webcam
Latest
Crapgadget: revolving USB hub, revolting MP4 watch, lavish amounts of lameness
Consider yourselves fortunate. You've had well over two whole months without an episode of Crapgadget, but today, that grace period ends. The most recent laughable load includes an absolutely vile wristwatch that supposedly plays MP3s / MP4s if you can manage to glance away from the bezel and band. Furthermore, we've got a TV tuner and webcam -- in one -- alongside a way-too-expensive WiFi sniffing pen that doesn't do 802.11n. Bringing up the rear is Connectland's 180° X2 Revolving USB Hub, which clearly raises the bar in USB hub design stupidity. Per usual, we're begging for your vote on the crappiest below, but we'll understand if you just can't bear the thought of spending another moment thinking about these pitiful creations. %Poll-15846% Read - Golden MP3 / MP4 watchRead - Plustek TVcam VD100Read - Revolving USB hubRead - WiFi sniffing pen
Cam-Trax is "coolest thing since ice," can provide Wii-like controls with any webcam
Hey, we've seen quite a few gimmicky game control schemes in our day. We thought we were jaded, believed that we could no longer be moved emotionally by a few dorks in a lab, promising to revolutionize video games with their insanity. Until we saw Cam-Trax. You'll get it in a moment by peeping the video after the break, but the basic gist is this: Cam-Trax offers highly accurate and responsive tracking of random colorful objects you hold in front of your webcam and tell it to track. Gameplay can be EyeToy-esque, but it can also be so much more, since the unit can track many objects in a full three dimensions. The video shows everything from a glorified game of pong to a FPS, and promises to control "any game" with "any webcam." Show us more, Cam-Trax.[Thanks, Chen D.]
HP's Elite 3 megapixel webcam says "hello" in stereo
While it may look like an overhead projector without any hints to the scale, you're actually looking at HP's (relatively) tiny Elite Auto Focus Webcam. Compatible with all the major PC-based, video chat solutions out there (Yahoo, Skype, MS Messenger, AIM), the USB 2.0 cam clips onto your monitor and features a 3 megapixel CMOS camera capable of shooting video ranging from 640 x 480 pixels at 30fps quality on down to 1,600 x 1,200 at a stuttering 5fps. It also brings a built-in stereo microphone, face tracking and Magic-i video effects software, 3 programmable buttons, and a sliding "privacy cover" which lets your date know that the camera really is, off.
TANDBERG to deliver HD webcam for Microsoft in 2009
Sure, 2009 may seem like quite aways away, but in around a dozen months or so, you should be able to acquire Microsoft's first HD webcam for the consumer market. Announced at VoiceCon 2008, TANDBERG will be responsible for delivering said device as a part of Redmond's unified communications platform. Apparently, the aforementioned firm is "expected to deliver the camera in conjunction with Microsoft's intended support of high-definition video in its next release of Microsoft Office Communications Server," and if all goes to plan, it should be released during the first half of 2009 for between $300 and $400.
ANEO GX-10 webcam reeks of EyeToy
Apparently, the Eye Toy craze has extended well beyond Sony's famed PlayStation brand, and it looks as if the ANEO GX-10 is a new (and inexpensive) way to get the same kicks in a different fashion. Offered up at none other than Brando, this USB-connected device enables PC users to interact with a trio of games (Kungfu, Super Knight, and Funny Stair for those already on the edge of their seat) as well as spark up a video chat on a whim. Granted, we don't expect this thing (nor the software) to be of top-shelf quality, but hey, it's hard to knock for $33.[Via I4U News]
Fan-created Mario game is all waggle, no Wiimote
Okay, we heart this anonymous Japanese programmer. He created a version of Super Mario Bros. in which players move their hands in front of a webcam in order to push Mario around. It's not very intuitive, and it doesn't look that useful, but it's awesome. Things can just be uselessly cool sometimes, right? Really, this is only barely Mario. The graphics are lifted from Super Mario Bros., and the level design is pretty much 1-1 without any coins or powerups in it, but the weirdo physics, lack of on-screen information, and the obvious, constant bugs lead us to the conclusion that this game was actually made from scratch to imitate Super Mario Bros. That just means that more of this guy's spare time was spent making a near-unplayable webcam game, which makes it even better -- as does the Hatsune Miku-created soundtrack. Of course, having been made from the ground up allows even wackier stuff to happen than the whole hand-control thing.As for the Wii, we really wouldn't mind using the Wii's motion controls for some hobbyist-created, impractical "games." Could that be on the way now that the Wii has ostensibly been opened up? Ah, let's not think about the future of gaming -- let's just sit back with some popcorn and enjoy the weird video.[Via NeoGAF]
Use your iPhone as a webcam
Mac developer Ecamm has posted a sneak peak of iPhoneCam, an application that uses your iPhone's camera as a wireless Mac webcam. You can stream video from your iPhone over its WiFi to any Mac video application, including iChat, Photo Booth, or Skype. I have participated in one iPhone chat and while it's not exactly the most comfortable way to use a webcam, you've got to admit using an iPhone is way up there on the cool quotient. You can watch a demo video here.
