Technabob » webcam

iPet Companion for People Who Can’t Bear to Leave Their Pets Alone

Hazel Chua — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:00:37 +0000

When I first brought my Shih Tzu puppy home, I spent every waking moment I had feeding, training, and playing with her. Of course, I can only do that during the weekends, because I still have to go to work. A huge lump would form in my throat whenever I’d leave the house on weekday mornings, with my tiny pup staring sadly at me with those earnest puppy dog eyes.

A lot of people probably feel this way because why else would a company come up with something called the iPet Companion? (And no, it’s not by Apple, even though it sort of feels like the name was borrowed from them.)

The iPet Companion actually consists of a set of robotic toys (two, to be exact), a webcam, and a wireless control box that’s linked to your home network. You control the toys via the controls and watch how your pet reacts at home via the camera.

It sounds like an interesting idea, but something just feels off about it. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like it takes out a huge chunk of the fun when it comes to playing with your pets. They probably feel the same way on their end, because your dogs or cats will obviously prefer something with a human touch rather than play with a swinging ball tied to some mechanical contraption.

The iPet Companion normally retails for $850 for cats, and $900 for dogs, but they’re currently running a promo so you can get the system for just $350 to $400. You can also give the iPet a go by checking out their site and playing with some animals housed in some shelters.

[via Gizmag via Dvice]

HP HD 5210 Webcam Lets You Skype in Hi-Def: Is That a Good Thing or a Bad Thing?

Range — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:45:09 +0000

I’m always annoyed at the low resolution I have on my integrated webcam, so it makes sense to get something with a more pixels. HP’s HD 5210 will allow you to Skype in HD, which can be good or bad, depending on how you’re looking that day. Actually, it’s probably all good for most of us.

The HP HD 5210 allows 720p video streaming and recording in full 1080p (which is cool for shooting HD YouTube videos). There’s an auto-focus lens and HP’s TrueVision auto light exposure to help with the overall look of your video. The software also allows you for one-click uploads to Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Flickr.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

The camera swivel mount will allow it to pan 270 degrees. There are two noise-cancelling stereo microphones included. It can also take still photos with a 13MP sensor, and has a 5× digital zoom. The HP HD 5210 Webcam costs $99 (USD) and will be released September 21st.

[via Ubergizmo]

Tomodachi Blocks: for Brady Bunch Convos, Impromptu Hollywood Squares Games

Conner Flynn — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:40:06 +0000

The Tomodachi Block system is an interesting concept that allows you to stay connected with friends by using wooden blocks that act as tiny wooden displays. Remember the intro to the Brady Bunch where they are all in a grid and yet are seemingly interacting with each other? That could happen for real with this concept.

They come from the mind of Aya Shimada. When multiple Tomodachi Blocks of your friends are stacked or close together, you can have a group conversation. Each block is dedicated to one of your friends and features a speaker and a small screen. Sensors know when blocks are combined or stacked and so they can interact accordingly. Looks like this concept also uses your webcam as a block to connect you to your friends in the same way.

I wish that we could buy these today, but alas, it is just a concept for the moment. One that we hope will arrive on the market when it becomes possible to create.

[via Yanko Design]

Toy Story Giant Alien USB Webcam Will Take Over Your Desktop

Range — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:28:16 +0000

This Toy Story Alien USB Webcam stands at around 15 inches in height, which means that it’s larger than the actual aliens that were featured in Toy Story. It’s big enough that it will stand out on your desk (and honestly it might clash with a few things on your workstation.)

The limited-edition Alien USB Webcam has an antenna that lights up, which glows and pulses. The webcam is mounted in its mouth, not its eyes – despite the fact that it has three of them. The trio of glowing eyes will chirp or squeak for added fun. And not that it really matters, but the webcam has a 1.3MP sensor. If you’re buying one of these, you’re not getting it for the image quality though.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

When you disconnect it, the webcam will even make an “ooooh” sound, just like in the movies. There’s also a speaker in the base to allow it to serve as an external speaker, as well as 2 USB ports so you can use it as a mini-hub.

