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Omniscient webcam to deter distance education cheating
We're fairly sure that none of you angels out there enrolled in distance education courses have ever considered sneaking a peek in the textbook or seeing what Google had to say about a perplexing mid-term question, but for Troy University students, a new device is being deployed to make absolutely certain. The webcam-based unit was crafted by Software Secure, and simultaneously freezes the test taker's computer so he / she can only access the test module and records both audio and video whilst flagging "questionable" movements that the instructor can review for unpropitious behavior. Thankfully for those of us not enrolled at Troy, it doesn't look like any other institutions have hopped on board just yet, but if you've grown reliant on computer assistance to get you those As Cs, we wouldn't put off graduating for much longer.
Computer uses webcam to play Pong with itself
As Pong attempts to solidify itself as the most hacked up game in the history of mankind, Ashish Derhgawen has programmed his computer to actually play a homegrown version of the title without any human interaction at all. By utilizing a webcam as the machine's eyes, he was able to write up an image recognition program that could detect borders and make appropriate movements based on where the ball currently was. Nothing too dramatic in terms of execution, but teaching an old computer new tricks always brings about a certain sense of pride. Check the video after the jump.[Via hack a day]
ASUS webcams found at Computex by Engadget Chinese
Our brothers-from-another-mother over at Engadget Chinese have spotted some more nifty gear at Computex: the first webcams from ASUS. The 2-megapixel cams interpolate still shots up to 8 megapixels, and can fold up into "business card mode" for quickly scanning in all the digits you'll be picking up, you sexy bastard. The auto-focus AF-200 is scheduled to drop in mid-August, while the manual MF-200 should follow afterwards. A full gallery awaits you at Engadget Chinese.
Philips unveils SPC620, SPC1000, and SPC1300 webcams at Computex
While we thought we'd already seen the crown jewel of webcams before, Philips apparently thinks otherwise, as it boasts quite heavily about its new trio of display-mountable cams that were unveiled at Computex. All three devices support background customization and emoticon integration, wide-angle lenses, and face-tracking capabilities. The SPC620 holds down the low-end with a vanilla VGA CMOS sensor and will run you €49.90 ($67), while the SPC1000 includes a directional microphone and noise reduction filter, two-megapixel sensor, and a 5x digital zoom for the very same price. The €99.90 ($135) SPC1300 features Pixel Plus 2 technology seen in the company's Flat TVs, a six-megapixel sensor, audio beaming system, twin directional microphones, and Digital Natural Motion technology that purportedly nixes any frame rate flickers when video chatting. All three webcams should hit shelves in Europe, America, and Asia this August.[Via TechDigest]
Big Brother-equipped straight jacket further proves you're crazy
While the Virtual Hallucinating goggles and Brain Machine can certainly give you a taste of the erratic, a new behavioral-pattern monitor at the University of California, San Diego will reportedly be used to "study the behavior of patients with mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia." The LifeShirt, "a computerized vest that continuously monitors the patient's movements," sports integrated sensors to monitor hyperactive and repetitive movements and record data on "respiration, heart rate, and other physiological measures." Notably, the padded room wearers are presumably crammed into sports a ceiling-mounted webcam that films their exploratory behavior in order to better analyze movement patterns associated with certain disorders. Eventually, of course, researchers are hoping that data collected from the sensor-laden straight jacket could be used to create new drugs to help combat the behavioral abnormalities, but for all of our sakes, let's hope this thing doesn't fall into the wrong hands.[Via MedGadget, photo courtesy of TechnologyReview]
Alcatel's OT-C825 GSM slider doubles as PC webcam
Alcatel's latest slider is adding a hint of style and utility to what would be a relatively ho hum mobile otherwise, as the chrome and faux leather motif aren't half bad additions to catch a few eyes. The "smokey brown" handset sports a 220 x 176 resolution screen, weighs just under 100-grams, supports MP3 and AAC ringtones, and packs a microSD slot to complement the paltry 10MB of internal storage space. Additionally, you'll find an integrated music player, 1.3-megapixel camera, video recording capability, Bluetooth, and moreover, it should last you right around six hours if you're on the horn incessantly. Interestingly, the device can also be attached to a PC and turned into a webcam for video chats, and while there's no word yet of a US release, it will reportedly hit the European market sometime this summer.[Via Electronista]
VeeSee TV brings programming to deaf via IPTV
After hearing that modern technology wasn't exactly doing the deaf any favors, quite a few attempts have sought to reverse the unfortunate trend. Most recently, a new web-based television service has launched in the UK that brings sign language content to IPTV viewers 'round the clock. Dubbed VeeSee TV, the BSL (British Sign Language) channel is currently available via the internet or a set-top-box, and also "includes an interactive forum and user-generated content." Moreover, the creator suggests that this venue will allow "deaf film-makers to show off their own work" while allowing deaf individuals to conveniently catch catered programming anytime during the day. Notably, the service is a part of the ViewTV portal of channels, and while basic content should be up and running right now, a host of new functionality (including webcam conferencing) is planned for the upcoming months.
