Microsoft Bundles Up LifeCams

By Geoff Duncan March 6, 2007

Microsoft Corporation is trotting out two new Webcam product bundles intended to help perhaps-skeptical customers tap into the possibilities of online video communication, regardless of whether they’re lashed to a home or work PC, or on the road with a notebook. The first bundle pairs two of the company’s LifeCam VX-3000 desktop Webcams, while the second pairs Microsoft’s LifeCam NX-6000 notebook Webcam with a Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000.

“Every day, people are experiencing how fun and easy it is to stay connected with their friends and family using LifeCams,” said Michael Cowan, product marketing manager for Microsoft Hardware. “Our LifeCams make it a breeze to stay in touch over the Internet, and they bring the best combination of hardware and software together through integration with Windows Live Messenger. These new packs provide a simple communications solution for those looking to keep in touch while at home, in the office or on the road.”

By offering two VX-3000 LifeCams in a pack, Microsoft hopes to encourage video amongst friends and family: the idea is that you hook up one Webcam to your computer, and five the other camera to a friend of family member you’d like to be able to chat with via video. The bundle may appeal to tech-savvy folks who’d, say, like to be able to show off the new grandchild without flying across the country every other week, or perhaps (you know, for more serious stuff) set up a video link between two far-flung colleagues who often have to collaborate on projects.

The Microsoft Mobility Pack is aimed at road warriors, packing a 2 megapixel Webcam that can attach to most notebook screens; the NX-6000 also sports a collapsible lens and protective case for easy traveling. The Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 really has nothing to do with communication, but it does offer a respite from wonky notebook trackpads and up to 6 months of battery life on a AA battery. And, being wireless, the Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 6000 makes sure you always have one more thing to search for frantically as you’re trying to run out the door to the airport.

Microsoft’s Webcam packs will hit retailers in April; expect the dual VX-3000 bundle to carry a suggested price of $79.95, while the Mobility Pack will go for a suggested price of $119.95.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Smart Home

Best Ring deals: Save on Ring doorbell and Ring alarm bundles

Ring Video Doorbell 3

Ring has become one of the most recognized brands in home security and smart home tech. It makes a wide variety of trustworthy products that include video doorbells, security cameras, and even alarm systems. But Ring is also a good brand to turn to if you’re looking for some savings while adding to your smart home setup. Some of the best video doorbell deals include Ring models, and it seems like you can almost always find a good deal on a piece of Ring tech. We’ve tracked down all of the best Ring deals currently going. Reading onward you’ll find all of the information you need to save on Ring products, as well as some details on which piece of Ring tech may best suit your smart home needs.
Ring Stick Up Cam Battery — $80, was $100

The Ring Stick Up is a good security camera for indoors or outdoors. It can go almost anywhere, and allows you to hear and speak to people on camera from your phone or tablet. You can customize the motion sensors to focus on specific areas of your home, and it has a Live View that allows you to watch over your home in 1080p Full HD resolution at any time. It even works with Alexa, allowing you to hear audio announcements when motion is detected. The Ring Stick Up sets up in minutes and it charges easily with a removable battery pack. This is a great option if you’re looking for something capable but versatile.

Smart Home

Blink Mini 2 vs. Nest Cam (Indoor): Which is the better affordable security camera?

The Google Nest Cam Indoor on a table.

The Blink Mini 2 and Google Nest Cam (Indoor) are two of the best budget security cameras on the market. They both cost less than $100, are easy to set up, and are packed with features despite their low price. You can't go wrong adding either to your home, but there are some key differences to understand if you're looking to get the best security camera for your property.

From pricing and ongoing fees to resolution and more, here's a comprehensive look at the Blink Mini 2 and Nest Cam (Indoor) to help you decide which is the better security camera for your smart home.
Pricing and monthly fees

Smart Home

Google rolls out new Nest Cam features to Google Home for web

Nest Cams on a counter.

While many users access Google Home on their smartphone or smart display, the platform is also available via web browser. The web-based Google Home experience wasn't exactly the best way to access your smart devices, but that's rapidly changing as Google rolls out new updates to the client -- the latest of which adds a ton of new ways to access your Nest Cams.

Google began rolling out the update late last week, and most users should now have access to the improved Google Home for web experience. The big draw is access to your Nest Cam history and the option to download clips. Prior to this update, it was impossible to view recorded clips via Google Home for web, forcing you to instead jump into the official Google Home app.