We know that it’s official Disney/Pixar merch from the included Certificate of Authenticity. Since it was limited to only 500 pieces worldwide, it’s pretty hard to come by one. However, there’s a small batch of them up on eBay now, selling for the rather exorbitant price of $299.99 (USD).

[Everything USB via Ubergizmo]

Rc Plane Camera is Your Own Eye in the Sky

Range — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:37:33 +0000

This awesome little device is a lightweight digital camera that can be attached to any RC device and capture photos or videos. Heck, with one of these, you could make your own homebrew surveillance drone.

The RC Plane Camera weighs about 27g, so it’s won’t bog down your RC plane. The head of the camera can be rotated up to 70°, providing some mounting flexibility. It can capture videos at 25fps at 640×480 resolution. For photos, the resolution bumps up to 1280×960. The built-in memory capacity is 2GB, which is good enough for 1.5 hours of video or 300 photos.

The RC Plane Camera sells for $48 (USD), and you can get one at Chinavasion.

[via Ubergizmo]

http://www.chinavasion.com/product_info.php/pName/rc-plane-camera-lightweight-aerial-camera/

You be the Star (Wars)

Range — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:39:42 +0000

If you love Star Wars as much as I do, then you’ll be pretty psyched to hear that you can now star in your own version of Star Wars! How cool is that?

All you need to do is go here and follow the instructions. JibJab put this fun animated Flash app together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back.

You’ll be redirected here to upload some photos or snap a still from your webcam, and voilà, you’re ready to kick some Imperial ass. Sharing the video is free, but if you want more and would like to star in A New Hope and The Return of the Jedi, well then you’ll have to become a member of JibJab, which will cost you $12 a year.

Fbi Probes Case of Alleged School Spying on Students via Webcam

Shane McGlaun — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 11:30:57 +0000

Back when I was in school, I often suspected that the teachers were dumbasses. I was never able to get the proof I needed back then, but a bunch of outright morons at a school district in Pennsylvania have proven me correct once and for all. There is some serious trouble brewing over allegations that the district was spying on students using the webcams in school issued Apple notebooks.

The whole thing started when a student at Harriton High School in Lower Merion district was called in to see vice principal Lindy Matsko back on November 11, and told that he was “engaged in improper behavior in his home” and cited as evidence a photo captured on his computer by the webcam. The student and his family filed suit against the district, which the FBI got wind of and launched on official probe. The school said the remote activation is a security feature to help recover stolen notebooks.

To put the moron icing on the dumbass cake, the district says that the paperwork the students signed (mostly underage students mind you) to get the school issued notebooks said that the webcams could be activated without prior notification. The parents and families of the students were never notified of the webcam activation clause, henceforth known as the clause of absolute stupidity. Witold Walczak legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania said, “This is an age where kids explore their sexuality, so there’s a lot of that going on in the room. This is fodder for child porn.”

Brilliant.

[via Washington Post]

Ipevo P2v Webcam Looks Just Like Luxo, Jr.

Technabob — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:01:52 +0000

Remember Luxo, Jr? You know, the little lamp that started the whole Pixar empire? This webcam from IPEVO sure looks like it could be Luxo’s long lost cousin.

The IPEVO CDVU-03IP Point 2 View (P2V) sure doesn’t have as cute a name as Luxo, but it’s every bit as practical. As a matter of fact, the IPEVO P2V webcam not only features the same sort of articulating arm as Luxo’s lamp, but has a nifty 2-megapixel webcam in place of a boring old light bulb in its head.

Not only does the P2V look cool, it’s actually pretty slick in that you can take the camera off of the adjustable base and use it for incredible close-up shots of anything you want. It’s got a special macro mode that lets you shoot properly focused objects from as little as 2 inches away.

Just don’t get that close to my face! Eeesh! Here’s a little unboxing P2V vid clip from IPEVO if you’re into those kind of things.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

You can get you hands on the Point 2 View USB webcam over at the IPEVO online shop for $69 (USD).

