June 13, 2006 11:25 AM PDT
Windows Live gets a LifeCam
- Related Stories
-
Skype software to ship on Dell laptops
May 31, 2006 -
Windows Live Messenger launches public beta
May 9, 2006 -
Microsoft details VoIP and video plans
March 16, 2006
The announcement, made Tuesday, is not a complete surprise. In March, Microsoft voiced intentions to expand its voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, and video products as part of its push for Windows Live services.
The LifeCam VX-6000, a silver Webcam tentatively priced at $99.95, is capable of 5-megapixel (interpolated) still photography and 1.3-megapixel high-definition video. A 71-degree wide-angle lens allows for more than one person in the frame.
The LifeCam VX-3000 is capable of 1.3-megapixel (interpolated) high-definition still photography and 640-by-480-pixel resolution video. It comes in black and is estimated to be $49.95.
Both Webcams, available this August, have built-in noise-canceling microphones. They also come with software that integrates with Windows Live Messenger, Microsoft's instant-messaging and PC-to-phone calling application with video capability
Windows Live Messenger was released as a public beta version in May. A company representative said the official version would be available "soon" but did not give a specific date.
The LifeCam software includes features for automatic face tracking--to keep subjects in focus--and one-touch blogging. It enables people to instantly initiate a video chat with buddies currently online via a Windows Live buddy tool. There are also visual video effects like virtual snowing.
The recommended system requirements for running a LifeCam include a 1.4GHz Pentium 4 processor, 100MB of free hard-drive space, a USB 2.0 port and high-speed Internet access.
Microsoft's Hardware Group will play a significant role in the development of Windows Live Messenger, according to a statement by Martin Taylor, corporate vice president of Windows Live and MSN at Microsoft. Microsoft also plans to announce more LifeCam products this September.
PC maker Dell said on May 31 that it would offer an audio-video package for its new XPS M1210 and XPS M2010 computers that includes a Webcam with a microphone and Skype software for video conferencing.
See more CNET content tagged:
Microsoft Windows Live,
Microsoft Windows Live Messenger,
webcam,
Intel Pentium 4,
VoIP
people video chatting. Can't argue that.
But that strategy isn't new, Apple longtime has recognized the
significance of video chatting and has already been adding web
cameras to its computers for years. Along with the popular
application called Ichat its still miles ahead of Messenger.
Sadly because of Apple's minimal marketshare, Microsoft will
probably take all the credit for what Apple has already
recognized in this market with Ichat and Isight.
And the Microsoft innovative machine just keeps rolling...
people video chatting. Can't argue that.
But that strategy isn't new, Apple for a longtime has recognized
the significance of video chatting and has already been adding
web cameras to its computers for years. Along with the popular
application called Ichat its still miles ahead of Messenger.
Sadly because of Apple's minimal marketshare, Microsoft will
probably take all the credit for what Apple has already
recognized in this market with Ichat and Isight.
And the Microsoft innovative machine just keeps rolling...
Plus you can have a 4 WAY teleconference meeting with three other iChat/AIM people as well.
The webcam is built into all iMacs & Mac notebooks
running on Intel Core Duo chips for video & audio teleconferences, telecommunters, family gatherings & long distance friends.
NOT A NEW INVENTION, only new to Citizen Gates & windows... just because the tiny refrigerator bulb of a brain came on in Redmond's Jurassic Park, does NOT translate into a new invention.
Once again Gates playing catch up to Steve Jobs.
NOT NEWS C/NOT.
been there, done that, moving onto the future...
Plus you can have a 4 WAY teleconference meeting with three other iChat/AIM people as well.
The webcam is built into all iMacs & Mac notebooks
running on Intel Core Duo chips for video & audio teleconferences, telecommunters, family gatherings & long distance friends.
NOT A NEW INVENTION, only new to Citizen Gates & windows... just because the tiny refrigerator bulb of a brain came on in Redmond's Jurassic Park, does NOT translate into a new invention.
Once again Gates playing catch up to Steve Jobs.
NOT NEWS C/NOT.
been there, done that, moving onto the future...
check it out:
http://www.apple.com/imac/isight.html
been there, done that for YEARS, moving onto the future...
have fun & be patient, Citizen Gates is cranking the copy machines in Jurassic Park (Redmond One) as fast as he can to keep up with Apple.
Logitech, Wake up! we need cams with MUCH better resolution, responsiveness and full support for USB 2.0, FORGET the USB 1.1 already!
purchase this will not change anything,webcams have been
around for years (granted not in this quality) but the reason
Apple (and yes Sony) built them into their products is that there
is no point in having the software available if nobody has the
hardware,if you want to make a video conference you are reliant
on at least two people going out and buying a camera and you
know how lazy people are.
http://www.techknowcafe.com/content/view/528/42/