Google Chrome 21 Stable Supports Webcam API

The stable version for Google Chrome 21 is out and, apart from security fixes, it brings to the table a new API (getUserMedia) that lets you grant permission to web apps to use your webcam and microphone, without the need of installing a plugin.

This is the first step in WebRTC standard, designed to implement high-quality communication over the web (video and audio).

The new revision for Windows and Chrome Frame is 21.0.1180.60, while for Mac and Linux is 21.0.1180.57.

In order to illustrate the power of getUserMedia API Google set up an experimental app, Sketchbox, available in the Web Lab, which can take a picture of your face and then converts it to a line drawing. The awesome part is that your picture gets sent to a robot in the Science Museum in London that draws it in sand.

You can watch the entire process live on YouTube.

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