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Vision Cam works with PS3
The Xbox 360 only accepts the Xbox Live Vision Camera as a means to utilize its Video Chat, Picture Message and Personal Gamer Picture features. That being said, the Vision Camera, being a USB webcam, can work on a PC. You can add the Playstation 3 to the list, as the PS3 now accepts virtually all USB cameras, thanks to its 1.54 firmware update. While only one of our bloggers had the fiscal irresponsibility to pick up a PS3, does this affect any of you multi-platform readers. And if so, how would you feel using the Vision camera during a video chat on the other console?
PS3 firmware v1.54 adds UVC camera support
It may not be the one you were waiting for, but today's PlayStation 3 firmware v1.54 update brings additional video-camera support to the console: The image of the person you are chatting with during video chat can now be changed to match the screen size (explanation here) You can now use a USB camera compatible with USB video class (UVC) for video chat That is all. Carry on.
Watch Apple Store Boston's construction live
If you're excited about Apple Store Boston (I sure am), then check out this webcam which will be providing live images of its construction. As of this writing, demolition has begun! Check back often to track the process of this year-long project.As we say here in Massachusetts, "Wicked awesome."
Digital Cowboy intros webcam with telephoto lens
While it's decidedly lacking compared to some telephoto lenses we've seen, Digital Cowboy's new 7x number here should still be more than enough to make most other short-sighted webcams feel woefully inadequate about themselves. Detach that lens, however, and you're left with a fairly run-of-the-mill webcam, with a 1.3 megapixel resolution, face-tracking functionality, and video recording at up to 30 fps -- if you don't mind dropping things down to 640 x 480, that is (you'll just get 15 fps at the cam's full resolution). Those looking to put the webcam to some remotely-controlled use will also be out of luck, with the lens strictly a manually operated deal. Look for this one to hit Japan next month for 9.800 Yen, or just over $80.[Via Popgadget]
Mustek readying brushed aluminum SI302A webcam
Mustek's taking a break from those digital photo frames and whatchamacallits to offer up a rather stylish webcam, donning a brushed aluminum outfit and a few sexy curves to boot. The SI302A looks to perch atop your display's lonely frame or make itself at home on a desk top, and aside from the glamor aspects, the innards aren't half bad either. The device will reportedly boast a 1/4-inch CMOS sensor, auto-focus lens, USB 2.0 connectivity, and can capture 1,280 x 1,024 resolution at 30fps sans compression. Additionally, this minuscule eye toy will house an integrated "condenser microphone" for video chats or audio transmissions, and while Mustek hasn't quite nailed down an MSRP for this presumably iSight-inspired device, it plans to have it on store shelves in March.[Via SciFiTech]
Bodelin intros eye-contact device for webcams
Bodelin looks to be doing its best to improve the underused art of webcam etiquette, introducing a periscope-like contraption that'll let you look at the person you're talking to straight in the eye instead of giving them the usual view of your hairline. Similar in principle to the company's less consumery ProPrompter teleprompter, the SeeEye2Eye unit works simply by reflecting the image from a carefully positioned window on your monitor through a set of mirrors and onto a beam splitter plate placed in front of the webcam, which ensures that the cam still gets a clear shot of you. Those looking to put on a more polished remote presentation can also make use of the optional teleprompter software to deliver your lines to you without anyone being the wiser. You'll still have to wing it for the next week or so though, with the SeeEye2Eye set to launch on January 22nd in both desktop laptop models for a hundred bucks apiece.[Via The Raw Feed]
Konka's leopard print LCD TV / Magic Mirror
While we've seen a variety of magic mirrors in our day, we've yet to come across one with such a nifty premise, only to be completely and utterly ruined by a leopard print motif. Sure, the off-kilter design scheme might attract a few people still stuck in, well, whatever era leopard print was marginally acceptable in, but generally speaking, we're guessing most folks won't give it a second glance. Konka's Magic Mirror isn't a mirror by trade, but its vertically-mounted 42-inch LCD TV is directly wired to a webcam in the bezel, which can display whatever stands in front of it, theoretically accomplishing the same task as a tried and true mirror. Additionally, it can be used as a normal TV for viewing television, movies, etc., but considering its upright alignment, it's probably best reserved for digiframe duty. For the folks (read: one or two) out there wondering about the price, unfortunately we're not sure, but we'd suspect that you could darn near steal these things from Konka if you just let its stockpile collect a little dust for a few months first.[Via Uber-Review]
New Get A Mac Ad surfaces online
Apple has released a new, online only (at this moment), Get A Mac ad. This time PC is being upgraded with a webcam and assures the Mac that one day he'll be as high tech as the PC. The tech installing the web cam points out that iMac and MacBooks come with a built in iSight much to the PC's consternation.Thanks to everyone who sent this in.