Star Trek Enterprise Webcam Warps Onto Desktops

Range — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:59:52 +0000

This is the perfect webcam for any Trekkie out there. It’s made to look like the original Starship Enterprise.

It’s also great for doing video chats or sharing video with your fellow Trekkers around the galaxy. I’m sure that Trekkers all over the place will be rushing to buy one of these.

The warp nacelles even light up to give you that special starship effect. The webcam offers an appropriately 1960s retro-futuristic resolution of just 0.3 megapixels, and is capable of capturing 30 frames per second. It’s also got a handy bendable “gooseneck” mount so you can float the enterprise above your desktop or monitor.

You can get your Star Trek USB Enterprise Webcam from Brando for $30 (USD). Kirk out.

[via Geekalerts]

Blue Microphones’ Eyeball Webcam’S Eyeball Hides Behind Its Ears

Lambert Varias — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 11:25:32 +0000

Blue Microphones’ Eyeball USB webcam aims to provide “HD-quality” audio and video in a relatively small package. I found it a bit confusing that a product named “the Eyeball” would have a more prominent microphone, but the tiny lens was made to be retractable to make it easier for users to know whether the camera is active or not. Nice.

Here’s some sexy specs for audiophiles: the microphone is a condenser with a wide frequency response, from 35 Hz to 20 kHz, and a 16-bit audio sample rate of 44.1 kHz. Yeah. Awesome. I don’t know what we’re talking about.

Non-techie users should also consider the Eyeball because it’s easy to install – it works out of the box with both Mac and Windows systems, no drivers needed. The Eyeball’s stand also doubles as its compartment, so it’s quite portable as well. Here’s Mark from Coolest Gadgets‘ review of the Eyeball, taken using the Eyeball itself.

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Convinced yet? You can get the Eyeball for $140 (USD) (or less; I could have bought it for $70 as of this writing, just click “add to cart” to see the discount) at Amazon.

Camspace Turns Any Object Into a Controller

Lambert Varias — Mon, 25 May 2009 11:40:09 +0000

Almost a week ago, Kotaku’s Brian Crecente wrote an article regarding the re-emergence of video game peripherals, spurred on by the success of Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and of course the Wii. In the article, Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter was quoted as saying, “I think the problem with all peripherals is that you have to make them reusable. They must be acceptable to be used with more than the original game.” Which makes sense really. The reason why we’re still using gamepads is precisely because they’re not made for a specific game; they’re good enough for RPGs and for platformers, and to an extent even for driving games.

But we can’t say the same about “realistic” peripherals. Imagine playing Need for Speed using a guitar controller, or Guitar Hero using a steering wheel peripheral. These specialized controllers are too specialized for their own good; it doesn’t help that they’re quite pricey. So how will the gamepad-less revolution succeed? Israel-based Cam-Trax technologies has a simple answer: let’s just make it so we can use anything as a controller.

Cam-Trax is currently developing CamSpace, a computer program that allows users to use pretty much anything as a controller for PC games. The best way to understand how CamSpace works is to see it in action:

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

As you can see, users first “show” CamSpace the object that they want to use as a controller; once CamSpace remembers the object, you can customize the controls depending on the motion or gesture that you’ll make. Unfortunately there’s no detailed explanation on CamSpace’s interface so I can’t tell you more about that.

I’m guessing that the object has to be brightly and evenly colored; I think CamSpace uses the object’s color to distinguish it from its background.

But the important thing is that Cam-Trax’ technology has the advantages of both a “realistic” peripheral and a gamepad: it’s versatile, yet you can use an object that’s more appropriately shaped or structured for the game you want to play. It’s also cost-effective: instead of buying a different controller for every game, all you need is CamSpace and a webcam.

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I don’t think I can play an FPS that way; my arm would probably cramp up after 5 minutes. Anyway, I hope CamSpace becomes integrated not only in future PC games but in future console games as well. It won’t totally kill off companies that create third party peripherals because there will always be gamers who want a more sophisticated controller. But if you ask me, I’m down with using a cardboard wheel if it means saving myself a hundred bucks. Maybe in the future we can even use real instruments to play Rock Band.