Bruce Willis: iChat user, forum troll
What do you when you've got millions of dollars, no steady day job, and plenty of vocal critics that do their best to berate you knowing full well that they could never do your job if given the chance? We might just ask Bruce Willis that very question, but thankfully for all us, he's already responded. Apparently, Mr. Willis not only finds his way around internet message boards that focus on his films, but he doesn't hesitate to join in on the oftentimes testy conversations and give users his platinum-laced two cents. In a recent go 'round in regard to Die Hard 4, Bruce was caught mouthing off to disbelievers and carpers alike, and while a select few were adamant that this so-called Walter B. was little more than an overzealous fanboy, Bruce did the honorary thing and offered to prove it. The actor actually requested that a fellow iChat / Mac user hit him up for a momentary video chat in order to show his face, and sure enough, the most vocal doubter was indeed put in place rather quickly. Big fan of the ego, Bruce.[Via Switched]
Avixe SYS-UC03 combines mic, speakers, and webcam for Skype delight
We know, delving into internet telephony can be a scary endeavor for the uninitiated, but if you're not down with setting up your own system piece by piece, and dropping upwards of $300 for an all-in-one device isn't in the cards either, Avixe's latest has you covered. Aiming to ease even the the PSTN diehards into the VoIP realm, the innocent SYS-UC03 provides an integrated microphone, speakers, and webcam all in a single device, allowing users to painlessly experience the Skype movement with just a single USB connection. Additionally, it features built-in DSP with echo cancellation, status LEDs, on board volume controls, and a black or white color scheme as well. Unfortunately there's no word on pricing details just yet, but we can't imagine this ball of joy demanding too much anyway.[Via Wired]
Sony announces PSP Go!Cam for PAL regions
No real surprises here -- except for how long it took Sony to kick this thing out the door -- but European PSP owners will finally be able to join their Japanese brethren in playing with the much-anticipated PSP camera peripheral now known as the Go!Cam. The €50 (~$68) cam will hit PAL regions on May 16th bundled with the so-called Go!Edit software package, and though we doubt it's as full-featured as the apps shipping with the PlayStation Eye, it sounds like your basic editing and enhancement functions are taken care of. No word yet on a US launch -- we'd expect an announcement to follow quite soon -- but since we almost forgot this darn thing existed in the first place, we look at any release at all as nothing short of a complete and total victory. [Via DCemu]
Wave goodbye to EyeToy, say hi to PlayStation Eye
Sony Computer Entertainment of America announced today that the PlayStation camera may not be HD, but it hasn't fallen by the wayside either. Sony's little camera is growing up, dropping "toy" from its moniker, adding a built-in microphone and asking to be called just "Eye" when it comes out this summer. The camera's specs have been improved too, shooting 640 x 480 at 60 frames/second or 320 x 240 at 120 frames/second. Delicious. The camera will be bundled with the EyeCreate editing software which will allow you to edit video, photos and audio clips add visual effects and then save them to the hard drive. You'll also be able to use different capturing modes like slow-mo and time lapse. What we currently don't know is exactly what this technological wonder will cost you, or exactly when we'll be able to start pointing it at our crotches. Hit the release for more details, or the higher-res pic in the gallery.%Gallery-2809%
USB BB gun sports barrel-mounted webcam, ensures home security
While there's certainly a variety of options to keep watch and protect your property from curious intruders, the latest branch of vCrib gives a new meaning to being on guard. Crafted by the designer of the Virtual Crib home automation software, the USB BB gun sports automatic firing, manual reloading, and the ability to fire based on commands given remotely on a PC. Moreover, the weapon actually packs a webcam on the barrel, allowing users to login via computer, tilt / swivel the gun with simple mouse flicks, and fire away if you spot any intruders within its broad line of sight. It shouldn't need mentioning that we'd make absolutely sure our landlord was cool with mounting a remotely-controlled weapon in the window, but if you need to take home security into your own hands (without actually being at home), be sure to click on through to see this controversial creation spittin' hot fury.