Solid Year's ACK-2230UMSP multimedia keyboard touts webcam, speakerphone
We've seen webcams attached to a bevy of unusual accessories, and we've witnessed keyboards that bend and slide in ways no board should, but USB guru Solid Year has combined both of these input peripherals into one handy device to tackle your wildest of multimedia dreams. The ACK-2230UMSP sports a mostly typical keyboard layout, complete with the English alphabet and full numeric keypad, but adds a dash of uniqueness by throwing in a flipout VGA webcam on the left side, volume slider, speakerphone, side-mounted headset ports, and even a bevy of multimedia hotkeys for use with multimedia / Skype functions. Of course, we hope you're digging the color scheme and key layout (including the wee backspace), as it's the only option you'll find right now, and to the bane of many, the Caps Lock key is also alive and well here. Unfortunately, there's no word on price or availability, but don't be surprised to see this one rebranded somewhere down the line.[Via Uber-Review]
HP set to launch tx1000 widescreen convertible tablet
Although HP's had the business-centric convertible tablet down pat for awhile now, it's mixing in a bit of that general consumer lovin' with the forthcoming tx1000. Taking design roots from the entertainment-based Pavilion laptops, this two-faced machine boasts a twistable touchscreen, built-in webcam, fingerprint reader, and a removable LightScribe-compatible DVD burner to boot. Other niceties include a 12.1-inch widescreen LCD, 5-in-1 flash card reader, Altec Lansing stereo speakers, dual headphone jacks, an HP mini remote control, WiFi, twin omni-directional microphones, and a lightweight shell. While we'd love to spill more exact specifications, the Windows Vista Partner Stories brochure put the brakes on the particulars before things got too frontal, but as with Toshiba's elusive R400, we expect this bad boy to show up alongside Vista's big release, if not sooner.
Accenture developing virtual meal technology, brings videoconferencing to the dinner table
If you're just finishing up what was likely a delicious and fulfilling Christmas dinner with your friends and family, connecting with loved ones probably isn't a problem at the moment, but for elderly and single folks who live alone and far away from old friends and relatives, Accenture is looking to expand their dinner tables as far as the webcam can see. The "virtual meal technology" seeks to aggrandize the dining room beyond a single home, allowing folks to enjoy separate meals while conversing together in real-time. Utilizing the basic premise found in videoconferencing, the plans are to unveil an (almost) automatic system that doesn't require a great deal of know-how in order to operate, with prototypes "automatically detecting" when someone is about to eat supper, and then searching for available family members that would also be interested in scarfing down some grub while chatting it up over the system. The firm is also pushing the medical aspects of such an invention, as it reports that "elderly people who eat alone often don't eat enough or eat the wrong kinds of food," which would allow younger family members to correct those eating habits before more serious health issues develop from malnutrition. While the company hasn't released any draft equipment just yet, it's hoping to have a prototype system available "in around two years," and while it's aiming for the "$500 to $1,000 range" per household, things could get a lot cheaper if your insurance company ends up footing the bill.
DAVID software turns your webcam into a 3D laser scanner
Those snazzy laser-based scanners that just have to make at least one appearance in every science-fiction film worth its salt are now available for your home, and it'll cost you quite a bit less than what Hollywood presumably shelled out for theirs. Thanks to folks who see value in "free," a few clever programmers have crafted the DAVID Laserscanner software, which turns your webcam into an ultra-sensative laser recorder and then reconstructs the object on-screen based on the breaks in the beam. Reportedly, all your need is a PC, a halfway decent webcam, a perfect 90-degree angle in the corner of your wall, some foreign object(s), and a street-corner laser pointer to go along with the software. DAVID computes the beam length as you "brush over the object with the laser" in order to render the object on your display, and while it can't quite do 360-degree renditions just yet, the developers hope to add that functionality soon enough. So, if you're the proud owner of all the above prerequisites, be sure to hit the read link and get your laser scanning on.[Via hack a day]
WebcamTweaker
WebcamTweaker is sort of like PhotoBooth for video. It lets you create movies with a number of different filters. You can also use it to create timelapse movies. Today marks the release of a new version of Webcam Tweaker which introduces new filters and support for the Apple Remote.WebcamTweaker is a Universal app, requires Tiger, and costs $15.95 (though that includes free upgrades for life).
Sunyang DNT's Volvox webcam and flash drive: does not rhyme with Dolores
You know, if you really have to carry flash memory around, why not bundle it into something useful like a lego, swiss army knife, or plate of rancid sushi? Sure, Sunyang DNT's Volvox is just another webcam with built-in flash; 512MB of it in fact, with an integrated 0.3 megapixel camera capable of a 640x480 resolution at 30fps. Not bad if you're toting an older laptop lacking a cam in the bezel. Regardless, we've certainly seen worse attempts at convergence. The Volvox is yours for 55,000KRW ($59) with 1GB and 2GB models expected this January. The perfect gift for Aunt Mulva.
