Features

First Webcams from the Microsoft Stable: LifeCams

By Dilip Thomas

Microsoft Hardware and the Windows Live team have joined forces to introduce a line of LifeCams starting with the LifeCam VX-6000 and LifeCam VX-3000. Optimized for use with Windows Live Messenger, the first two available webcams, the Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 and Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000, are expected to bring a new dimension to Windows Live Messenger, says Microsoft. "Each month, people spend more than 1 billion minutes in Windows Live video conversations. It’s clear that consumers are now embracing technologies that support relationship-centered digital communications," said Tom Gibbons, vice president of the Consumer Productivity Experiences Group at Microsoft Corp.

"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.", said Tom Gibbons.

Both Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 and Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 sport the following features:

Windows Live Call Button. Located on the top of each LifeCam, the Windows Live Call Button eliminates the usual multiple steps. One touch brings up the Buddy Picker, a tool that shows users only current online buddies. You simply select their contact’s name and you are on your way to making a video call.
LifeCam Dashboard. Built right into the Windows Live Messenger window, the LifeCam Dashboard provides access to the controls such as pan, tilt and zoom.
One-touch blogging. Users can post High Definition LifeCam pictures directly to their Windows Live Space blog with one click from within the LifeCam window.

The new Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 is a wired webcam providing high quality still photography (5.0 megapixels interpolated), High Definition video (1.3 megapixels)3 and 3x digital zoom. It also boasts of a 71-degree wide-angle lens.

Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000

The Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000 offers High Definition still photography (1.3 megapixels interpolated) and video (640x480 pixels).

Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000

Both LifeCams feature a built-in acoustic noise-canceling microphone. In addition, both LifeCams come with fun Video Effects, such as falling snowflakes and twinkling stars, to personalize and enhance the background of video conversations. The LifeCams also have a Universal Attachment Base for attachment to virtually any size monitor.

Microsoft will introduce additional LifeCam products in September 2006 designed to meet the growing needs of people on the go and the expanding digital communications landscape.

The new Microsoft LifeCams introduced today will be widely available in August 2006 for the following estimated retail prices:

Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000: USD 99.95 (U.S.)
Microsoft LifeCam VX-3000: USD 49.95 (U.S.)

LifeCams can currently be purchased on Amazon.com and will be shipped in August when the product is available.


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