USB missile launcher adopts webcam for geeky wars over MSN
We thought Brando had finally reached the pinnacle of jokey USB armaments with its recent wireless missile launcher -- the third such product in this evolving line -- but apparently there is demand out there for a remotely-operated version capable of waging war over the internet. Filling this strange market gap will be the USB MSN Missile Launcher, which tacks a webcam onto the standard version and allows your buddies on the Microsoft network to randomly shoot at you throughout the day. Again, we're not sure who buys a weapon whose main purpose is to attack its owner, so the $49 device may not be the huge hit its predecessors were when it 'launches' on the 18th.
Asus lets loose business card-reading AF-200, MF-200 webcams
Our pals at Engadget Chinese first caught sight of these webcams way back at Computex earlier this year, but it looks like Asus' AF-200 and MF-200 cams are just now rolling out, at least in some parts of the world (exactly where isn't clear). Not surprisingly, there's not a whole lot that's changed since we last saw 'em, with each model boasting a 2 megapixel resolution, face-tracking, and a business card holder that'll let you line things up just right to take advantage of Asus' business card recognition software. The only difference between the two, it seems, is added auto focus on the AF-200 model. Still no word on a price for either one, unfortunately, but we'd expect to see these popping up for sale before too long.[Thanks, Michele]
Build a digital microscope from a webcam
Sure, it won't get you live 3D representations of living cells, but this little USB microscope mashup over at Instructables should nab you some sweet pics of up-close detail with a minimum of effort. You can pull it off with basically any simple webcam -- the one pictured here cost $5 -- and toy microscope, but you'll have to a little creative wiresplicing to get the white LED light source powered off USB as well. Still, it's a neat project if you've got the time -- now get to work!
IPEVO reveals PoV handheld webcam
IPEVO, better known for its Skype-related offerings, is gearing up to unveil its PoV handheld webcam at the Taipei Computer Show, but thankfully, it went ahead and uploaded most all of the nitty gritty onto its website for us to pore over. Apparently, the device is designed to enable users to easily show others "what they see," and it features a VGA (640 x 480) resolution, adjustable focus, automatic white balance, a built-in microphone and USB 2.0 connectivity. You can also perch this bugger on your desk or desktop monitor, but c'mon, where's the fun in that? No word on a price or release date just yet, but those tidbits should be readily available next month.[Thanks, Roy C.]
SingTel offers cellphone controlled spycam
Yeah, yeah, the caption reads "watch over your loved ones wirelessly..." but we know by "watch over" they mean spy. With SingTel's dubious intentions aside, the Mobile LIVEcam looks to be a reasonably inexpensive and capable -- albeit optically challenged -- 0.3 megapixel remote camera. For only $240 upfront and about $6 month in service costs you get a 3G SIM card and the camera which can pan, tilt, zoom, and even record video onto a microSD card. If your preferred recording location is a bit dark, the camera features an infrared recording mode to help get the dirtiest of dirt ensure your family's safety. The LIVEcam is controlled via SMS commands or through a web interface -- also accessible by up to 20 others via password control -- on your mobile phone, and with a touted 300 hours standby time, should give you enough time to capture the perfect shots. Yep, anti-privacy never looked so fun.
Dell gets official with webcam-packing SP2008WFP monitor
Not that it'll come as much of a surprise to anyone that followed our week o' Dell scoops, but the company has now finally gotten official with its 20-inch SP2008WFP monitor, which is particularly notable for inclusion of a built-in webcam. That cam is of the 2.0 megapixel variety, and also includes a built-in microphone to let you get in some videoconferencing with minimal clutter. Otherwise, you can expect some pretty solid specs across the board, including a 1680 x 1050 resolution, a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, a 2 ms response time, a 300cd/m2 brightness rating, and both VGA and DVI ports (with HDCP), not to mention four USB 2.0 ports. One thing we didn't know before was the price, which has now been revealed to be just $289. No complaints there.[Via Laptop Logic]
Chinese MMO puts the kibosh on 'dem "less feminine" female characters
The illustrious and oft-misunderstood cheese connoisseur Turpster of WoW Radio made a comment in the WoW Insider podcast last weekend to the effect that everybody in World of Warcraft is a guy, which was especially amusing because Elizabeth Harper was on the show with me. Warcry's Razorwire posted an article this morning that just about made my eyes pop out of my freakin' head on this very subject. To make a long story short, as one of my friend's often says, a Chinese MMO has banned the account of every male player in the game who played a female character. Yes Virginia, they made every player in the game verify with a webcam. While not a foolproof system (especially if you have a female family member or friend who can be bought for the right price) it obviously netted them results. Since the first day I played World of Warcraft I've heard adult players like myself tell me how much extra they'd be willing to pay to play on a server where age of majority is verified somehow. This kind of verification though, seems to me to be just a little bit over-the-top. At the same time though, I can see where certain segments of the gaming population would be jumping-up-and-down excited about it. What do you think about gender verification? Please keep it clean and respectful. I have the prototype for that paladin ranged weapon BRK talked about yesterday and I'm not afraid to use it.
