BIOS: Technology Means Business

Logitech today announced the launch of the affordable QuickCam Communicate STX Plus for Windows Live Messenger Web camera.

The Web camera headset combination is the latest product of Logitech’s and Windows Live Messenger’s ongoing co-operation.

Windows Live Messenger - one of the next generation software services from Microsoft - is the latest version of MSN Messenger. MSN Messenger is currently the world’s most popular free instant messaging service, with 255 million customers worldwide.

The QuickCam Communicate STX Plus for Windows Live Messenger was created specifically to make Windows Live Messenger’s free video calling feature as easy to use as possible for people communicating over the Internet.

While the feature normally connects people with one simple click of a button, the QuickCam Communicate STX Plus takes this simplicity one step further. The Web camera is optimised for Windows Live Messenger and offers a privacy shade which mutes the video stream when closed and launches Windows Live Messenger by default the moment it is opened.

Designed for desktop computers, the QuickCam Communicate STX Plus features a high quality VGA CMOS sensor with a resolution of 640x480 pixels, and enhanced image performance even if lighting is less than ideal. The camera sports a distinctive silver and black design, flexible flat-panel clip and recognisable eyeball shape. The package also includes Logitech’s Internet Chat headset, which has a noise-cancelling microphone, and delivers stereo sound.

“QuickCam Communicate STX Plus for Window Live Messenger is a great Web camera for those who want a complete, affordable and stylish offering that delivers quality images,” said Gina Clark director of marketing for Logitech’s Video Business Unit. “Logitech has specifically optimized it for use with the popular Windows Live Messenger, adding a launch function on the Web camera’s privacy shade to make the whole experience as simple as possible. This is the latest step in the ongoing co-operation between Logitech and Windows Live Messenger in this field.”

Matt Hebden, European Marketing Manager for Windows Live Messenger added, “Video Conversation has continued to be a popular feature of MSN and Windows Live Messenger -welcoming more than 115 million monthly unique Video Conversation users. Products such as the QuickCam Communicate STX Plus for Windows Live Messenger make setting up a Video Conversation simple, leaving users more time to enjoy face-to-face contact over the Internet with family and friends across the country or around the world.”

QuickCam Communicate STX Plus for Windows Live will be available from the end of November in the UK for a suggested retail price of £49.99.

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