webcam
Latest
Apple patent application reveals a camera with built-in privacy filter
It feels a bit strange to report on a webcam privacy shade as if it were a novelty: various products already let users put a decorative background on screen in lieu of a live stream, or even pull a physical shade across the lens. What Apple is apparently proposing, though, is a camera with such privacy filters built into the camera module itself. The company just applied for a patent on a camera whose images could selectively transition from opaque to transparent and back again, depending on how much privacy is called for. Based on that illustration up there, we're going to hazard a guess it could be used in Apple's MacBook and iMac lines, though the patent application doesn't explicitly exclude mobile devices, either. (In fact, the filing acknowledges a camera like this could be used in, ahem, a television.) What we'd really like to know is how easy it would be for the user to active the privacy mode. Alas, though, the USPTO doc doesn't give any definitive answers -- the filing suggests the user could choose to switch modes, or that launching certain applications (i.e., those that use the camera) might trigger a change in privacy settings. In any case, that's about all we can glean from the patent application, but feel free to peek for yourselves if you feel like letting your imaginations get ahead of you.
SwannSmart ADS-450 WiFi Network Camera: Review and giveaway
As part of our coverage of home automation and security devices that work with Mac OS X and iOS devices, there have been quite a few Wi-Fi cameras that we've looked at. The latest is from security device manufacturer Swann, and it's the ADS-450 Wi-Fi Network Camera (US$129.99). This device uses a Wi-Fi connection to beam VGA-quality (640 x 480) color video at up to 30 frames per second to a cloud storage service, where you can monitor your home or office from your Mac, PC, and iOS or Android tablet or smartphone. Design Like most similar products that have been reviewed on TUAW, the ADS-450 can be mounted on flat surfaces, attached to a wall, or hung from a ceiling. It provides audio as well, so you can use it to spy on employees or your kids. The camera is a lightweight white plastic device that weighs in at 2.6 ounces, and it features power and Ethernet ports on the back as well as a ball joint for adjusting the camera angle. Full mounting hardware is included in the box. The front of the camera has the typical wide-angle lens surrounded by IR lighting for night viewing. The camera is actually quite attractive as these things go, with a silver tint bezel around the front of the case that's approximately 3.75" high x 2.5" wide. And like all of these security cameras, it also comes with a power pack with a long cable, since you may want to mount the camera at a distance away from the plug. Functionality Small manuals printed in both English and Spanish are included for setup and troubleshooting. Swann should be commended for the manual -- it's one of the most well-written I've seen for any product of this type. I was concerned that the setup might require an Ethernet connection due to the port on the back of the ADS-450, but that is not the case. Instead, you power on the camera and set it to a local Wi-Fi configuration mode by flipping a switch. On an iPhone or iPad, you connect to the camera's network by selecting it from the Wi-Fi settings. Once your device is connected, you launch the free SwannSmart app and you're asked if you wish to set up the camera. The gallery below shows the simple process that's used to set up the camera. %Gallery-175094% After that's done, you sign into the free Swann account and can view your cameras at any time. If you wish to record the video that you're viewing or take a still photo, there are buttons at the bottom of the screen for those functions. By default the camera is set to 320 x 240 resolution. When I attempted to change the resolution to 640 x 480, I was unable to connect until I turned down the "quality" of the image and shut off audio. After that point, it worked fine at the higher resolution. Many of these security cameras have some sort of way to notify you if motion is detected in the field of view of the camera, and the ADS-450 is no different. The camera uses a proprietary subscription SwannSmart service ($59 per year) to do the motion detection off site and send out your notifications. If you have more than one camera, you can switch between them easily in the SwannSmart app. The company thoughtfully provided four test cameras to watch, so I enjoyed seeing cats at play at the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority. As mentioned, you can also monitor your cameras from Mac or PC; that's done through the SwannSmart.com website. Conclusion Having