NEW Microsoft Sh*t! - Tech Tuesday

NEW Microsoft Sh*t! - Tech Tuesday
This week it"s Microsoft"s turn to show off all their new hardware, and it looks like they"re not letting Apple or Google get the last word in the Surface vs iPad vs ...

Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 Webcam (Gray) Buyer Reviews

I have used it in manifold in commission systems- XP/Home/Certified/Vistaworks impeccably fine,this cam is doubtless the at the initiation one everywhere here is relentless sync between audio and record.
- blue jay "bluejay"

After reading the reviews here and getting scared I planning "Bugga it, Microsoft will not sell junk, I'll give it a go".I asked in the shop about it and they said 'Install the software before you join the webcam.', so I followed instructions and found them to be correct. But of way there was a new version of the software to download and that was a minor annoyance of almost 40meg (I think).It's an excellent modest webcam, sound is clear, video also.[..]Vastly urge by a Windows XP SP2 over worked PC (not me) owner.
- Colin L. Campbell

Some other reviews here had akin harms to mine. Delight don't think we are bad mouthing Microsoft. The harms are ligit. Seems to only be an issue if you have other USB devices (like most of us). Underside line the camera would not work. If you check contrivance administrator and have an error 19, then that is the same as me. MS's website is no help. A Google search and 8 hours later I got it to work, but I bought this beacuse I planning MS would at least have the inside track on software issues. By the way, I dumped my Logitech pro5000 due to software harms too, so it's worse then this Microsoft manufactured goods. Good luck. If you get it to work, it is a nice camera and works well with Skyp (my primary use of it).
- Harry A. Kious "ReplayHarry"

The MS LifeCam VX-6000 is optimized for Windows Be in this planet Messenger (WLM). There were no options in the installation process. No crapware was installed. No special folders were created. All the camera features can be accessed from within WLM. The sound was great from the recipients point of check over, even though I was using two desktop speakers. No speaker pointer. The microphone worked even as I walked around the room. No receiver is supplied. Why do the other similarly priced webcams touting their builtin microphones also include headsets? I'm in this area to buy a following one.
- Steffan Carroll

I wish public would refrain from insincere; some public will do anything to defame Microsoft, a genuine, all-American companionship. The LifeCam VX-6000 installs easily, does not install bolt from the blue non-essential software like Creative and Logitech installers do, and works beautifully with various IM clients. I tested it with different video chat programs and didn't enconter any tribulations on my two WinXP computers. I mainly use it with the new Windows Live Messenger (formerly known as MSN Messenger) and the video and audio quality are just superb. But I do reflect this force be a little too much if all you do is casual video chats. The cheaper VX-3000 is probably a better buy for most public. If you want a real digital camera, get a real one from Canon, Casio, Fuji, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony, etc. But if you do some video conferencing for business, the VX-6000 is a good investment.
- Gadgester "No Time, No Money"

This is a great little camera (really, it's a great "compact" mass) and I tenderness having it just sitting up at the very top of my flat screen watch: out of the way, but permanently there when I need it! The integrated microphone is far reaching - the other day I was talking from the kitchen to my online friend overseas, the computer was quite a few feet away in the opportunity next to the kitchen (no walls in between, of course!) and my friend could hear me without any harms. I had absolutely no harms including installation! The SECRET to an easy installation is, make sure camera is not connected to the computer yet, turn off all other software, put in the Install CD to install software, and connect the camera single when prompted by the installation software. This works seamlessly including the Microsoft Messenger/Windows Live messenger. Haven't tried including other online chat software. The extra fun animations you can use while chatting will also be a hit including friends and family! I really give Microsoft an A+ on this camera!
- C. M. Lacher "Mom Who Loves Books"

A cool cam.The face tracking gift is only awesome.Skilled clarity.Straightforward to use.
- Lisbon Rebello "Cool_Buddy"

Recipient receives extremely nice picture and sound. They say it sounds like I am in the room including them. Easy to set up also.
- Thufir "Gort"

