We are working with our partners to learn more. The technology we use is built on standard algorithms that measure the difference in intensity of contrast between the eyes and the upper cheek and nose. We believe that the camera might have difficulty "seeing" contrast in conditions where there is insufficient foreground lighting.

[HP and Metafilter via The Daily What]

The camera, shown today at IDF, is just a prototype, made up of a few components form other companies (a Sony IMX036 CMOS image sensor, for one), but it's damn impressive. Due to the speed of USB 3.0, the webcam is capable of streaming and displaying its 1920x1080 video without compression, which makes for huge files but also extremely sharp image quality. The camera lacked autofocus but manual focus let it capture incredibly crisp images, even all the miniscule elements of a PCI-Express card. Of course, as USB 3.0 isn't exactly widely available, you have to run it through that PCI-Express-to-USB-3.0 card, but Point Grey says it'll be ready for release in either very late 2009 or early 2010. [Point Grey]

There are scant details for how it'll work, and hey, maybe there are other shapes that an erotic game would want to detect other than the shape of a baby's arm holding a crabapple. But I can't think of any.

But hey, maybe this is a good thing! It's innovation! It seems weird now, but when Natal comes out we'll probably be using our boners to reload machine guns in Gears of War 3. [TeaTime via Canned Dogs via Kotaku]

Demoed today at TechCrunch 50, the start up showed software that works with webcams to detect how you feel deep inside or at least how you show it on your face. It can detect smiles, frowns and, I assume, tears.

How are they going to use this? It looks like they have handed it right over to The Man himself. It will be used by ad companies to test responses to ad content. The software can gather data and then create reports on reactions to whatever individuals were looking at. Yes, the ASPCA ad with Sarah McLachlan makes me freakin cry. Do you feel better now Affective Interfaces!?

Beyond ads, it could be used as a "social tool" or to detect when drivers get sleepy behind the wheel. Am I the only one here that sees the dirty in all this? [Techcrunch via Venture Beat]

We first saw the system used at CES in January, but it's now available in Bloomingdale stores for $170. That price includes an assortment of 14 scenes (with multiple roles); extra scenes cost between 99 cents and $4 at Yoostar.com. You'll be able to perform the script with the characters, or kill them off and do their part yourself.

I had a quick look: no Star Wars! But there are scenes in a number of genres, with titles as diverse as Rocky, Animal House, and even NBA clips.

Of course, you could also do this yourself with a bit of After Effects know-how, but it looks like a fun one for the kids. Windows-only at the moment, but a Mac version is in the works. [Yoostar via Uncrate]

The camera is made from aluminum and has a stand designed to work with both desktops and laptops. Pocket-link goes on to say that:

The LifeCam Cinema is of course compatible with Windows Live Messenger, but also with Windows Live Movie Maker and Windows Live Photo Gallery. It's also compatible with Windows 7 out of the box, as well as Windows Vista and Windows XP.

We've seen 720p Webcams before but the video specs on this one look quite promising. The Lifecam Cinema is expected to be $80 when it hits stores on September 9. [via Pocket-Lint]

After his girlfriend dumped him, Joseph W. Shepherd of Lockport, NY decided to go onto some British forums and whine that he was going to kill himself. The power of the internet kicked in as some concerned readers contacted Interpol London, Interpol London contacted Interpol DC, Interpol DC contacted the New York State Police Intelligence Center (NYSIC) in Albany, and they in turn sent some local authorities to Shepherd's door:

Troopers interviewed Shepherd who was found in good health and obviously not deceased nor injured in any way. Further investigation revealed that the entire suicide on camera was a hoax.

Further investigation was required that the suicide was faked? The fact that Shepherd was alive wasn't enough of a tip-off?

In the end, he was charged with Second Degree Aggravated Harassment and Third Degree Falsely Reporting an Incident. No explanation on why he's the one getting charged for the false incident report.

No matter what, I'm happy that at least this bit of WTF news didn't come from Florida. [WKBW]

Photo by rafael_mizrahi

The Vid, which we tested out last month, is basically Skype, minus all the complexities of signing up and configuring and adding users. Just enter your email, enter the email of the person you want to talk to and you're done. Anyone with a Logitech webcam has access, and anyone that someone with a Logitech webcam invites has access. It's not meant to be a replacement for IM or anything like that, just a very, very easy way to video chat.

Here are the webcams that it's included with.

The Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 (SRP: $99.99 U.S.), Logitech Portable Webcam C905 (SRP: $99.99 U.S.), Logitech Webcam C600 (SRP: $79.99 U.S.), Logitech Webcam C500 (SRP: $49.99 U.S.), Logitech Webcam C300 (SRP: $49.99 U.S.), Logitech Webcam C250 (SRP: $39.99 U.S.) and Logitech Webcam C200 (SRP: $29.99 U.S.) are expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in August.

Premium Webcams: Logitech Webcam Pro 9000, Logitech Portable Webcam C905
With the award-winning Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 your world never looked better. Zeiss® optics with autofocus lets you enjoy razor-sharp images even in extreme close-ups. A 2-megapixel HD sensor delivers fluid, true-to-life video up to 720p and snapshots at up to 8 megapixels (software enhanced). Logitech® RightLight™ 2 technology intelligently adjusts to produce the best possible images, even in dim or backlit settings, and with Logitech® Video Effects™, you can personalize your conversations by choosing from hundreds of avatars, face accessories, and masks that mirror expressions and movement.

Offering all of the benefits of the Webcam Pro 9000 for those occasions when you want a webcam when you're on the go, the Logitech Portable Webcam C905 features an easy-to-transport design so that you can make a video call no matter where you are.

Mid-Range Webcams: Logitech Webcam C600, Logitech Webcam C500

Because you delight in the details of your loved ones' lives, the Logitech Webcam C600 delivers fluid HD-quality video and 8-megapixel snapshots (software enhanced), thanks to its 2-megapixel sensor and glass lens. You can even capture HD video at up to 720p – that's TV-quality resolution. For those challenging lighting situations, Logitech RightLight 2 technology intelligently adjusts to give you the best possible images. Logitech Video Effects make it possible for you to personalize your conversations.

When you want to show your distant friends and family how you really feel, the Logitech Webcam C500 offers a glass lens and 1.3-megapixel sensor for sharper images and fluid video. Its 5-megapixel photo capture lets you take high-resolution snapshots (software enhanced). Logitech® RightLight™ technology automatically adjusts the image, so you look your best, even in dim light, while Logitech Video Effects allow you to personalize your conversations.

Basic Webcams: Logitech Webcam C300, Logitech Webcam C250, Logitech Webcam C200

For a rich video calling experience, the Logitech Webcam C300 gives you up to 5-megapixel photo capture (software enhanced). Additionally, Logitech® Video Effects™ Fun Filters let you add some fun to your video call with neon splashes, fish-eye distortions, and more.

Seeing is believing with the Logitech Webcam C250. Featuring a VGA sensor, the ability to take snapshots at up to 1.3 megapixels (software enhanced), and Logitech Video Effects Fun Filters, the Webcam C250 makes it easy to share your life as you live it.

The Logitech Webcam C200 lets you see the people you care about in lifelike color with a VGA sensor and snapshots at up to 1.3 megapixels (software enhanced).

Because making sure your loved ones can hear your voice clearly is just as important as clearly seeing your face, Logitech's newest webcams include a built-in microphone with Logitech® RightSound™ technology for clear, headset-free conversations without background noise.

Thanks to a universal clip, the Logitech® Webcam Pro 9000, Logitech® Webcam C600, Logitech® Webcam C500, Logitech® Webcam C300, Logitech® Webcam C250 and Logitech® Webcam C200 can attach securely to LCD monitors and notebooks. The Logitech® Portable Webcam C905 can attach to notebooks or sit on a shelf or desk with the included desktop stand. In addition, the Portable Webcam C905 comes with a convenient carrying case.

Just hold up the symbol on the back of the bag to your webcam—webcam not included in Doritos bag—and visit doritoslatenight.com. You'll get the option of Choosing Blink182 or Big Boi, and they'll magically POP out of your bag, onscreen, and do a little dance for you.

Unless you're four years old or really, really love Doritos, this'll be interesting for about 10 minutes. But when it's done, you have a bag of Doritos that taste like Taco Bell tacos. Score.

If you're trying to decide between the bag of Doritos that doesn't let you do something with your webcam and the one that does, the choice is obvious. [Doritos Late Night]

The Scopia webcam captures 720p video at 30fps with a bitrate of 2 megabits. It also supports V2oIP conferencing technology and uses h.264 compression. Obviously, this thing will never win any design awards, but considering this is an enterprise-oriented product and is far more powerful than any comparable product, I'm not sure Samsung cares.

As for actual monitor specs, the Scopia VC240 has 1920x1080p full HD resolution, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and a 170 degree viewing angle. It will also be available in the fall. Oh, did I mention it costs $2000. Well it does.

