In an effort to push Windows Live further into the market, Microsoft's released its new line of LifeCam webcams. But why? Well that's an easy question to answer. In fact, let me lift a quote from the press release that describes one of these magic moments: "Seeing your grandchild's first steps from miles away." But you don't have grandchildren? How about "Hearing your friend's laugh from across the country" or "Sharing your dorm room decorating skills with your parents back home"? These are the kinds of moments that will become the "hallmark of Microsoft LifeCams". Hmm... will they really?
Here are the facts: The LifeCam VX-6000, which retails for just under $100, captures video at 1.3 megapixels and has a 3X zoom. The $50 VX-3000, or "little bro" as I alone have started calling it, captures video at 640x480 pixels. (I don't think that's been done before. It seems like a novel idea. Right?)
However, if you're a fan of Windows Live, you will appreciate the special functionality that MSFT has added, a list which includes a Windows Live Call Button (it brings up your Buddy Picker), integration into Windows Live Messenger, and one-touch blogging (post images to your Windows Live Space with one click).
I'm sure this is a fine webcam, as webcams go. However, I have to admit I'm not a huge fan of video messaging. But then, I've been told I've got a "real face for radio." Hrmph.
Tune into this week's Gearlog Radio show (available on Friday) as we'll be talking all about LifeCams and how they fit into Microsoft's tireless push for Windows Live.
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June 15, 2006 9:36 AM
The skeptic in me is drawing immediate parallels between this little venture and Microsoft's push a few years back to make wireless cards, routers, and networking equipment branded with their logo that was supposed to "just work" with Windows, and have a few features that supposedly integrated them with other Microsoft services. And that same skeptic in me is not impressed. My question-why why WHY do so many companies like this keep choosing to reinvent the wheel? It would be one thing if you wanted to get into the webcam market and did something truly different and new with the webcam (I hate to draw this parallel because I don't want it to be Apple v. Microsoft, but I'll do it anyway) like Apple did with the iSight; not only did they come to the market with a killer camera, but it looked great, performed amazingly, and integrated exceptionally well with the OS and applications designed to use it, like iChat AV. On the other hand, Microsoft, who knows they have more than enough third-party manufacturers making peripherals for Windows (::coughcoughLOGITECH::) would have done far better to partner with those manufacturers to let their services under the hood of the manufacturers' bundled software. Microsoft can sit down with Logitech, get some Windows Live features built into Logitech's camera control software, and there you go-you have a partnership and a better all-around product. Value add with little engineering! Marketing folks speak that language, right?
June 15, 2006 11:49 PM
Why doesn't Apple just make those gret webcams windows compatible just like their ipods? Logitech makes the best webcams consumers can buy. Butt he Apple webcams are really great, awsome sounds and picture qquality and attachment lights. So much good stuff. You are so right about microsoft should contract logitech to make their webcams for the microsoft service. I would like to see logitech make better webcams with larger CCD's and the ability to videochat at 720P resolution over breoadband and USB 2.0 It hink that's the future. Don;t knwo why you don;'t lieke video chatting. It's fun.
July 14, 2006 6:40 PM
I like this. It's just a product. Who cares what company it comes from. If it produces good quality....Just fucking buy it!
August 13, 2006 5:30 PM
This webcam isn't supported in Linux yet. That is very sad :(