Microsoft LifeCam VX-5000: webcam molds to virtually any surface

Microsoft has launched three new webcams today and they include the LifeChat LX-2000, LifeCam VX-500 and the LifeCam VX-5000 that can mold to virtually any surface. If you love products that are easy to use while your mobile, then you will love the LX-2000, as it’s not only a full-size headset but also folds into a nice portable shape. The VX-500 is both versatile and low priced ($16.95); it will clip onto notebooks and LCD screens on desktop computers.

Our favorite is the most expensive of all the webcams and that’s the LifeCam VX-5000, this webcam is designed to work perfectly with Windows Live, it features a Windows LiveCall Button, full LifeCam navigational controls via the dashboard and these include video effects, face tracking, zoom, tilt and pan. Other features include some fantastic VGA optics with a 640×480 video resolution and 1.3-megapixel sensor for taking nice clear still photos, an acoustic noise canceling unidirectional microphone and the VX-500 comes in three colors (Cool Blue, Fire Red and Lucky Green). The colors are featured in a brightly colored ring around the front of the webcam.

If you want to share photos while on a video call, then a feature called “MSN Photo Swap” will let you do just that, you can then watch their reaction as they get the image, without leaving the video call. The LifeCam VX-5000 will be available for $49.95 from this June; the other two cameras will be released this month. Many webcams sit unused near peoples computers and sometimes in boxes stored away, but its amazing how the technology has moved on with the latest webcams. Today a decent webcam, combined with broadband can give you excellent video calling at your computer. Webcams have truly come of age; you just need to have friends who also have the tools to video call.