Creative has today announced a new Web camera certified by Skype for use with Skype Video, the latest addition to Skype's Internet calling software.

Known as the Creative WebCam Instant Skype Edition, this new Web camera comes with a personal headset with microphone, software, and a stand-alone microphone for use when several people wish to talk. Also in the box is free voucher for up to 30 minutes of SkypeOut, Skype's PC-to-landline or mobile phone calling service.

Skype has updated its excellent Internet telephone service to add video calling and a toolbar for Microsoft's Outlook to find and dial contacts with a click. Version '2.0' was launched today by eBay, which acquired Skype for an eye-popping $2.6 billion.

Skype 2.0 aims to make it easier for users to sign up and use its phone-over-Internet services, which are free on computers and offer low per-minute charges when calling conventional phones. While the Windows download is available to any user, the application is actually a Beta version, meaning the company is still tweaking the software into a final edition. There has been no announcement for the final edition or the planned release of a version for the Mac operating system.

'Skype seeks to revolutionise the way everyone communicates using the Internet - via chat, voice and now with video - by making it simple. Creative shares that vision,' said James Bilefield, vice president of business development for Skype. 'Our partnership with Creative is important in helping to make the consumer experience with Skype Video calling simple and effective.'

'Making phone calls over the Internet is the new wave in communications. This WebCam Skype Edition represents a breakthrough, offering people an easy-to-use solution for communicating and sharing their experiences,' comments Jean-Marc Dupuis, Joint-General Manager of Creative Labs Europe. 'With the simplicity of its new service, Skype is sure to generate huge interest in video calling. We're delighted to be making our Skype-certified WebCam available for customers to purchase on the day of the announcement.'

Creative's Skype-certified WebCam (£24.99 inc. VAT) features a CMOS sensor that can capture video at 352x288 pixels at a full 30fps (frames per second). It has a stand that enables it to be positioned almost anywhere, and it promises to be quick and easy to set-up and use. Supplied with a software bundle for image editing and management, it looks like being the perfect partner for Skype 2.0.

BIOS, Dec 01, 05 | Print | Send | Comments (0) | Posted In Web camera