This camera costs almost twice as much as the VX-3000, and it is debatable whether it offers enough pro the price variation to be valuable. The VX-3000 is a extremely skilled approve of and no doubt will get on to most average users extremely happy. With the intention of understood, however, the VX-6000 does put forward stuck-up feature pro those who want it, and still offers a better feature/price ratio than comparable Logitech or Creative harvest. Persona is EXTREMELY crisp, and loads of of my on-line chat pals be inflicted with commented with the intention of they were impressed. The large-slant lens is also a lofty plus (in fact, it was what made me influence to bombard out extra and get it), and it works water supply with modest light.On the down feature, two equipment:1) The absolutely grating "Windows Live Call" button with the intention of gets easily pressed by accident and pops up Windows Live Courier (still usually known as MSN Courier). Save pro there is an easy workaround:a. Rename the file "IcePick.exe" in the installed camera programs folder (usually, "C:\Program Files\Microsoft LifeCam") to something moreover.b. Initiation an EMPTY file (size 0 bytes) named "IcePick.exe" (pro model, aptly-click on with the intention of folder's aptly pane in Windows Explorer, initiation a extra void copy file and DON'T commence it; at that time rename it and confirm with the intention of you want to exchange the extension).Step (a) disables the button already, save pro if you don't perform step (b), as you door the camera utility "Properties" window (to exchange exposure, brightness, and with the intention of.) the driver will reinstall itself (asking pro the CD, and with the intention of.) and restore the original "IcePick.exe" undoing what you did. Save pro after the theater in cooperation steps, the button is dead. If you want to restore the functionality, just rub out the void "IcePick.exe" and rename the ancient file in trade to its original first name.2) As lighting conditions exchange too suddenly (pro model, as a brightly lit arm comes quickly closer to the camera) it may reset the feed and go foggy pro a second or two while the driver adjusts itself. Now and again this can be grating, and I don't admit if there is a way to tweak the driver so with the intention of it doesn't exchange itself so regularly.Additional than these two points, however, the VX-6000 lone of the best webcams I be inflicted with ever seen and I don't hesitate to recommend it. No camera is perfect and additional models and brands indeed be inflicted with their down sides, too. The ones I've establish are fair, and pale in evaluation with this harvest excellent feature.A closing tip: the driver on the CD is almost indeed outdated. [...]
- goytabr

Pro's:Setting up this camera was unadorned and quick. I was in a web cam session in 10 outline.It has all the corporal adjustments you need so you are always able to get the camera at the right angles so you can be looking your preeminent. You can tilt it in any direction, and it's flexible clamp will have the camera all fit securely to just about any monitor.Another good feature is the manual zoom. Some people prefer involuntary zoom (be fond of some people prefer involuntary transmission in their car), save for for a webcam, as you are usually shooting release one subject at a time, manual zoom is the surpass option because it gives you whole control and allows you to have a sharp and impeccably focused image of your subject, wether it be in the background or road up close, so you by no means have to agonize about getting blurry shots over again.Since this is a microsoft device it is water supply-matched with many programs. Up your sleeve starting the included software I also used it in ms movie maker, and picasa, and i'm guaranteed there are many other programs that can use it that I havent used.And as you know, if you aid ms messenger, the special button on the camera will get your record conference going in a snap. You also have integrated dynamism things that people with uncommon strain cameras dont get in ms messenger.The built in microphone is also great for people who dont have a standalone headset, this will save you money. You can also aid the camera's mic just for recording audio and using in voip programs be fond of Skype if you so choose.Cons:The picture feature drops in low lighting conditions, save for this is a weakness that almost all digital cameras have.Also, the "involuntary face tracking software" feature is not perfected. Lets display you step in trade a few feet, the camera is supposed to zoom in and keep your face centered and at a particular size at all times. Water supply now and again it zooms in too close, or doesnt zoom in as you step in trade. Save for it's a new equipment and I didnt expect this feature to be perfected, not many will need this feature since most people are relatively still as sitting in adjoin of their computer.All in all, it is a good camera for the money, with a handful of features and it serves it's function water supply.Tip:Keep in mentality that if you intend to record top feature videos (distinguished pledge and framerates) you will need a PC with good hardware (atleast a 2mhz computer chip, 128mb record card, 512mb ram). For people with grown-up PC's, the camera's settings can be adjusted to bring about surpass for you. The camera will grant the most picture feature it advertises as long as it has the proper computer hardware to power it. And as most of you know, broadband internet is pretty much a essential for webcam sessions.Taste out it out!
- C. Kelso "hepnotic@hotmail.com"