Lindy's Minicam Pro, a webcam with lights
It's no secret that we fancy novelty USB devices here in the Engadget office -- and at best, the Linda Minicam Pro can only be described as novelty. While not the first webcam to feature infrared or sport LEDs -- or even to combine them -- it does win points for having a flexible neck, always a plus. Other than a 350,000-pixel CMOS sensor and optional desk stand, the £21.99 ($43.00) webcam is fairly common-place. For those still looking for a cheap stocking stuffer, though, it is available now. [Via Tech Digest]
Anything goes (so long proprietary peripherals) (PS3 delight #002)
Microsoft's been doing the talking, Sony is doing the walking. PlayStation 3 is the console for those that value choice. From a standard three-pronged power cord to a standard hard drive bay, Sony's hardware is compatible with a vast range of products, including additional operating systems (e.g., Linux).Already own a USB headset? What about a web cam? As Microsoft forces us to buy into -- often inferior -- proprietary devices, Sony welcomes us to use those peripherals we might already have lying around. Bravo!PS3 delights vs. PS3 annoyancesWii delights vs. Wii annoyancesXbox 360 delights vs. Xbox 360 annoyances
Oregon Scientific busts out head-mountable ATC-2000 webcam
We all know that upping the ante on your flashy moblog is best accomplished with an always-on, wearable camera, but Oregon Scientific's rendition is expanding possibilities by providing the means to strap your lifeblogger onto nearly anything. Unlike the Viosport and DoubleVision Pro, the ATC-2000 comes with mounting hardware to affix the hands-free unit to "helmets, handlebars, and other sports equipment," and although attaching it to a car mirror while cruising in a demolition derby isn't mentioned, we're sure you could pull it off. The self-contained webcam touts a VGA resolution at 30fps, "water and shock-resistance," USB 2.0 connectivity, RCA outputs, 32MB of internal storage, and an SD slot to carry even more zany moments from your everyday life. The perfect tool for capturing those daredevil audition tapes is available now for $129.99.
Lenovo's compact USB webcam
Webcams probably aren't the first thing you think of when you hear the name Lenovo, but if this little foray into the already-crowded space is any indication, we hope it won't be the last we see from them. The specs are fairly run-of-the-mill, with a decent 1.3 megapixel sensor, built-in noise-canceling microphone, and USB 2.0 connectivity -- as is the less-than-original "USB WebCam" name. But the design should be sure to please anyone looking to relive the gadget glory days of the Cold War, with a sliding lens cover inspired by Minox's famous 60s spy camera. The spring clip attachment will also ensure that the cam stays in place no matter how thin your display is. Sadly, it apparently does not double as a weapon of any sort, though you can get your hands on one right now for about eighty bucks.[Via Design Matters, thanks Richard]
Textorm unloads Puppy Dog Webcam for adoption
If you're looking to add some "cute" to those otherwise drab vlog entries, and that brushed aliminum iSight has worn out its welcome, Textorm's animal of a webcam is sure to elicit a smile or two. The aptly-named Puppy Dog Webcam ditches the typical monitor mounted approach and provides a more playful alternative to broadcasting yourself. Stuffed within the fluffy cotton and soft fur is a scant 1.3 megapixel webcam that apparently isn't even complimented by an integrated microphone or light source, which gives the (probably accurate) impression that this pup is all bark and no bite. Nevertheless, we assume the canine can pull double duty as a child's toy, and while the dangling USB cable may become a minor hazard, it's unlikely to be as dangerous as the exploding Helly Kitty. Regardless, the pitifully spec'd Puppy Dog Webcam is available now for €22.95 ($29), but the surefire compliments you'll receive from the ladies (or fellas) are included gratis.[Via Red Ferret]
HP's two megapixel wide-angle webcam
Almost lost amid all the other news HP made last week was this humble little webcam, apparently known only as the HP 2-Megapixel Webcam. Though there's certainly nothing flashy about it (which we kinda dig, given some of the other webcams we've seen), it does pack a fairly decent feature set, with a 2-megapixel still resolution, 800 x 600 video at 30 frames per second, face-tracking, and an integrated microphone. Best of all, however, is the wide-angle lens, which'll give you (or the person on the other end) a spacious view of 76 degrees diagonally and 65 degrees horizontally. The cam itself measures 6.1 x 1.9 x 2.9-inches and comes with a handy stand that'll also double as a clip to attach it to a LCD monitor or laptop. No word on price, though it should be out sometime before the holiday season. [Warning: PDF link]
