Microsoft has unveiled its first HD consumer web camera for PCs, the LifeCam Cinema. Unlike regular webcams, this webcam is capable of capturing HD video in 1280 x 720 resolution at 30fps. It features a glass lens, autofocus, 4x digital zoom, a USB 2.0 interface, a noise canceling microphone and a Windows Live call button. The body itself is made out of aluminum, while its stand works with both desktop PCs and notebooks. Not to worry, the device works perfectly with Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Movie Maker as well as Windows Live Photo Gallery. In addition, it’s also compatible with Windows 7, apart from Windows Vista and Windows XP. The LifeCam Cinema is expected to hit stores on September 9th for around $80. [Pocket-lint]
The Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000 is now on sale at BestBuy for just $32.99 (original price $52.99). This fun and easy-to-use webcam allows you to easily share photos during a live video call. It captures both still images (up to 1.3 megapixels) as well as high-definition video at 640 x 480 resolution, and features a built-in unidirectional microphone, an auto brightness adjustment and a USB port for quick and easy connection. [Product Page]
Microsoft has rolled out another affordable webcam in the form of the LifeCam VX-2000. This easy-to-use camera is capable of capturing VGA video as well as 1.3MP digital still images. Other interesting features include an auto-adjusts for low-light conditions, a built-in microphone and Windows Live features, which include Video Effects, Video Messages and Windows Live Call Button for easy initiation. You’ll be able to get this new webcam starting next month for $29.95. [Microsoft]
Here’s your chance to grab one of this Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 for as low as $32.26 shipped (original price $79.95) at Amazon. The VX-6000 is capable of delivering a 1.3 megapixel video resolution and a 5 megapixel photo resolution. It has a 71-degree wide angle lens, a 3x digital zoom, and a high-speed USB connection. Other interesting features include an automatic face tracking software and a low-light adjustment, so you feel like you’re right there. It works great with Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger. [Product Page via Techeblog]
Microsoft has announced its new Photosynth application that can turn normal digital photos into 3D, 360-degree experiences. By providing large collections of photographs in the number of hundreds, Photosynth analyses each photo you upload for similar characteristics, and uses that data to recreate and map the environment digitally. Anybody else who sees your “synth” is put right in your shoes, sharing in your experience, with detail, clarity and scope impossible to achieve in conventional photos or videos. Excellent program you can use, right before you bring down the house for renovation – or move to a nicer apartment, incase you get nostalgic someday! [Photosynth]
Microsoft will be dropping two new cams called the VX-5000 and VX-500 LifeCams. Both cams feature VGA resolution and go well with Windows Live Messenger. Microsoft is also releasing a headset called the LifeChat LX-2000. The VX-5000 will be available in June for $49.95 and the VX-500 and LX-2000 will hit shelves this month for $16.95 and $29.95. [Microsoft]