Microsoft LifeCam VX-6000 Webcam (Gray)

Encounter following messaging in a total new way. Communicate with acquaintances and family as if they were in the opportunity with you. 1.3 megapixels high Classification record and 5.0 megapixels photos interpolated shows you in the most excellent set alight. The built-in microphone automatically picks up your accent with remarkable clarity. Solely get behind this pin and excellent an Online Supporter to initiation a record call. The 71-top wide angle lens ensures no one gets gone out of the depiction. The pan and roll functionality get on to it a snap to capture the big depiction, even if you aspire to see it. The lingering, bendable cable gives you extra opportunity to step. The zoom delivers realistic, up-accurate-and-confidential record, so you can see the contours of each grin. The new USB 2.0 enables greatly privileged tie speeds, so you can encounter go in real-calculate. Bolt from the blue your acquaintances with cool record things, accessible aptly from the Windows Be in this planet Courier Window. LifeCams capture go at 30 frames per following, which earnings the record descriptions you see are charming and faultless. Windows Outlook or Windows XP with Service Amount 2 (SP2) vital.

Microsoft LifeCam Cinema Buyer Reviews

I picked this camera up for a Laptop that is going to Australia. The Laptop had a built in camera but sought after a privileged quality picture. This camera fills the charge completely. It is used on Windows 7 including 4gigs of reminiscence on board. The camera comes including some software which is easy to use. It will also create special effects be fond of putting a hat on your head or giving you a big nose and more. I might get a 2nd one if it works water supply on my net-book including 2gigs of reminiscence and atom processor.
- Terry R. Williams

I do a lot of video conferencing in my job. I often chat including people overseas, so I'm talking from home in the wee hours of the morning in a dark room, as well as in my offices.I've tried several different webcams including mixed results. the LifeCam Cinema is the first one I've really been happy including. It works well in low light, it gives great video and subdue pictures, and it comes including some cute software. The machines I use it on are all Windows 7, a mix of 32-bit and 64-bit. I haven't noticed any difference in behavior on the different machines, though all are pretty beefy.The software has some features that are more for a laugh than general use. It lets you distort your face various ways or put objects on your head, e.g. hats, funny hair, stars circling your head. I enjoyed playing including it for a few days for personal videoconferences, but otherwise haven't troubled.In addition to video conferencing, I use this camera in cooperation to take subdue pictures (e.g. of a touch in my office I want to mail someone a picture of) and short videos to help me explain problems including whatever I'm working on (e.g. an come forth including a mouse). Taking the cameras and videos is easy including the built-in software, as is adjusting the resolution (before taking the picture/video) so the files are small enough to mail.Other reviewers have mentioned some problems including auto-focus being hyper-active. I have the same issues sometimes, and haven't figured out what causes it. Despite this hiccup, though, it's an awesome webcam especially for the price. I've bought four so far (I have a lot of computers and places I work), got two more for my wife and her mom, and will look at these first if I need more for any other reason.Pro:- great low-light performance- takes nice video recordings and pictures of stuff close to your computer- software is useful for my needs, though it takes a bit of getting used to- Looks nice- the flexible metal clamp it sits on adjusts nicely for any size of monitor, or even as a standCon:- the autofocus can be annoying when it starts misbehavingOverall I love this webcam!
- John L. Miller

Microsoft LifeCam Cinema

Capture and share it all in glorious HD
Don't miss a thing - enjoy high-feature 720p HD widescreen video together with crystal clear audio, with the LifeCam Cinema. Relax while the camera reluctantly sharpens your descriptions and TrueColor adjusts exposure for sharp, vibrant confirmation. And for even sharper video, take financial help of the high-precision glass lens and ClearFrame Equipment to boost the depiction even in low light circumstances.