KTF's surveillance canine beams snapshots via HSDPA
It just makes sense that the same Korean provider that offered up a pet translator service would attempt to give back to the owners, as KTF has launched a robotic puppy that just melts the hearts of gizmo-lovin' gals abroad. Specifically, it garners a crowd of individuals wherever it's at, and then pulls double duty as an undercover surveillance agent, snapping mobile images and channeling them straight to your cellphone via HSDPA. For the paranoid 'rents in the crowd, this here ought to be a perfect way to monitor what really goes down in the house while you're away for the weekend, and while it's no guard dog per se, the evidence this bad boy captures could indeed be quite frightening. [Warning: Read link requires subscription]
Birdwatching MMOG to bore (excite) us to death
Finally, the exciting world of birdwatching from the comfort of your PC! Craig Newmark, the cat who founded Craigslist, is hosting a remotely-controllable robotic video camera from the back porch of his San Francisco pad. Thrill seekers can log on to help discover, photograph, and classify wild birds of the Sutro Forest using CONE technology -- Collaborative Observatories for Natural Environments. CONE puts the "MM" in this MMOG by allowing a number of users to share the webcam at the same time. Players also earn points for photographing and identifying rare species.While we admit the scientific and environmental applications for this "game" are vast, forgive us if we stick to World of Warcraft for the time being. If bird watching is your bag, however, mark your 2007 Wild Birds of Alderaan Calendar for the April 23rd launch.[Via Engadget]
Your face is your password with Bioscrypt's VisionAccess 3D DeskCam
Being touted in what sounds like patent-speak as the "world's first 3D face recognition camera for use in authenticating individuals accessing a computer," security firm Bioscrypt Inc's upcoming VisionAccess 3D DeskCam promises to enable sub-second logins to applications, networks, and websites with just a quick glance at your ugly mug. The webcam-looking device (which we assume can also be used as an, um, webcam) looks for 40,000 identification points to verify authenticity, and is said to be capable of not just accounting for facial hair (or the lack thereof), but actually distinguishing between identical twins. That nose job you're planning, however, will require you to re-register. While the system -- which is scheduled to ship in the second half of the year -- sounds fairly promising and convenient, for safety's sake we'll be sticking with our trusty fingerprint scanners; after all, we still have seven fingers left, but only one head. [Via DailyTech]
Camera support for next Burnout? Why? How?
Computer and Video Games has an extremely short story (more like a haiku, really) in which Criterion's Alex Ward hints at digital camera support for both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of Burnout 5. Our first thought upon reading this was, "Why does this game need camera support?" Is there going to be some sort of wave-your-hands-to-move- the-on-screen-steering-wheel mode? Is the game going to display our twisted, mangled faces as we react to the twisted, mangled cars on screen? Are they going to let us take pictures of our own car and then blow up an in-game model of it? Because that last one would be kind of cool.Our second thought was, "Hey whatever happened to the HD EyeToy promised for the PS3?" The thing was shown off way back at E3 2006 working with SingStar and gimmicky card battle game Eye of Judgement. Since then, the Sony camp has been dead silent on the peripheral. The best information we were able to find is a cryptic October interview with EyeToy designer Richard Marks that calls the device "a concept rather than a product line." Since the PS3 supports data from practically any USB webcam for video chats (even the Xbox Live Vision cam), has the idea of a specific, Sony-branded EyeToy fallen by the wayside?
