.
"Microsoft Hardware and Windows Live are defining that movement with a new approach to integrated products and services that give consumers the power to have a richer digital communications experience and make everyday events extraordinary," Microsoft consumer productivity experiences executive vice president Tom Gibbons said.
The VX-3000 features a 1.3-megapixel camera for high-definition still photography, and the capability for 640x480 video. The VX-6000 is Microsoft's top of the line model, featuring 5.0-megapixel, high-definition video at 1.3 megapixels, and 3x digital zoom. Additionally, a wide angle lens would permit up to three people to fit in the frame.
Both models will feature noise-cancellation features and video effects, such as falling snowflakes or twinkling stars. Additionally, a base is provided for easy attachment to any size monitor.
While the first two cameras would be available in August, Microsoft said it plans to have additional models available in September. The VX-3000 will be priced at $49.95 USD, while the high-end VX-6000 will retail for $99.95 USD. Pre-orders are available from Amazon.com, Microsoft said.
Man, and just when you thought it was safe to go into the water. Just don't know how I can justify 99.95 but sure would be great I would have to have the VX6000
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|It's a very exciting opportunity to buy a webcam I think. I will choose the VX6000 one and you ?
http://www.lapytsh.com
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|Microsoft must have thought ahead when naming these things just think all the lovley things that would pop up if they stuck with their live theme.
Would be funny thou for web newbies to type in livecams in their search browser lol
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|My only worry about this is, I think what other people worry about. Apart from keyboards and mice, MS hardware have a notably short lifetime. I got their MN730 wireless g base station and a wireless g card and like a year after, if that long, they dropped their network hardware gig; once bitten twice shy for me. Well, thats not true - I also got a MS fingerprint reader, which hasn't gotten an update since I purchased it.....then I find out that they're abandoning the standalone ones for ones built into keyboards and mice - which means basically that I'm screwed, since any updates will probably be in the intellipoint or whatever they're calling it software.
So yeah....burn me 2 times shame on you, burn me more than that, I deserve it. I'll stick with Logitech who has stayed consistent with software updates, at least until MS seems to change their hardwares' software tune.
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|omg now i can get a webcam to match my MS mouse, MS keyboard and MS... wait i don't have any of those... *shrug*
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|All things considered, Logitech doesn't exactly simplify cams. Maybe this will end up being a good thing... maybe basic included software/drivers in Vista? It would be nice. Webcam software in general is rather poor today. I don't care about the MS cams on their own; I care about their interest in the product.
Oh, and do these work with 360's?
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|oh, what an ilife :-)
i'd think apple will steal some of the market for this with their ilife software. both in misinterpretation of names to getting a life cam for your ilife software. (wonder how well they work together)
what's next from MS, an mp3 player called "tunes"?
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|LifeTunes! :)
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|Microsoft hardware products come and go.
Will this last?
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|Ya, their keyboards and mice were nice too bad you can't find them anywhere at all anymore.
[/sarcasm]
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|Yeah, it sucks how technology is so easily replaced! I mean, gadgets come and go... they never last, lol.
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|http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/
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