Microsoft intros the VX-5000 and VX-500 LifeCams, LX-2000 headset

Microsoft really wants you to do some video conferencing, okay? Why else would they release the LifeCam VX-5000 and VX-500 webcams? Apparently gunning for some of that juicy video-chat market, the boys and girls in Redmond have introduced two models sure to find a home perched atop any monitor. Both cams sport VGA resolution and play nice with Windows Live Messenger -- we assume they're USB 2.0 devices, but Microsoft doesn't seem to want to tell us. The company is also releasing a headset, the LifeChat LX-2000. The VX-5000 will be available in June for $49.95, while the VX-500 and LX-2000 hit shelves this month for $16.95 and $29.95, respectively.

[Rmayii @ May 13th 2008 10:03AM]

I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that.

[Lein @ May 13th 2008 10:10AM]

Small and cheap (err, at least the VX-500 is.) I like it.

[darkstar @ May 13th 2008 10:14AM]

yahoo's vid conference is a joke.
is skype the best free software to use with video?

[giuliop @ May 13th 2008 10:49AM]

I haven't used it in a while, but SightSpeed used to be better than Skype at video. I know Skype has been recently updated to deliver better video than previous versions, so I'd give SightSpeed a try and see how it compares. BTW, it's free for personal use.

[Eric Kelly @ May 13th 2008 12:25PM]

I use skype frequently to video chat with friends out of state who are at college. In my experience, it kicks the pants off of every other video chat software I've ever used, though I don't claim it to be the best, as there are many programs I've yet to try.

[The Apple @ May 13th 2008 10:27AM]

Still not liking the Design to much, to "Dull."
Yes call me a Fan Boy, but iSight still looks better and functions better

[Fred @ May 13th 2008 10:34AM]

"Yes call me a Fan Boy, but iSight still looks better and functions better"

How do you know how these webcams function? They're not even out yet.

Conclusion: fanboy.

[white_ultras @ May 13th 2008 10:45AM]

Microsoft should seriously think about rebranding their stuff, cuz their primary brand "Microsoft" has obviously a negative impact. That Apple fanboy can't possibly know how it functions, but he sees Microsoft logo and swifly claims Apple camera functions better. At this point, its clear that Microsoft badge is to blaim.

[giuliop @ May 13th 2008 10:51AM]

Ora maybe bananas are to "blaim". (Apple = company, Banana = fanboy)

[RikF @ May 13th 2008 11:28AM]

Actually, as far as peripherals are concerned, the Microsoft name is pretty solid one. They still make (imho) the best general purpose mice.

[nDee @ May 13th 2008 11:50AM]

better than the worst
But you can't say that's sexy
nor as iconic as those Logitech ones(Which are also ugly)

[Neoprimal @ May 13th 2008 12:24PM]

I've been timid to purchase MS branded products since my Fingerprint Reader. The thing's been out around the time XP64 was released, maybe a bit afterwards and MS hasn't seen fit to produce a 64bit driver for Vista. I've also been burnt by the MS networking hardware...I have a router and a wifi network card, neither of which are supported by MS any longer...not that I care, though I did back when I was running XP64.

I just feel they should be a little more consistent with hardware drivers. If you build the dominant OS, how hard can it be to make a few drivers for it?

These cameras look fine...people are calling them ugly but I don't get it. After you hang it on a LCD all you're seeing is the little square part with the lens which is not ugly by any means. Also, the pricepoint is pretty good.

[The Apple @ May 13th 2008 5:45PM]

@ White_Ultras

Even if they were branded as apple i would still be quite dissapointed, im just not liking the design. if it had good functionality i would still give it a 7/10, just for me though, the design on the casing is to "Dull, Flat, Corporate"

[McCulligan @ May 13th 2008 10:32AM]

UGLY...... JUST PLAIN UGLY

[Darkroom @ May 13th 2008 2:12PM]

seriously ugly

[Ayman @ May 13th 2008 10:36AM]

I remember MS did a 1.3 video camera for chatting at nearly $100
why downgrade

[w @ May 13th 2008 10:44AM]

i would like them to release a couple those pretty concept gadgets carbon design made for microsoft's industrial design toolkit.

[ez-e @ May 13th 2008 12:06PM]

hey. its a webcam...dont care too much what it looks like, its the resolution, dummies...lol

[Jacob @ May 13th 2008 12:57PM]

Too bad their drivers are garbage. I have a LifeCam VX-6000, running under Vista, and it disconnects itself whenever there's a whole lot of motion in front of it. I have to physically unplug it and plug it back in to get it working again

[Wheatie @ May 13th 2008 1:05PM]

Do these remind anyone else of the Engadget logo?