720p HD video chat
For a true HD-feature encounter.

Auto focus
Descriptions stay sharp and fussy, even close-ups.

High-precision glass constituent lens
Provides sharp image feature.

TrueColor Equipment with face tracking
Reluctantly reins exposure for sharp and peculiar video.

360-point rotation
Rotates median in both in rank for an all-almost view.

Wideband microphone for premium sound tape
With noise cancelling equipment, helps boost address feature for crystal clear audio.

720p HD video tape
Records true HD-feature video at up to 30 fps.

Wide-angle lens
Capture more broadcast and surroundings.

Widescreen
16:9 plan offers cinematic video tape.

ClearFrame Equipment
Delivers charming, fussy video, even in low light circumstances.

Certified for Skype
Do more together in HD, with Skype certified HD LifeCams from Microsoft.

Microsoft LifeCam VX-5500 (White) Shopper Reviews

This is very easy to bed in and use. You can bed in the drivers included with the CD, but I urge that you bed in the newest ones from the Microsoft website (now at v2.04). Also, make sure you bed in the drivers before connecting the camera.The image feature is amazing. The autofocus works splendid, so you don't have to chat the focus every time you chat position.Software integration is good. The webcam works best with Live Courier (observably, in view of the fact that they are both urban by Microsoft), but other programs, such as Skype or Yahoo Courier, work fine as well. I have found that the depiction feature is best on Live Courier, even if the record is smoother in Skype (primarily when any user has a slower internet connection). This is probably due to Skype downscaling the image feature in diplomacy to make the experience smoother, while Live Courier keeps the image at the peak feature at all times. I place of safeguard't used Yahoo Courier much, but I did test it in there and it works.The integrated microphone is exceptionally well-located as well. It captures my accent even when I am discussion from a further room, and the signal feature is perfect.By and large, I highly urge it.
- Erich Maria Remarque

Microsoft VX-5500This is the second Microsoft Webcam that I've gotten. The first being the VX-3000. While it is not substantially different I'm lucky to see they made some refinements to the design of the pin and the base.Overview-Physically it's a kind looking webcam. It flush has a break faceplate including red, colorless and desolate faces. Squareish in shape including a "windows be in this planet" pin up top. The fact that they shrank the pin is a big plush from the VX-3000. Including that cam every time you tried to adjust the cam you finished up hitting the windows be in this planet pin and being prompted to install/launch windows courier.The base is integrated and kind of a line frame assembly. It is substantial ample to disturb a curfew the cam. The back cord is not so thick/stiff that it makes positioning the cam trying. For laptop use the base unhinges in the rear to shape something like an "L" turned on its side. At the adjoin there is a small lip at the top of the L that will catch on the top of your cover and then the bottom of the L provides the support.InstallationInstallation was positively straightforward. Get on to sure to put the CD-ROM in before hooking the cam up. They be inflicted including that mentioned in several seats in the packaging. The CD-ROM runs reluctantly and does the install. I did a ordinary install on a Hollow 630 Laptop and it took in this area 15 minutes for the genuine install and downloading of the newest drivers. I planning that a bit lingering but to be fair all operations relating the CD/DVD look to take longer on that apparatus.After installing the hardware I plugged in the cam and it was promptly recognized. Went owing to the adjust your number wizard and then it was equipped to go. It was recognized by Yahoo IM and I was chatting away.PerformanceThe best I can say in this area the routine is it's a webcam. Extremely median. I've seen best, I've seen of poorer quality. It works. I've got webcams that are WAY older including less noteworthy system equipment that do best.As section of the software they be inflicted including some "cute" features everywhere you can distort your face or place on top it including hats, sunglasses or additional gimmicks. It's an interesting novelty for my kids, it reserved them focused on it longer than they would be inflicted including if not since I may possibly get on to their face pun in a different way every few minutes. But for a regular chat...no.So to summarizePros-Easy to installEasy to useFlexible mountingCons-None actually, seems to be extremely standardConclusionIf you're looking for a decent (not exceptional) webcam this will do the job.
- Thomas E. Tweedel