reviewed a ton of these network cameras, I have to say that this is one of the better units I've tested. Setup is fast and easy, the device can be connected via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, the mount is flexible enough for wall, desktop, or ceiling attachment, and the app works well for viewing the video. Like most of the IR-equipped cameras, the color quality isn't the best -- the only exception I've seen so far is Logitech's pricy Alert camera, which is really the Ferrari of network cameras. Other than that, the hardware and software are well done. Pros Reasonably priced, and the monitoring service is also quite inexpensive in comparison to that provided by other companies Easy setup Good mounting options Can be connected via Wi-Fi or Ethernet Excellent user manual Free app is nicely implemented Cons Color quality is a little off (this is true of many IR-equipped cameras) Had issues connecting to camera at highest resolution and picture quality Who is it for? Anyone who would like to monitor one or more wireless cameras over an iOS app or on a PC Giveaway Our policy here at TUAW is to always give away or return test equipment, and that means that a TUAW reader out there is going to pick up this Swann ADS-450 Wi-Fi camera for free. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before January 10, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a Swann SwannSmart ADS-450 Wi-Fi Network Camera valued at $129.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Logitech Broadcaster Wi-Fi Webcam test drive
Whether you use Skype or FaceTime, or you do a weekly video podcast, the quality of the video camera you use is important. It also helps to have more than one camera to switch between, for variety and to make your video look more professional. Most webcams are USB-based, and I've often found that HD cams can actually "overload" the USB bus so that only one can be used at a time. That's why the Logitech Broadcaster Wi-Fi Webcam (US$199.99) is such a pleasant surprise. By using a Wi-Fi connection to beam 720p HD video to your Mac or iOS device, it's possible to use two or more HD cameras at the same time. The Wi-Fi connectivity also makes it possible to place the camera anywhere -- there's no need to be tethered to a computer. Design The design of the Logitech Broadcaster is quite different from other webcams we've tested. The camera is a rather small black rectangular object with a lens and lamp in the front, mode and lamp buttons on the side, and external microphone, micro-USB port (for charging and setup), and power button on the back. On the bottom is a hemispherical bump for placing the camera on its stand (more about that in a minute), and on the top is a large round capture button, a Wi-Fi signal strength indicator, and a battery level indicator. %Gallery-169488% The camera comes with a cylindrical hard plastic carrying case that also serves as a stand. That bump on the bottom of the camera fits into a dimple on the top of the case, and there's a magnet that holds the two securely together. Adjustment is simple; just move the camera to a position that's useful and it stays there. The bottom of the carrying case lid has a tripod screw mount, so the entire assembly can be put on a tripod. I like the idea of the hard case. It holds the camera very securely and keeps it from being damaged during transit, and works as a mini-tripod. Very ingenious! Functionality Enough about how it looks; how does it work? To use the Broadcaster, you need to download the Logitech Broadcaster app (for Mac or iPad) to your appropriate device. Once installed, that app is used to set up the camera for use. You don't actually have to connect the Broadcaster to your device to set it up. The app takes you through the process one step at a time, starting with turning the Broadcaster on, giving the camera a name to identify it and giving the app your Wi-Fi password. Once you've done that, it displays a QR code that you point the camera at, pressing the large capture button until the camera beeps. A few seconds later, it is ready to use with your device. Logitech has designed the Broadcaster to work seamlessly with Ustream, the streaming video service that we use for TUAW TV Live. In fact, once you've set up the Broadcaster to work with Ustream, you don't even need to use a Mac or iOS device to stream your video (assuming you're still in range of the configured WiFi network). Just turn on the camera and press the capture button, and you're on the air. Of course, if you're doing video podcasting or making VoIP calls, you'll need to have some other app open. I found that just about every Mac app I tried -- FaceTime, Skype, Wirecast, Ustream Producer (a version of Wirecast), Wirecast for YouTube, PhotoBooth, Boinx TV, Camtasia, and Motion FX -- worked