Microsoft LifeCams Debut in System Builder Channel

Today Microsoft Corp. announced it will offer five of its top-selling webcams — three desktop and two notebook LifeCams — for sale in the System Builder Channel for the first time ever. Microsoft’s line of LifeCams includes the No. 2-selling desktop webcam, the LifeCam VX-3000,1 and the No. 3-selling notebook webcam, the LifeCam NX-6000.1 The LifeCams add to the PC experience with easy video calling that is more meaningful and interactive through the webcams’ close integration with Windows Live Messenger, the world’s largest instant messaging network.

Microsoft Hardware consistently delivers innovations that add value to PC systems to make computing easier and more enjoyable. Microsoft’s LifeCams let users easily connect for video and voice calls with friends and family to let them see, hear and share life’s experiences with the following optimizations for Windows Live:
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Windows LiveCall Button, located on top of the LifeCam, 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.
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One-touch Photo Swap access allows users to share and swap photos from their PCs during a video call — and see and hear reactions from friends and family.
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LifeCam Dashboard integrates full LifeCam navigational controls (pan, tilt, zoom, face tracking and Video Effects) within the Windows Live Messenger interface, enabling a seamless and easy navigating experience. The LifeCam software controls are where they should be — right in front of the user.
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One-Touch Blogging lets users immediately post photos to their Windows Live Spaces site.

Microsoft’s line of LifeCams is also compatible with Microsoft Office Communicator to deliver quality audio and video calls in a business setting. The two notebook LifeCams, the NX-6000 and NX-3000, are also compatible with Microsoft Office Communicator, providing easy plug-and-play action that works out of the box with no additional software installation required.

“Microsoft Hardware innovations continue to lead the industry for performance and quality, and our LifeCams are no exception,” said Gary Kirchberger, product marketing manager at Microsoft Hardware. “The webcam market is growing rapidly, and Microsoft Hardware offers a variety of webcam options for OEMs to enable their customers to create a higher-quality video calling experience, both on a desktop and notebook PC.”

Microsoft will offer the following desktop and notebook LifeCams to the System Builder Channel beginning Nov. 1, 2007:

For Desktop PCs:
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LifeCam VX-6000. The LifeCam VX-6000 is a high-end wired desktop webcam offering a high-definition video experience, a built-in microphone and a 71- degree wide-angle lens.
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LifeCam VX-3000. The LifeCam VX-3000 is a midrange wired desktop webcam with brilliant audio and video, offering 1.3 megapixel (MP) stills and automatic face tracking.
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LifeCam VX-1000. The LifeCam VX-1000 is a basic wired desktop webcam with competitive video and integrated audio functionality and a built-in unidirectional microphone.

For Notebook PCs:
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LifeCam NX-6000. The LifeCam NX-6000 is designed exclusively for use with a notebook and is ideal for mobile users, featuring a 2.0MP sensor and the first-ever spring-loaded lens that retracts within the LifeCam for protection when not in use.
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Life Cam NX-3000. The LifeCam NX-3000 is a stylish midrange wired notebook webcam with superior audio and video capabilities and a built-in unidirectional microphone with acoustic noise cancellation technology.