Having compared this to the VX-5000, I definitely extremely it but it is more costly and for all-purpose treatment the cheaper develop gives you roughly the same audio/video quality starting what I could caution. The video quality is more than acceptable for a webcam in this price range. The audio quality by way of the built-in microphone is pretty honest taking into account the cost. But again, the same can be said about the less high-priced 5000.There are some additional features to distinguish it, including a 3-D video look. I didn't mess almost with it too much, but it is there if you like tinkering with distortion effects and the like. There's also a feature where you can share videos with other LifeCam users if you in cooperation have Vista on your notebook. I don't, so it makes it hard for me to do backflips over this. But again, if it is something you're looking for - it's available with this element.
- TheBandit

I purchased this webcam based on skilled reviews planned. I be inflicted including Windows XP (SP2) and I had the constant issues as a additional assessor including XP who understood it 'hindered' their pad and they planning maybe it was their internet benefit. Including the intention of's what I planning in check over of the fact including the intention of my pad modest end not effective - only on its confess. A community pad benefit companionship (took a uncommon pad early my personnel pro benefit, not the lone I had the Lifecam hooked up to) advised me this is a go on of the mill conundrum including Windows XP and MSN Be in this planet and Lifecam. I uninstalled MSN Be in this planet and soothe had the end not effective conundrum. Unplugged the Lifecam - soothe the end not effective. At that calculate I uninstalled Lifecam absolutely ~~~~ no extra end not effective conundrum. It could maybe only be an XP/Lifecam inappropriateness come forth or not. Even if, in check over of the fact including the intention of absolutely uninstalling Lifecam - my pad facility only as skilled as it did before to I installed it. Also, my pad benefit gentleman advised me not to bed in Benefit Amount 3 on my Windows XP logic or I would doubtless encounter the constant end not effective conundrum apart early you cannot uninstall SP3 - only a scrap pro XP users. Desire this helps a name moreover -it actually was a dissipate of my cash flush even if it understood XP water supply-matched.
- DJ

Length:: 6:19 MinsThis is me discussion on the webcam - it's VERY easy to install, VERY easy to use, but I didn't find it de rigueur to install all the bells and whistles.
- The Matrix Fan "Video Gamer since 1979."

I followed the education to install the software and connect the webcam. But the image I got from the webcam flickered, regardless of which courier I used (e.g., Windows Live, Gmail, and Skype). I went to Microsoft's help website and downloaded the bring up to date, which did not solve the problem. I do not urge this webcam; the sound feature is not fixed either. Also, I bought it from a third party here, which made it impossible to return. The third party company had very strict return policies. Always buy from Amazon; it has a really friendly return plan.
- Cheng

We just bought two Microsoft LifeCam VX-5500 webcams - lone for us and lone for my mom so including the intention of we can do online video calls including her and our daughters. Including conception the reviews, we opted to not bed in any of the software including the intention of came including the cameras and are glad we did in view of the fact including the intention of they bring about beautifully lacking any bonus software. I be inflicted including XP on my mainframe and my mom has Vista. My mom isn't extremely pad savoir-faire so my younger brother fit it up for her; however, she beyond disbelief could maybe be inflicted including through it herself - only would be inflicted including looked-for a modest superfluous coaching including the intention of my brother didn't call for. At this calculate are my pet equipment in this vicinity this product:- Easy fit up including no software looked-for.- Perfect sound and video feature for online video mission.- Folds up promptly for easy storage space.- Stays deposit on top of mainframe cover basically lacking much effort.- Mug plates get on to it extra matchy-matchy depending on the preview of ones pad.By and large, we be inflicted including been absolutely satisfied including our purchase.
- E W

Part:: 1:23 MinsThis record shows the record feature of the camera. Recorded on a Mac Pro, by Quicktime Pro software. Encoded for upload as FLV record at high feature settings.
- Jonathan Strawn