fine with the camera. In some cases, particularly with the Wirecast apps, the video resolution seemed to be stuck in non-HD modes, but that is most likely an issue with the apps not recognizing the camera as an HD device. Speaking of modes, the mode button described earlier is used for one thing only -- using the device to broadcast directly to Ustream. The color and picture quality of the Broadcaster is excellent. I currently use a Logitech C910 HD webcam for TUAW TV Live, and the Broadcaster does as good a job as the wired camera. One concern I would have is how the camera would work in conditions with high network traffic, for example when an live HD stream is being broadcast from a Mac and the camera is is trying to send a stream as well. With the iPhone and iPad app, I found I had some difficulties connecting to the camera unless the Mac or other device was completely asleep and the camera was restarted. In fact, I was never able to connect to the camera from my iPhone, getting a "Camera Disconnected" message every time. The iPad worked very well. The app provides a way to record or to broadcast to UStream from your iOS device. When recording, the video can be captured in 360p, 480p, or 720p resolution. The app provides a way to monitor the battery level of the camera as well -- I found the battery to last about three hours in actual use without using the light, although part of that time the camera wasn't actually streaming. For doing livestreams, the combination of the Broadcaster and the iOS app is a winner. I can easily imagine using an iPad and Broadcaster to do "live remotes" from locations with Wi-Fi -- this would be perfect for broadcasting seminars or conferences. One final note: this really is the perfect webcam for anyone with either a Mac mini or Mac Pro who isn't using an Apple Thunderbolt Display with the built-in FaceTime HD camera. It won't take up a port on your device, can be moved anywhere in your workspace, and is easy to take on the road. Conclusion While many people will probably be happy with using the built-in FaceTime camera on their Mac or iOS device, there's definitely an market for external HD video cameras. The Logitech Broadcaster should be at the top of any video podcaster's shopping list, as it provides a well-designed wireless option to the webcam market. Pros Lightweight design with a dual-purpose hard case that both protects and supports the camera Good battery life -- enough to do a two-hour show on a single charge Excellent integration and compatibility with the Mac and iPad Easy setup, doesn't require a USB tether to a device to set up Logitech Broadcaster software is free and easy to use Can be set up to broadcast to Ustream without a computer Cons Price is significantly higher than most USB webcams Could not get the camera to work with the Broadcaster app on an iPhone 4S Who is it for? Anyone who needs a primary or secondary HD webcam for videoconferencing or video podcasting who needs the flexibility afforded by being able to place the camera well away from a computer. Also, anyone who would like a way to do broadcasts via Ustream without the need for a computer.
Logitech announces $200 Broadcaster WiFi webcam for iPhone, iPad and Mac (video)
After trying (and failing) to surreptitiously shepherd it through the FCC, then seeing it leak out anyway, Logitech has formally outed the HD WiFi Broadcaster webcam. The 720P shooter (not 1080p as we hoped) allows wireless transmission from 50 feet away to any Mac computer, iPhone or iPad, instant broadcasting on Ustream and the ability to toggle between your device or computer's built in camera with a button push. The hard plastic carrying case with a magnetic lid doubles as a stand to elevate the cam, which Logitech says will "play nicely" with apps like iMovie, Final Cut Pro and FaceTime. Broadcaster is already up for preorder for $200 in the US and €180 in Europe, so if you want to show that you're doubly beautiful with a multi-cam Skype call, the PR and video are after the break.
Logitech's $180 WiFi webcam gets outed, targeted for the Mac
That mysterious Logitech WiFi webcam we spotted on the FCC in July might have finally been outed, thanks to a tip sent to Zatz Not Funny. This Logitech Wireless Webcam for the Mac listed on B&H certainly fits the bill, as it touts both wireless capabilities and apparently a rechargeable battery. There also looks to be an interesting status indicator on the top. Seeing as most Macs already come with a pretty decent front-facing camera, we're assuming the Logitech offers higher quality video (1080p perhaps?) and greater flexibility for broadcasting or recording to the cloud. The B&H Photo listing doesn't exactly provide many details, but it does reveal a $180 price tag. We'll be sure to keep an eye on this when it gets official.