CamSpace is currently Windows only; you can download it for free at their website. Remember it’s in beta, so don’t expect it to be problem-free.

[via gizmo watch]

Wall-E Windows Computer Casemod Gets Touchscreen Tummy

Technabob — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 22:40:14 +0000

After listening to his startup sound, I always figured that Wall-E ran on Mac OS. I guess I was wrong. From the looks of this casemod, the little yellow robot that could runs Windows XP.

Modder Jonathan Berg put together this Wall-E PC mod that comes complete with a 7-inch touchscreen monitor inside his belly.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

Wall-E is made from custom cut Plexiglas, arms made from Logitech speakers, and webcam hidden behind his eyes. He’s even been outfitted with voice recognition software which lets his master command him by barking orders - in case his touchscreen and laser keyboard aren’t sufficient.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

At least his compactor module isn’t activated, or else that monitor would most certainly be crushed into smithereens.

Mini Augmented Reality Ads Hit Newstands

Technabob — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:50:09 +0000

This amazing new advertisement for MINI uses augmented reality (AR) technology to create a truly interactive media piece out of a 2-dimensional magazine ad.

Using AR tracking technology, as you hold the ad up to your computer’s webcam, you’ll see a 3-D model of a MINI Cabrio convertible that moves as you turn the sheet of paper around.

All you need is a copy of the ad, a webcam, and a web browser (sorry, Internet Explorer/ActiveX only) to view the 3-D AR effect. It won’t hurt if you can read German too.

Click to View Embedded Video Clip

The ad campaign was created by Munich, Germany agencies Buzzin Monkey and die agentour GmbH.

The ad appeared recently in three German automotive magazines: Auto, Motor und Sport, Werben & Verkaufen and Autobild, but if you want to see how it works right now you can print out a PDF of the ad and head on over to the MINI augmented reality web site to check it out for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.

[via MediaPost via ARTweets]

Mimo 7-Inch LCD Monitor Perfect for Extra Menus

Technabob — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:35:38 +0000

Ever need just a little more real estate on your computer screen? I certainly could. I spend an inordinate amount of time using programs like Photoshop and Flash, and could always use an extra place to put all those little palettes and menus.

These new MIMO displays from Korea’s Nanovision let you add a tiny 7″ LCD to your PC as a secondary monitor. Each mini-widescreen monitor features a sharp 800×480 display resolution, and can be rotated into landscape or portrait modes.

Just connect the MIMO display to your computer’s USB 2.0 port, install the included software, and you’ll be up and running. You can even connect multiples to the same PC without need for any special video card. They each just show up as additional monitors under your Windows display properties.

The UM-710 model (98,000 KRW / $78 USD) is the basic version, while the UM-750 (183,000 KRW / $147 USD) adds a touchscreen, a built-in webcam and a DMB television tuner (perfect if you happen to watch TV in Korea).

At this point, MIMO displays are only available in Korea, but hopefully they’ll find their way stateside at some point in the near future. For now, you’ll have to head on over to Funshop Korea and admire them from afar.

[UPDATE: I managed to find some similar Samsung displays that you actually CAN buy outside of Korea. Click here to read more.]

Tie Fighter Webcam: Darth Vader has His Eye on You

Technabob — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:24:33 +0000

Star Wars fans rejoice! Now you can let Darth Vader keep watch on your every move as he pilots this pint-sized TIE Fighter Advanced X1 webcam onto desk.

The TIE Fighter camera not only captures audio, video and images, but lights up and features digitized sound effects taken directly from the Star Wars movies. The only thing better than this would be to plug the camera’s USB cable directly into a Darth Vader USB hub, no?

Wesco Limited has recently started production on these, and you should be able to pre-order them now on on UK collectors’ site Forbidden Planet for £22.99 (about $42 USD). The force to buy one is strong within you.