This webcam is very small and folds flat. It's a great idea for travelling with a mainframe when you want to keep in touch with your Paltalk acquaintances.Pros:Depiction quality is excellent (see Cons).No focus needed. The depth of field is 21 inches to almost 60 inches which is a great trend for the webcam product segment.UVC help so you don't need a driver unless you want extra facial appearance.Works in Linux due to UVC help.Cool blue LED and identical faceplates.Hand-waving latency is very low (see Cons).Cons:Even with USB 2.0 the hand waving latency is very low but the frames per following is way less than 30.Fast passage will blur your image which is a touch I did not guess. This doesn't happen on comparable Logitech or even the older Lifecams.Your computer does all of the processing so it will slow down your computer a modest bit more than the prior generation of Lifecams did.A word about the fixed focus: the depth of field ends at 60 inches, not infinity. It's not apposite for monitoring a room or objects that are more than 60 inches away. It's projected to sit on your screen or desk.The cable is thick and puts so much consequence on the camera it pulls the camera off your screen if you're not careful.Due to the poor shift help this camera is not worth the money. This camera does not equate well to the cheap, generic UVC models I got at my favorite local computer store.
- Kris

The Lifecam 5500 is a cute modest webcam including the intention of's exceptionally portable and has a kind long thread. It even comes including three uncommon painted faceplates - foggy cherry, forbidding, white-- so including the intention of you can integrate it into your 'peek'. Built-in microphone, of road.Technicals:::Size: 1.75-inch-by-1.75-inch squareConnect: Uses a Hi-Alacrity USB - 4 pin Type AOS: Microsoft Windows Outlook , Microsoft Windows XP SP2Min. PC: 1.8 gHzVGA sensor including the intention of captures 640x480 record and still 1.3-megapixel descriptions.Warranty: 3 yearLicense: large rights assertionI veteran the VX 5500 on an grown-up PC in succession XP/family. The at the initiation business including the intention of I noticed, besides the detail including the intention of here seemed to be a allocation of packaging, was including the intention of here was a tag on the USB including the intention of understood including the intention of the software must be installed before to the camera is plugged in.I did NOT, though, pause on including the intention of in rank since I may maybe not affect to the Licensing Agreement. [Pro more on including the intention of, Reflect it over the Con's.] As a substitution for I just plugged it in and waited to reflect it over if the software I had earlier biased pro my Gigaware webcam would bring about. It did. I don't know it is since I old additional drivers including the intention of I ran into no installation conundrum be fond of others be inflicted including commented on. I just plugged the cam in and it worked.RESULTS:::Pros :::o Plugged aptly in and worked on our XP Family logic.o It facility including non-Microsoft drivers.o It worked including Google record chat.o It has a Great stand. You can aid it including a mainframe or PC. (The Gigaware cam we purchased is release pro laptops)o 3D equipment (requires software and internet downloads)o It handles dim lighting situation water supply. [Awkwardly it tends to tint made known in sharp set alight.]o Thread part is a kind 6 bottom. (Longer than the Gigaware webcam by a bottom!)o 3 time WarrantyCons :::o The camera tends to tint made known in sharp set alight; it does best in dim set alight.o Not water supply-matched including Macso All-encompassing Addict Agreement (EULA) enables compulsory updates and facts bring collectively.Commonly language, this is a kind webcam. It compared fortunately including the Gigaware cam and the 5500 dealt including dim set alight situation greatly best. If you are into such equipment, here are 'enjoyable' 3D equipment be fond of hats and what not including the intention of you can download.I'm inane to yield this manufactured goods 4-Stars since it's practically priced and does a skilled career. HOWEVER, if a draconian EULA bothers you I would urge the Gigaware Webcam as an uncommon. It is unequally the constant fee, abstractedly privileged pledge and the EULA doesn't yield Gigaware boundless lobby to your pad.
- PeaTee

Microsoft LifeCam VX-5500 (White)

Impart Your Planet including Acquaintances and Family¿from Everyplace, Anytime. The Microsoft® VX-5500 webcam lets you hold record calls including acquaintances, coworkers, and family in high-feature record and audio, no matter everywhere you are. It¿s arresting, straightforward, and fun to use¿the superfluous faceplates let you pick the affect including the intention of matches your private style.