HP unveils first NFC-enabled mouse, various other PC accessories
In addition to unveiling all those laptops, HP just announced a boatload of peripherals. Of the bunch, the most compelling might be the NFC-enabled Touch to Pair Mouse, which, as the name suggests, can be paired with another device simply through tapping. (Good thing lots of computers currently have NFC, right?) If, by chance, you don't have NFC on your laptop -- and you probably don't -- the mouse will function just fine as a regular old Bluetooth device. Look for it in November for $39. Elsewhere on the wireless mouse front, HP announced the X6000 (pictured), which has four-way tilt scrolling and can be used on most surfaces, including glass. That arrives this month for $59. Finally, if your tastes are a bit simpler, there's also the Wireless Mouse X4500 and X5500, which will be available this month for $29 and $39, respectively. Beyond mice, HP also trotted out the $29 Wireless Classic Desktop keyboard, along with the $49 Wireless Elite v2. For audio lovers, there's the HP Portable Bluetooth Speaker, which will go on sale next month for a cool $79. Eighty bucks (or thereabouts) will also get you a 90W universal power adapter that claims to be compatible with most notebooks. It also has a built-in USB port, allowing you to charge a mobile device at the same time. Rounding out the list is the Webcam HD 4310, a $69 $89 shooter capable of 1080p video, autofocus, autoexposure and three-way video calling. All that in more digestible form in the PR after the break.
The Tattered Notebook: Exploring identity with EQII's SOEmote
This week, EverQuest II launched a new feature called SOEmote. It gives players the ability to use a webcam and create facial expressions for their avatars, but it also includes the ability to change your voice to match your character in voice chat. You wouldn't think that being able to raise and lower eyebrows, tilt your head, or sound like a pixie would match up well with killing orcs and looting treasures, but neither would home decorating, and yet it's become a very popular activity in game. Will SOEmote follow suit and be yet another outlet for player creativity, or is it just a gimmick? In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll take a look at the new feature and give some first impressions about its potential.
Sony takes SOEmote live for EverQuest II, lets gamers show their true CG selves (video)
We had a fun time trying Sony's SOEmote expression capture tech at E3; now everyone can try it. As of today, most EverQuest II players with a webcam can map their facial behavior to their virtual personas while they play, whether it's to catch the nuances of conversation or drive home an exaggerated game face. Voice masking also lets RPG fans stay as much in (or out of) character as they'd like. About the only question left for those willing to brave the uncanny valley is when other games will get the SOEmote treatment. Catch our video look after the break if you need a refresher.
Microsoft no fan of existing WebRTC standard, proposes its own to get Skype onboard
Microsoft, objecting to a web standard promoted by its competitors? Get out. While Firefox, Opera and now Chrome have implemented WebRTC on some level for plugin-free VoIP and webcam chats, Microsoft doesn't think the existing, proposed standard is up to snuff for linking with existing devices or obeying "key web tenets." It's suggesting a new CU-RTC-Web standard to fix what it claims is broken with WebRTC. Thankfully, the changes are more technical improvements than political maneuvering: Microsoft wants a peer-to-peer transport level that gives more control as well as to reduce some of the requirements that it sees holding the technology back as of today. There's no doubt an economic incentive for a company that wants to push Skype in the browser, but the format is already in front of the W3C and could become a real cross-platform standard. If other W3C members are willing to (slightly) reinvent the wheel, Microsoft's approach could get Chrome and Internet Explorer users talking -- no, really talking.
