Varioptic, self-proclaimed manufacturer of "the world's smallest Liquid Lens for camera phones, Webcams and other portable devices," has released the SnakeCam webcam, featuring a 2-megapixel autofocus liquid lens. The Liquid Lens operates silently; there's no electromagnetic interference, which could be captured by the built-in microphone when the focus changes.

According to the company, the Liquid Lens works like the human eye--using electricity to alter the shape of two drops of liquid, to bend light, alter focus, and produce a miniature, multi-megapixel lens. The Liquid Lens fits into tiny spaces: it doesn't freeze, melt, crack, or wear out because it has no moving parts; and it's inexpensive to mass-produce, because the materials are essentially drops of oil and water.

The S1300 & S2000 AF SnakeCams can be ordered now through Akkord Shenzhen Electronics Co. Ltd at $20 per unit.