10.4.9 Adds USB Camera Support for iChat; Xbox Camera Works
Here's a nice, easily overlooked tidbit from the release notes to the 10.4.9 update that we mentioned before: Apple has added support for USB Video Class cameras in iChat without the need of a third party driver a la iChatUSBCam from ecamm. A user in the MacRumors forums reports that the the Xbox Live Vision Camera (~$40) now works natively with the Mac. This should presumably be the case with other USB Video Class cameras as well, and while I would probably prefer a model from Logitech, the Xbox camera is widely available and relatively inexpensive. With iSights now unavailable this lends credence to the rumor of some sort of USB iSight replacements (or maybe Apple is just going to stay out of the webcam business altogether, given that iSights are built-into so many models now).[Via Digg]Thanks to those who sent this in!Update: Be sure to note that iChat in 10.4.9 only works natively with USB Video Class, not every USB webcam is Video Class.
Creative's Live! Cam Optia AF is the Rolls Royce of webcams
We're not too big into 'camming' or video chats -- one of the joys of working at home is a mandatory bathrobe dress code -- but had we taken another career path that involved people paying us to perform in front of the camera (you know, juggling, magic tricks, etc.), we'd want to give our customers the best show possible with Creative's new Live! Cam Optia AF. Taking a huge step up from the original VGA Optia (pictured above), the AF offers not only the auto-focus that its name suggests, but a two megapixel CCD capable of 640 x 480 video at 30fps as well. The glass-lensed cam also sports dual microphones, USB 2.0 connectivity, 270 degree swivel with auto reorientation, and a software suite that adds face tracking capabilities, auto levels, video / voice effects, remote monitoring, and background noise filters. No word yet on pricing or release for what Creative immodestly calls "the most advanced webcam on the market," so professional virtual entertainers keep your eyes peeled.Update: Now with pricing and release info --Creative says to expect the AF in April for around £80 ($155) -- and a real pic!
Logitech unveils QuickCam / QuickCam Deluxe webcams at CeBIT
Just a few days after the zaniness that was PMA came to a close, yet another massive trade show is opening its doors, and Logitech is making sure its presence is made known. The peripheral company is kicking out a duo of new webcams aimed at notebook users, presumably feeding the flames of the video chatting bunch that we've become. Both the QuickCam and QuickCam Deluxe (pictured after the break) boast 1.3-megapixel sensors, offer up 24-bit VGA video at 15-frames per second, and a manual focus lens to boot. Both units also sport the company's proprietary RightSound technology, which purportedly throws in a dash of noise suppression, while the RightLight system supposedly allows you hold a video conversation in all but the dimmest situations. Additionally, the pair should play nice with Skype, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, and AIM, and of course, Vista users won't have any issues loading either of these up. As expected, these diminutive webcams seek to perch atop your laptop's display, and while the vanilla QuickCam will only run you $39.99 when it lands in US / Europe next month, the QuickCam Deluxe (and its "intelligent face tracking") will demand $59.99 when it launches alongside.
USB robot webcam -- heavy on webcam, short on robot
If puppy webcams are a little too cute for your liking, then perhaps this webcam-packing robot will be enough to get you to hop on the gimmick webcam bandwagon. Unfortunately, its robotic abilities are decidedly limited, with the only non-webcam related function its able to muster being some LED eyes that light up when it detects darkness. Things don't fare much better with the built-in webcam either, which will only give you a basic VGA resolution with none of the fancy face-tracking or other features now common in non-robot webcams. On the upside, it does only cost twenty-four bucks, and it would seem to offer a few modding possibilities -- or, at the very least, provide a suitable target for your over-equipped Robosapien.[Via Everything USB]