United Pepper unveils eco-friendly webcam, USB hub
At first glance, suckers for all things cute may fall for Lili and Oscar even before knowing the story behind them, but these two peripherals not only provide animalistic replacements for those vanilla USB hubs and webcams, they promote eco-friendliness, too. According to United Pepper (which is partnering with EuroTech), Oscar (the USB hub) and Lili (that'd be the webcam) arrive in four different colors, are constructed from recyclable materials, and are produced "in a fair trade environment." Moreover, the webcam touts a 1.3-megapixel sensor and a built-in microphone, while Oscar boasts four USB 2.0 ports for connecting up an array of input peripherals. Both creatures are slated to land in the UK this month, and while Lili will cost £30 ($60), Oscar will be available for just £20 ($40). [Warning: PDF read link][Via SciFiTech]
Microsoft unleashes 2 LifeCams and 3 Mice, we've got the hands-on to prove it
It's nearly fall and that can mean only one thing: er, new mice and webcams from Microsoft. Yeah, about as exciting as moms taking you shopping for new big-boy school trousers. Granted, the 1.3 megapixel LifeCam NX-3000 and 2 megapixel LifeCam VX-7000 are decent and all as are the new $50 Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000 and $50 Wireless (RF) Notebook Laser Mouse 7000. But the action, Jackson, comes with the October release of the $100 Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 (pictured). We're talking both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth packed into the transceiver (toggled with a switch) with 1GB of flash baked-in allowing it to pull double-duty as a flash drive. Nice, but the laser mouse itself features a 3-contact, magnetically-held charging cable which automatically senses whether you're using a rechargeable AAA (included) or off-the-shelf Alkaline when in a jam. Snap the transceiver in-place beneath the mouse and everything powers off presto quick. Peep the gallery for a healthy mix of hands-on and glamor-shot action. %Gallery-7341%Read -- LifeCam NX-3000Read -- LifeCam VX-7000Read -- Bluetooth Notebook Mouse 5000Read -- Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 7000Read -- Mobile Memory Mouse 8000
Clique Hue HD webcam ups the resolution, gets colorful
It's probably a fact that your internet "dates" could turn up in a slightly higher resolution, don't you think? Well maybe it's time to turn on the Clique Communications' Clique Hue HD flexible webcam, which will broadcast or capture any variety of web-related video "activities" at the cushy resolution of 1280 x 1024 (but at a measly 10 FPS), or you can knock it down to 1024 x 768 for a decent 30 FPS situation. If you're just interested in still-framing it, this little dude can rock resolutions up to 2560 x 2048, although apparently it all happens via software trickery, which means your lovely date may still look somewhat... um, messed up.
Webcam mirror exposes your egotistical personality
For those of you who regularly get lost in the infinite beauty of your own reflection, you can now enjoy the totally self-indulgent experience while "communicating" with your "friends", thanks to the Mirror Webcam. There isn't much tech to divulge here -- it's a USB webcam embedded in a mirror, with a ring of LED lights surrounding it which, depending on your face, will make you look much better or much worse. You can use the device as a regular mirror or as a digital mirror, but either way you're still staring at your own face like a self-involved jerk. Available now for around $49.[Via Akihabara News]
Apple slides 1.3-megapixel iSight into new MacBook Pro
We'll admit, Apple's tightly integrated webcam sure gets more attention than most, but the latest blurb about the iSight has less to do with movie stars or underground storage facilities and more with sheer utility. Apparently, the latest round of MacBook Pros have been equipped with an entirely new camera, and after seeing an all new USB Product ID code, a couple of curious onlookers had to find out more. By testing an older unit and then flocking to a retail Apple store to try out a shiny new machine, it was realized that the sensor in the iSight had indeed been upgraded to 1.3-megapixels; 'course, it certainly won't revolutionize subway snapping, but hey, if you needed one more reason to pull the trigger on a new MacBook Pro, you're welcome.[Via TUAW]
Logitech's QuickCam Pro 9000 and Notebook webcams bring Carl Zeiss glass
Logitech just stepped up their webcam game with the introduction of a pair of $100 QuickCam Pro 9000 and QuickCam Pro for Notebooks. These are the first two webcams to carry a Carl Zeiss Tessar lens under a new exclusive deal 'tween the two. Besides the highly touted optics, the cams feature a less than 3 second auto-refocus time, a 2 megapixel sensor, recordings at 30fps and 960 x 720 pixels, and compatibility with Skype and all the other popular PC video messaging applications. Both should ship in Europe and the US before July is done. Read -- Carl Zeiss deal Read -- QuickCam Pro 9000 and QuickCam Pro