Faceapi: 3d Head Tracking With Any Webcam

Technabob — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:40:49 +0000

Here’s some pretty cool news which could provide entirely new ways to interact with your computer or game console. This new technology will enable automated 3-dimensional tracking of heads and faces using a webcam along with some very special tracking software.

Seeing Machines faceAPI is a developers’ toolkit which provides easy head tracking on all three axes. When combined with the proper game concept, this type of technology could provide for some really unique experiences, including the ability to interact with environments just by looking around.

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Amazingly enough, it’s all feasible with a single, standard webcam, and no special hardware is required.

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In addition to tracking head movements, faceAPI can detect changes in facial expressions, regardless of skin color or facial hair, and even works you’re wearing glasses or makeup. It can automatically find the face in the current scene, and reacquire it if the subject leaves the frame. It’s also able to work in pretty much any visible or IR light situation, so it’s not overly sensitive to changes in lighting.

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Currently, faceAPI works with any Windows compatible webcam, but the technology could theoretically be ported to other platforms if the demand is there. The faceAPI website isn’t live yet, but for now you can check out SeeingMachines’ product page for more specifics.

Antique Camera Conceals Webcam

Technabob — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:45:55 +0000

Looking at its boxy leatherette exterior, you might think this was an old camera from the 1920s or 30s. But you’d be wrong. In fact, it’s a digital webcam that you can hook up to your computer for capturing video.

The RetroCam connects to any PC via USB and mini cables (for audio). The camera captures 640 x 480 video and still image through its real glass lens, and there’s also a concealed microphone for grabbing audio. A little blue LED automatically lights up whenever the camera is active, so you know when you’re being recorded. It even comes with a matching tripod stand to complete the look.

You can find the RetroCam at UK gadget shop BoysStuff for £24.99 (about $45 USD).

R2-D2 Webcam to Drive Star Wars Fanboys Crazy

Technabob — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:07:15 +0000

Everyone’s favorite little trash-can droid can now be a regular occupant of your home or office, thanks to the new R2-D2 webcam.

The little guy is a pretty accurate replica of the famous droid, complete with authentic movie sound effects. But what’s really cool about it is that it’s actually motorized and has Wi-fi connectivity, so you can drive the little guy from anywhere in the world and spy on unsuspecting passersby remotely. It’s even got a special sensor to prevent your R2 unit from falling off tables or ledges.

Speaking of remotes, the one that comes with it looks like a lightsaber, letting you drive the droid around and snap pictures, videos and audio on-demand. As an added bonus, the remote also functions as a Skype phone handset, so it’s actually useful in addition to being fun.

Available from Hammacher Schlemmer, it’s a bit pricey at $349.95, but if you’re looking for a holiday gift for that Star Wars geek in your life, this could be it.

Big Eye Webcam Not Messing Around

Technabob — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 20:13:48 +0000

This new webcam has a huge lens that lets you zoom in on tour subjects from far away. While they don’t say what the zoom ratio is, it’s clear that the telephoto lens increases the range substantially over most webcams.

Like a giant cyclops sitting on your desk, the USB Big Eye Webcam not only has a big lens, it’s got some pretty nice other features for an inexpensive cam.

It’s got an 8-LED ring that provides nighttime illumination, and can swivel all the way around on its clip-on base. Image resolution is very good at 1280×960 and it can capture up to 30fps. The camera also has a built-in microphone so it’s good for video conferencing and chat applications.

The Big Eye Webcam is available now from Brando.

Mirror Webcam Lets You Look at Your Favorite Person

Technabob — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:11:07 +0000

Here’s the ultimate gadget for narcissists. This new webcam from Japan’s Thanko features a one-way mirror as it’s main design feature.

The device has a hidden camera behind the mirror that lets you admire your own beautiful mug while you chat with your friends across the Interweb.

As an added bonus, the mirror is encircled by a bright ring of LEDs which not only show off your good looks, they actually improve the quality of the images it captures.

It’s available now from the Rare Mono Shop for ¥5,980 (about $49 USD.)