14 DAY TRIAL // Come June 2009, Microsoft will add another item to its lineup of peripherals. The Redmond company is gearing up for the availability of Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000, the latest addition to the Microsoft Hardware LifeCam line. The software giant expects the LifeCam VX-2000 to be made available via retail outlets next month with a price tag of $29.95. According to the Microsoft hardware Support for Windows 7 webpage, LifeCam 32-bit and 64-bit beta software will play nice with the Release Candidate of Windows 7, albeit there will be some small issues.
In this regard, users of the LifeCam software on Windows 7 RC will notice that they will be able to work with AmCAP 9.1 but not with version 2.0. Users should also be aware that the video stream from the LifeCam can be disrupted by Avermedia tuning cards and that the Post to Windows Live Spaces button will not be functional. At the same time, Windows Live 9.0, the latest iteration of Windows Live, makes the Audio and Video Tuning button useless, at least for now.
“Microsoft is committed to delivering quality products at every price point,” explained Daniel Anguiano, product marketing manager at Microsoft Corp. “These days more than ever, consumers are looking for the biggest bang for their buck, and the LifeCam VX-2000 fits the bill, with an excellent webcam experience that’s easy on the wallet.”
LifeCam VX-2000 brings to the table VGA video and is capable of shooting pictures at a resolution of no less than 1.3MP. “Video-calling technology has been around for decades but has really taken off recently,” added Rebecca Swensen, research analyst for IDC’s Enterprise Mobility and IP Communications Services program. “With monthly worldwide use reaching an estimate of 35 million users, video calling is a viable technology for consumers and businesses alike.”