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Microsoft is touting two new LifeCam models which are uniquely designed to have a bendable attachment base. These new webcams which mold to any surface are the LifeCam VX-5000 and VX-500. In addition, Microsoft is also releasing the LifeChat LX-2000, a full-size headset which is bendable as well.

Both of these LifeCams are affordable, easy to use and come with individual features. The LifeCam VX-5000 which comes a colored ring around its front, which you can choose to have in either Cool Blue, Lucky Green or Fire Red. This LifeCam is equipped with Windows Live optimization as well as the latest version of the LifeCam software. Its features include; Windows LiveCall Button, LifeCam dashboard, advanced VGA optics with VGA sensor at 640 x 480 resolution, built-in unidirectional microphone, 3x digital zoom and pan and tilt features.

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I have used my share of VoIP phones out there, so when Plantronics sent me the newish Calisto Pro Series, I didn’t have too high of expectations.  However I became impressed quickly with the great Bluetooth integration, among other features.  There are three ways you can talk on the phone (or Skype): speakerphone, on the handset, or on the included Bluetooth headset.  This amount of flexibility is a great thing to have when you’re in an office—or even at home—since you have the choice to go anywhere in your house.  So what if you want to sit in your living room, and the Bluetooth signal can’t make it that far?  Don’t worry, the headset is paired with the handset, so just bring the handset with you!

Have I mentioned that the Calisto can also be used as your landline phone?  Well, it sure can.  The device has seemless integration with both Skype (and your computer) and your landline connection.  So if you’re talking long distance to someone across the world, and hang up to make a local call, you don’t even have to switch anything… just hang up, dial the number, and press talk.

Design

Overall, the Calisto’s design is sleek, but not too fancy.  The phone’s handset is a bit bulky, but it’s smaller than most traditional cordless phones, so we won’t dock them there.  The Bluetooth headset is a big flimsy, and I had a hard time with it - but while you’re sitting at your desk, it’s really OK to have a flimsy headset on since you’re not making any sharp movements that will knock it off.

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At first glance, you wouldn’t think that HP’s new Elite Autofocus Webcam is actually a webcam. It looks more like desk lamp minus the fluorescent lighting. But yes, the product spec sheet does say that the odd-looking device is really a webcam, and a powerful one at that.

In fact, the HP Autofocus Webcam touts of a 12-megapixel still image capturing feature using software interpolation. It’s got a 3-megapixel sensor with autofocus and will let users get high-definition video quality which are sharp and focused.

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It was back in November when Skype first announced the beta release that added video chat support for Linux users, and now they have announced the official Skype 2.0 with video for Linux. Now Linux users will be able to freely and without having to worry about running beta software, be able to have video chats with Windows and Mac users alike. Similar to other Skype offerings, version 2.0 for Linux is of course a free download.

Read [Skype] Via [Gizmodo]

Asus has launched its newest 24-inch LCD monitor. The Asus MK241H boasts native HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) support for full HD 1080p video playback. It is equipped with a 1920x1200 16:10 high resolution panel that delivers multi-channel audio and uncompressed digital video. Translating these into layman’s terms, the Asus MK241H would give gamers and multimedia users the ultimate gaming and multimedia experience.

Asus has even upped the ante of the MK241H by integrating a plug-and-play built-in 1.3-megapixel webcam for high-resolution video and array microphones for the much needed push towards optimum video and audio pleasure. The webcam, microphone array, stereo speakers and earphone jack makes the MK241H useful for video conferencing as well. 

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Logitech has shown-off a new headset at CeBIT, the ClearChat PC Wireless headset. It combines a comfortable looking stereo headset with 2.4GHz technology which will let you stray up to 30-feet away from your computer. It also looks to provide an audio rich experience that keeps interference at a minimum.

The headset works with both PC’s and Mac’s, and is compatible with Skype, Windows Live, Yahoo, Google Talk and AIM. It is expected to have a May release in the U.S. and Europe and should retail for $99.99.

Via [Business Wire]

Okay, so you’re on a budget, thus you buy the Eee PC and look around for some peripherals. Suddenly the price of a new router and VoIP phone rack up and you’re left tearing your hair out. Fear no more, because Asus has released their new lineup of accessories, featuring the Ai Guru U1 VoIP phone, which plugs in via USB, the Eee AP which is a simple wireless access point, a USB 3.5G HSDPA card and an external DVD-RW drive. This new line of accessories will join the previous group that included a mouse, noise-isolation earbud style headset, power adapter and 6-cell battery they released back in December.

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Creative has released a new group of four webcams. The new webcams all have built-in microphones and are plug-n-play capable. The nicest of the bunch, and not a bad looking webcam either is the Creative Live! Cam Notebook Ultra which can take up to 5-megapixel still images, record video at 1.3-megapixels and has an 80 degree wide-angle lens.

The Creative Live! Cam Notebook Ultra has a PowerGrip clip that offers 240 degrees of swivel and it also comes with a stereo headset for private chatting. The cam retails for around $60.

Via [SlashGear]

What do you get when you “marry” a webcam and a wireless router into one gadget? You get the Linksys WVC54GC Wireless-G Internet Home Monitoring Camera. That’s why you see the relatively large form factor for a typical webcam or wireless router stand alone. The gadget looks rather strange to me but then considering its unconventional name as a result of unconventional marriage of two conventional devices, Linksys ought to be forgiven for that.

The WVC54GC (heck its too long to mention the whole name) however is quite an awesome gadget for its functionalities. It can send live audio and video to a web browser anywhere in the world and does it wirelessly. The gadget has built-in video stream encoder and stand-alone web server so there is no PC required to setup a wireless home security monitoring system for the house that could possibly cost you arms and kegs to own one. And the fact that WVC54GC costs only $120 gives you no reason not to consider this inexpensive solution for your expensive investment.

Key Features:

• Streams high-quality live video and audio over the Internet to a web browser anywhere in the world.
• Built-in video stream encoder and stand-alone web server makes PC unnecessary.
• Supports MPEG4 and MJPEG video encoding up to 640x480 pixels.
• Connects up to 4 users simultaneously.
• Security Mode automatically sends email alerts with video clips upon motion detection.
• Microphone on the front with built-in preamp.

Via [Engadget] Via [eHomeUpgrade] Product [Linksys]

Phillips are another company getting behind the 2008 VoIP trend with the launch of a range of attractive looking webcams and VoIP phones.

VoIP isn’t new but it has certainly gained more acceptance in recent years as a genuine business instrument, rather than a home application that helped people keep in touch, where the cost and novelty made up for the poor quality of the image and the restriction of the typical headset.

“More consumers are relying on Internet communication to stay in touch, so it is essential that reliable and high-performance technology is available for even the longest calls and most demanding callers,” said Glenn McIlmail, vice president, customer marketing Peripherals and Accessories, Philips Consumer Lifestyle North America. “Philips is offering solutions to open the world to clear, low-cost communication, allowing everyone to stay connected with business contacts, friends and family across the globe.”

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