Logitech launches TV Cam HD for living room video chats: built-in Skype, 720p, $200
If Cisco's ill-fated Umi video conferencing system had been more like this, would it have survived? Logitech is about to find out, one way or the other, once its TV Cam HD -- recently spotted at the FCC -- arrives in the US this month. The $199.99 device hooks up to your TV and contains all the processing power needed to run Skype and transmit wide-angle, 720p footage of your couch over WiFi or Ethernet. Unlike the previous TV Cam, there's no need for a Viera Connect HDTV -- anything with HDMI-in will do. The company is banking on the notion that families will forgo the use of their existing mobile devices and laptops in favour of an always-on dedicated system with incoming call alerts, four noise-cancelling mics and a Carl Zeiss lens that "gets the whole family in the video call, so everyone from grandparents to grandchildren can move around naturally." If you're tempted, the publicity video after the break gives a decent overview of the product in action.
Google Chrome 21 stable release adds Retina MacBook Pro support, webcam use without plugins
Some Retina MacBook Pro owners have been waiting for this day for six weeks: that promised Retina support in Google Chrome is now part of a finished, stable release. Chrome 21 is now crisp and clear for those who took the plunge on Apple's new laptop but would rather not cling to Safari for the web. No matter what hardware you're using, Google has rolled in its promised WebRTC support to let webcams and microphones have their way without Flash or other plugins. Other notable tweaks like wider support for Cloud Print and gamepads tag along in the update as well. If you're at all intrigued by the expanded hardware support in Chrome, Google has an abundance of details (and downloads) at the links below.
HP laptop comes with webcam standard, peek at Chinese factory as bonus (video)
Most tours of Chinese factories at least give workers a heads-up that they'll be on camera. Not so the exposé that HP inadvertently gave one of its Swedish customers. Reddit user Malplace opened a new laptop to find that a 3-minute webcam video of the factory floor at HP's contractor, Quanta, was sitting in Windows' My Documents folder. If you're looking for scandal from the footage, though, you won't find it here: Chongqing Manufacturing City's staff are shown dutifully moving the assembly line along in what looks like fair conditions, if exceptionally repetitive. The instance is most likely just a rare gaffe during testing at a manufacturer that pumps out millions of HP PCs every quarter, so we'll cut Quanta some slack. It's still a rare glimpse into a side of technology that's considered off-limits for much of the buying public.
Mystery WiFi Logitech webcam diagram appears, lacks role-reversing hardware photos
Logitech's collection of subtle HD webcams launched a few months ago, but an unannounced WiFi-connected camera has appeared at the FCC. Labelled up as the Logitech Broadcaster, a little bit of investigation reveals that the camera may be able to function unencumbered by cabling, similar to Livestream's identically-named Broadcaster add-on or the ill-fated FlipLive cams. Connected through WiFi -- thus explaining its appearance at the FCC -- we still don't know specifics on how it'll be powered, whether it's through a self-contained battery or otherwise. Until then, emissions and wavelength obsessives can direct themselves to the source for the science.
Zoom Q2HD Handy Video Recorder lets you stream and record on the move, we go hands-on
Zoom is known for making audio recorders, but its latest product, the Q2HD, brings video to the recording party -- HD video, no less. Sure, there are many ways to shoot and share our lives these days, and it's a wonder that services like Ustream aren't just full of videos of people unboxing cameras, checking in and uploading pictures to Pinterest (while also watching Ustream). Zoom, however, evidently believes that though the method might evolve, the medium largely remains the same -- voice and video. As such, the Q2HD Handy Video Recorder (to give it its full name) promises to play, capture and stream, all in "HD audio and video." Paraphrasing of the box aside, we got our hands on one and took it for a spin. Want to know how it fared? Let's reset the levels, then head past the break for the mixdown.%Gallery-160201%
New Google Chrome beta lets webcams go plugin-free, video chat gets a lot less Flashy
Google has been talking up the prospects of integrating WebRTC into Chrome for the past several months. It's now ready to put theory into practice with a fresh beta of the web browser. The upgrade uses WebRTC to let typical microphones and webcams talk to the browser without using a plugin like Flash or something otherwise so very 2011. Just to embrace this future of direct hardware support ever the more tightly, Google is also building in a gamepad programming interface that lets controllers tap into Chrome without having to rely on Native Client's magic. There's more waiting at the source link, including more direct tie-ins with Cloud Print, so the more adventurous among us can get to chatting (and playing) right away.