Question: what video conference software works with such high resolutions?
[Only Gizmos]

It's been all over the news, and it sure seems like a fun story to the woman, adding to my scrunched-nose look of disbelief. To top it off, the lady goes on national TV and makes a point of identifying the race of the men involved. It's a little weird, especially because it's two white people—including the "victim"—giggling while discussing the ordeal. She actually says, "The funniest is when the burglars realized that they were surrounded by the police, and they're trying to figure out, how can they get out of the house."

OK, whatever, maybe the dudes had it coming, and maybe it is funny. You take a look at the embedded CBS News video, and if you have a sense that this is all on the up-and-up, and that justice is being served, then say so. [CBS]

Forgetting about the conceptual weirdness, these cameras—both boasting 300,000 dot resolution, a built-in mic and LCDs for eerie illumination—do have one functional benefit over the USB hubs before them: they let you indulge your deepest fanboy desires and plop a Star Wars computers accessory on your desk, but in the one way that none of your Skype friends (read: actual friends) will ever have to know about. Genius.

If you are so inclined, they're about $40 on pre-order, plus shipping from Japan. [Akihabara]

The eruption started around 2AM, February 2. Scary stuff. [Pink Tentacle]

Ecamm's BT-1 connects to your Mac via Bluetooth and can wirelessly transmit video from up to 30 feet away. This gives you more mobility and flexibility as to where you can aim your webcam, and it also doesn't confine you to your computer when you are video chatting or doing whatever else it is you need a webcam for.

However—calling all exhibitionists and porn stars—if you're looking for a webcam that you can keep on all night, look elsewhere because this webcam's battery can only last up to four hours. If you're still interested, you can purchase one of these in late March, or if you just can't wait: Pre-order it now. [Ecamm via GearLive via OhGizmo]

By the director of some of Apple's most memorable commercials, no less! Errol Morris's awesomely-named Interrotron system captures the first-person interviews for his documentaries and commercials by using two cameras with mirrored, teleprompter-like screens in front of them, each with the image of the other person's face.

Apple's patent works the exact same way, and can eliminate the lack of intimacy brought about by looking just above or below the eyes of the person you're cybering with. Of course there's no real promise of this being integrated into a real product anytime soon, as the tech for placing a working camera behind a traditional laptop LCD is still a ways away.

But OK, while we're talking Errol Morris and Interrotrons, what the hell:

[Ars Technica, Apple Insider]

Samsung's new 1/4in CMOS sensor is claimed to produce a 720p images at a full 30FPS, and VGA (640x480) video at 60FPS. Samsung manages to preserve low-light performance at such resolutions and framerates on such a small sensor using a technique called "binning", whereby certain pixels are sometimes deactivated and grouped together to help gather light for active pixels. In other words, if you're, uh, Vlogging in the dark, your webcam stream might look like it's 720p, but in reality a significant number of pixels might be clumped together. But at least you'll be able to see them.

The sensor was designed with integration into laptops and desktops in mind, and should go to manufacture in the first half of '09. [Samsung]

Note: actual sensor not pictured

Sadly, this isn't the first time something like this has happened. Followers of internet lore are surely familiar with Brandon "I told u I was hardcore" Vedas, who overdosed on drugs live on a webcam after having given his personal information out to the viewers in case something went wrong. All were too afraid to get in trouble to call the authorities.

There's definitely something about being on the internet that makes you feel cut off from and not responsible for the people you're dealing with (see: YouTube commenters), but when you're watching a real, live human on video doing something obviously damaging to themselves, it's completely inexcusable to do nothing. And to egg them on, well, that's something those people will have to deal with on their own. A sad story all around. [NewTeeVee]

The LifeCam software provides over 30 video effects, including 3D accessories that follow your face around the screen, face distortion effects, and filters that alter the color of the picture. Also new to the the Video Message feature, which allows you to send a webcam recording to a friend's Windows Live mailbox for later viewing.

Additionally, Microsoft announced the VX5500 webcam, which has a VGA sensor, takes 1.3MP stills, noise canceling, plus blue, red or white interchangeable faceplates. The LifeCam Show and VX5500 will arrive in October and sell for $100 and $60, respectively. [Microsoft]

Microsoft’s Latest LifeCams Bring Life to Video Calls With Versatile New Designs

LifeCam Show and LifeCam VX-5500 debut fun new video effects and Video Messages.

