Video Phones for the Masses Thanks to Microsoft LifeCam

Microsoft recently released the LifeCam to work seamlessly with Windows Live Messenger. The two models released are the LifeCam VX-6000 and VX-3000. The VX-6000 actually has a 5 MP still capability, and 1.3 MP video. All of this comes a 71-degree wide-angle fish-eye lens capability. This will make sure that you grab more then what is right in front of the camera. Looks like the home-made video sites like YouTube.com will enjoy this camera. This camera will have more clarity with the 640 x 480 VGA-quality video it produces.

The button on top of the camera will open the “Buddy Picker tool” allowing you to choose who you want to talk to. Choose your contact, and BAM! You are video conferencing with your buddies. This application will also be great with national and international offices. Helping those working hard all day put a little personal touch to their communication with co –workers.

Elana Zur, Hardware Marketing Manager at Microsoft Canada says, “Two thirds of Canadians have embraced Windows Live Messenger as the way they chose to communicate with family and friends, and every month, a billion minutes are spent just in Windows Live video conversations all over the world.” Will we do the same down here? The Macintosh crowd has the same capabilities with iChat, and each company has its edge on the other. Either way, the video phone is here, it is just online through your computer.

The two cameras, VX-6000 and the VX-3000 LifeCams will be available in July for $129.95 and $69.95 respectively. Microsoft has also eluded to the fact that they have more in store for this product line, coming October 2006. You can find out more at www.microsoft.com.