World's smallest 4K USB 3.0 camera delivers 21 frames per second, fits in pockets
After proving that a 1080p webcam on USB 3.0 was possible, to the surprise of none, Point Grey's latest addition is a little more impressive, This "ice-cube sized" camera can pipe 4,096 x 2,160 images through that capacious USB 3.0 port, using Sony's new IMX1221 Exmor R sensor. Thanks to its size, the camera is geared toward business-centric applications, including broadcasting and high-resolution optical inspection -- which goes some way to explaining the $945 retail price. The full technical spec sheet waits in the press release, right after the break.
Motrr Galileo nets $700k in Kickstarter pledges, available to pre-order now for $117
Perhaps you were discouraged by the uncertainty that comes along with a Kickstarter pledge, or you simply missed your chance to give Motrr's Galileo an $85 kick before the deadline hit. Whatever the reason, you're still in luck -- the iOS-controlled iPhone platform is now available for a proper pre-order, with a 10-percent discount and free shipping in tow. Galileo, which netted a whopping $702,427 in Kickstarter funding, could soon be on its way to a nursery or conference room near you, for the slightly increased sum of $116.99. That Benjamin and change will buy you one 360-degree rotating platform, complete with a rechargeable battery, USB cable, tripod screw and user manual. There's no word on when this latest round of pre-orders will be filled, but the company did confirm that it plans to ship the first batch this summer. Full deets (and pre-order option) are at the source link after the break.
Keio University democratizes facial recognition technology for Avatars everywhere (video)
If you liked the look of that facial recognition technology on its way to Everquest II, but aren't so sure on your Froglok allegiance, then a Keio University group may have you covered. A project led by Associate Professor Yasue Mitsukura has developed a similar technology using just an ordinary PC and webcam. The software uses an algorithm that updates in line with the motion of the face, which the makers claim make it very fast and precise. The researchers hope that this real-time, low hardware requirement, system could find its way into the hands of amateur CG animation creators, or -- like the SOEmote solution -- into game controls. So, expect a glut of pimped-out Numa Numa remakes in the not to distant future.
Microsoft delves into Windows 8's media core, promises HD chat and 3D video for all
Microsoft's deep exploration of Windows 8's numerous tweaks has swung to one of the most important components for the onslaught of tablets we're about to see: the media foundations. The pipeline is now much leaner than it was in Windows 7, both through lower lag and miserly energy use that should keep that Skype video call from falling out of sync and killing your battery. Tuning up the video performance also makes in-the-box HD webcam support an easy feat, and Microsoft has thrown in extras like Stereo 3D video and multiple audio tracks for one video. There's much (much, much) more detail from Microsoft's group program manager Scott Manchester, so if you want to know the intricacies of Windows 8's moving pictures and sound, head on over to the source and get an eye- or earful.
OmniVision's OV2722 sensor promises 1080p tablet video chats, probably more than you wanted to see
We're seeing rear cameras on smartphones and tablets get better all the time; what about at the front? OmniVision might have that side tackled through the OV2722, a 1080p-native CMOS camera sensor. It won't allow for magnum opuses of photography like the company's own 16-megapixel behemoth, but it's just big enough and thin enough (at 3mm deep) to give a serious upgrade to the 720p-or-lower front cameras that prevail today, including webcams on Ultrabooks. The new sensor is both thinner and better in low light than an earlier iteration, so we'll hopefully see fewer instances of blurrycam self-portraits and video calls. The OV2722 is in mass production now for unnamed clients, although we're worried that the resolution jump will show us a little too much detail in that chat with Aunt Mildred.