REDMOND, Wash. ⎯ Sept. 9, 2008 ⎯ Today, Microsoft Corp. unveils two new webcams — LifeCam Show and LifeCam VX-5500 — featuring stunning new designs that not only look great but also provide versatility for use on a laptop or desktop monitor, or sitting next to your PC. No matter where these LifeCams are used, they will make a statement. LifeCam Show is ultra sleek — one of the thinnest webcams on the market— while the LifeCam VX-5500 takes a more sassy approach with switchable faceplates in three colors and an innovative, collapsible design. These LifeCams deliver high-end audio and video performance, groundbreaking new video effects, and Video Messages — a new service for sending and receiving video messages from friends and family.

LifeCam Show: Good Things Come in Small Packages
LifeCam Show features a sleek, mirrored finish and ultrathin design. It looks great with any PC, attaching with ease to a desktop or laptop computer, or even sitting on top of your desk. The LifeCam Show ships with a complete attachment system to make setting up and using the webcam a snap in a variety of different scenarios. Versatile attachment options include the following:

Laptop clip. LifeCam Show magnetically attaches to a clip snapped right onto a laptop.

Desktop stand. LifeCam Show magnetically attaches to an 11-inch-tall desktop stand, which users can position anywhere around the desk for the perfect viewing angle.

Two attachment discs. Attachment discs allow users to attach the adhesive disc to the back of their laptop, giving them the ability to close their laptop easily with the webcam still attached for greater portability.

Offering top audio and video performance, LifeCam Show is not just about good looks and versatility:
A 2.0MP sensor and 8.0MP stills offer true-to-life communication for sharing important life moments.
Top-of-the-line audio technology, including a built-in, noise-cancelling microphone with echo-cancellation software, provides improved sound clarity.

“Our design team has been working hard to ensure that we could fit best-in-class webcam technology into such a tiny footprint. Even at only one-half inch deep, LifeCam Show packs a mean punch with industry-leading audio and video technology,” said Ralf Groene, Industrial Design manager at Microsoft. “We also designed these LifeCams to attach with ease to any type of PC because we know that consumers move between notebooks and desktops and back again, and they want a webcam that can move with them.”

LifeCam VX-5500: Switch Out the Color to Suit Your Mood
The LifeCam VX-5500 is all about fun with an innovative new design. The VX-5500 ships with three interchangeable faceplates in blue, red and white, so users can either choose their favorite color and leave it that color or switch the color every day to match their mood. Similar to LifeCam Show, the VX-5500 can be used on a laptop or desktop computer with an innovative universal attachment clip. When users are ready to pack up, the entire webcam folds down flat for easy transport. With a VGA sensor for 640x480 video, 1.3MP stills, and a unidirectional, noise-cancelling microphone, the LifeCam VX-5500 keeps all video communications crystal clear.

Add Fun to Video Calls With the Latest LifeCam Software
Both webcams come with the latest version of LifeCam software, making it easier than ever for users to have a fun video call experience. One major addition to the new software is a group of more than 30 new video effects, including 3D Accessories, Facial Exaggerations and Filters. 3D Accessories offer realistic effects that truly move with users’ faces — users can put a cowboy hat on their head or sunglasses over their eyes, and the effect will stay with them even when they turn their heads. In addition, Microsoft’s new Facial Exaggerations and Filters allow users to stretch their faces, make bug eyes or create a pointy new nose for an entertaining fun-house mirror effect using a LifeCam.

The new release also includes access to Video Messages, a totally new way to keep in touch. When friends and family are not around for a live video chat or perhaps are in a distant time zone, Video Messages is the perfect solution. LifeCam users can record and send videos through an exclusive Windows Vista gadget, and any Windows Live user can get in on the fun via an online portal. Users can see Video Messages in action at HYPERLINK "http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/video_messages_intro" http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/video_messages_intro.1

Additional features that make these webcams a great option for Windows Live Messenger users include the following:

Photo Swap. This feature allows two callers to share digital photos in midvideo conversation. Just click the Photo Swap icon, and a new window opens up next to the video call window so users can flip through the photos on their desktop and decide which pictures they want to show.1

Windows Live Call Button. Located on top of the LifeCam, the Windows Live Call Button allows users to open their Contact Picker (a tool showing which contacts are currently online) with one touch, so they can quickly initiate video calls to friends and family.1

Pricing and Availability
The LifeCam Show and LifeCam VX-5500 will be widely available in October 2008 for the respective estimated retail prices of $99.95 and $59.95.2 The webcams are available now for presale on Amazon.com and will ship in October when they are widely released. Microsoft will back the LifeCams with a worldwide, three-year limited hardware warranty. More information about the LifeCams is available at HYPERLINK "http://www.microsoft.com/hardware" http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.