Talk is cheap during tough times

Microsoft today revealed the LifeCam VX-2000, the latest webcam in its current range of LifeCams. This easy-to-use, affordable webcam with built-in microphone and vivid VGA video is helping keep Kiwis in touch and up-to-date on the latest news from their friends and family no matter where they are in the world.

“Keeping in touch is more important than ever in tough times and this new webcam is a great alternative to costly phone calls. Webcams are also great because you get to see your loved ones as you chat away,” said Danica Aitken ANZ category marketing manager, Entertainment & Devices, Microsoft Australia and New Zealand “The LifeCam VX-2000 is an easy-to-use webcam that’s easy on the wallet, so you can cheaply catch up with Mum in Auckland, check out your mate’s party in London or send a video message to grandparents on the other side of the country .”

The LifeCam VX-2000 makes it easy to capture life’s important moments and communicate in our increasingly digital world. Featuring VGA video and 1.3MP still photography, the VX-2000 gives crystal-clear images and auto-adjusts for low-light conditions to create bright pictures in a variety of scenarios. With this new webcam, no longer does physical distance have to stop you missing birthday celebrations, wedding or face-to-face catch up with old friends.

With the LifeCam VX-2000 people will be able to take advantage of these great Windows Live features:

Video Effects allows you to personalise video calls with fun visual elements. 3D Accessories add effects that move with their faces, allowing them to add sunglasses or a cricket cap and move from side to side while retaining the effect. With Facial Exaggerations, people can shrink their nose or enlarge their eyes

Video Messages, a Microsoft service to help people keep in touch. When friends and family are not around for a live video chat or perhaps are in a distant time zone, Video Messages is a great solution. You can record and send videos through an exclusive Windows Vista gadget and any Windows Live user can get in on the fun via an online portal http://videomessages.live.com.

Windows Live Call Button Located on top of the LifeCam, the Windows Live Call Button allows you 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.2

Pricing and Availability
The LifeCam VX-2000 will be available in June 2009 for the recommended retail price of $79.00.3 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