New Windows LifeCams unleashed

Today MS Hardware announces two new LifeCam models that will hit store shelves later this month.  The VX-7000 and the NX-3000 each boast a sleek design alongside impressive features for capturing and sharing photos with friends and family.

Life Cam VX-7000

In addition to advanced sharing capabilities, the LifeCam VX-7000 includes a 2.0 megapixel sensor to deliver High Definition video (2.0 MP) and still photography (7.6 MP interpolated) and brings a sleek new design to desktop webcams. The VX-7000’s additional features and benefits include the following:

• The slim, glossy, sleek design allows the LifeCam to blend seamlessly into the PC monitor.
• The built-in unidirectional microphone with acoustic noise cancellation delivers crystal-clear audio.
• A 71-degree, wide-angle lens fits more people on the screen at once.
• Automatic adjustments for low-light conditions provide superior color quality.
• The glass element lens delivers clear video quality.
• An illuminated LED indicates the camera is in use.

For laptop PCs, the NX-3000 offers video at 640x480 resolution, HD still photography (1.3 MP) and a built-in unidirectional microphone with acoustic noise cancellation.  Other features are:

• Automatic audio control to enhance sound clarity
• Swivel lens to adjust camera angle for use on notebooks
• Illuminated LED indicates when it's in use
• Video Effects to personalize video calls
• Protective carrying case

Life Cam – LCNX3000

Microsoft is also launching a sleek new notebook webcam, the LifeCam NX-3000. This new LifeCam features brilliant video (640x480 pixels), High Definition still photography (1.3 MP) and a built-in unidirectional microphone with acoustic noise cancellation. The LifeCam NX-3000 also offers these features:

• Automatic audio control provides enhanced sound clarity.
• The swivel lens allows users to adjust the camera angle for ultimate notebook mobility.
• An illuminated LED indicates the camera is in use.
• Video Effects enable users to personalize video calls with fun visual elements such as snow, stars and flowers.
• The protective carrying case enables easy and convenient portability while on the go.

LifeCam users with Windows Live Messenger (Beta) should note that they can take advantage of a new virtual photo album called Photo Swap, which allows sharing of photos in real time.

Both the VX-7000 and NX-3000 will be available later this month, at estimated retail prices of US$99.95 and US$59.95, respectively.