Microsoft has announced a line of Webcams that work with its Windows Live Messenger program for video messaging or calling.
The announcement, made on 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 (£53), 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 31 May 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.
