Redmond, Wash., April 14, 1999 — MSN Sidewalk users can now get a live glimpse of what’s happening in cities around the country, thanks to a partnership with Earthcam, a leader in webcasting technology. Ten live cameras have been installed in eight cities around the country, offering views of everything from local attractions and tourist hotspots to kittens and puppies awaiting adoption at local animal shelters.
The network of webcams has been developed to provide MSN Sidewalk users with an expanded range of information that will help them make better decisions about what to do, where to go and what to buy in their local cities. EarthCam is using leading-edge technology that combines EarthCam Internet cameras and StarCaster systems to remotely pan, tilt and zoom to deliver multiple, high-quality images from each location.
The available webcams offer a variety of views, attractive to locals and visitors alike. Sidewalk users in Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles can check on pets available for adoption at their local SPCA, observing each animal’s personality and habits to find the perfect match. Miami and Los Angeles offer a peek inside the studios of popular local radio stations; Atlanta and San Jose provide a glimpse of local landmarks and nightlife; and Orange County and Miami offer beautiful ocean views.
“MSN Sidewalk is designed to help consumers make great everyday decisions about what to buy and where to go,” said Gayle Troberman, group product manager for MSN Sidewalk. “These new webcams help bring local points of interest into focus for online consumers, so they can see in real time what’s happening in their cities.”