REDMOND, Wash. May 19, 2009 Today Microsoft Hardware, makers of the best-selling LifeCam line,1 delivers quality video calling for under $30 (U.S.) with the LifeCam VX-2000 — an easy-to-use webcam with a built-in microphone and vivid VGA video. This new webcam makes setup a cinch; consumers can easily connect with friends and family, using their broadband Internet connection, just minutes after opening the box.
LifeCam VX-2000
“Microsoft is committed to delivering quality products at every price point,” said Daniel Anguiano, product marketing manager at Microsoft Corp. “These days more than ever, consumers are looking for the biggest bang for their buck, and the LifeCam VX-2000 fits the bill, with an excellent webcam experience that’s easy on the wallet.”
Quality Video Connection for Less
“Video-calling technology has been around for decades but has really taken off recently,” said Rebecca Swensen, research analyst for IDC’s Enterprise Mobility and IP Communications Services program. “With monthly worldwide use reaching an estimate of 35 million users, video calling is a viable technology for consumers and businesses alike.”
Responding to the growth of video calling, the VX-2000 aims to bring the fun of video calling to more consumers, letting families and friends share life’s moments across distances near and far. Featuring VGA video and 1.3MP still photography, the VX-2000 provides crystal-clear images and auto-adjusts for low-light conditions to create bright pictures in a variety of scenarios. The VX-2000 also comes equipped with these top Windows Live features:
-
Video Effects that let people personalize video calls with fun visual elements
-
Video Messages so people can record and send videos when friends are not around for a live call
-
Windows Live Call Button to easily initiate a video call
Pricing and Availability
The LifeCam VX-2000 will be available in June 2009 for an estimated retail price of $29.95 (U.S).2 It is available now for pre-sale on Amazon.com and will ship in June when it is widely released. The LifeCam VX-2000 is backed by a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty from Microsoft. More information about this and other Microsoft Hardware products can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.
About Microsoft Hardware
For more than 25 years, the Hardware Group has employed innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering, industrial design and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable computing experience. In 2008, the Hardware Group debuted the world’s most advanced tracking technology — Microsoft BlueTrack Technology — allowing consumers to track on more surfaces than optical and laser mice. More information about the Hardware Group is available at http://www.mshardwareguide.com.
About The NPD Group, Inc. (http://www.npd.com)
The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,700 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and wireless. For more information, contact us or visit http://www.npd.com/ and http://www.npdgroupblog.com.
About RetailVision (
www.retailvision.com
)
RetailVision is the premier event for building alliances between top retailers, vendors, distributors and industry experts serving the retail channel across North America and Latin America. RetailVision’s agenda is built to maximize the face-to-face interaction in both highly structured business settings and relaxed social networking events. RetailVision’s format, tools and offerings give retailers, vendors and distributors more access and control to develop a comprehensive strategy to maximize their success throughout the retail channel.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
1 RetailVision/NPD Group Best Selling Product Through Retail, Microsoft, Webcams
2 Actual retail prices may vary.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.
