Logitech has introduced an affordable way to add a face and voice to online chats. The low-cost QuickCam Chat should be an easy way to get started with video instant messaging or live video calling. Along with the included headset, it works with all popular instant messenger applications including AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger. It even comes with two basic image editing applications so you can save and share photographs. The QuickCam Chat captures up to 30 frames-per-second of video, and its CMOS sensor provides a resolution up to 640x480 pixels. The package includes a multi-purpose swivel base and a six-foot USB cable for flexible placement.

Pros: Low cost; compatible with most popular IM applications
Cons: No built-in microphone; basic features

Release: Logitech (Nasdaq: LOGI) (SWX: LOGN), the world's leading manufacturer of Web cameras, today announced the Logitech QuickCam Chat webcam, an affordable and complete starter kit for adding live video and audio to online communications. The QuickCam Chat webcam includes both a headset and a camera, providing friends and family with the tools they need to quickly and easily connect face to face over the Internet.

With a suggested retail price of £24.99, the QuickCam Chat Web camera affordably delivers great image quality at a 640x480-pixel resolution through software enhancement. The bundled headset allows people to experience added privacy and clear audio when they use the headset with video calling applications such as the new MSN Video Conversation, which is now available for free as part of MSN Messenger 7.0. QuickCam Chat is recommended by Microsoft for use with MSN Messenger, as are all of Logitech's Web camera.

'Using the Internet for video communications is more affordable and easier than ever before,' said Gina Clark, director of product marketing for Logitech's Video Business Unit. 'The QuickCam Chat Web camera includes everything needed to get started. In a matter of minutes, people can see and talk to friends and family around the globe.'

The QuickCam Chat Web camera comes with a flexible monitor clip, so the Web camera can rest on top of a traditional monitor or clip securely to a flat-panel display. A deep blue ring around the lens and a blue panel on top of the camera accent its vibrant-white, eyeball-shaped body. Logitech QuickCam software allows users to control camera settings and provides added features, such as the ability to take pictures or videos to e-mail to friends and family.

The QuickCam Chat Web camera is compatible with both USB 1.1 and USB 2.0. The camera produces video at a rate of up to 30 frames per second, depending on the quality of the computer system and Internet connection. The QuickCam Chat Web camera is now available in the US and Europe.

BIOS, May 06, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Web camera