webcam

Want better posture? Let your Webcam spy on you

It's not just your mom who's telling you to sit up straight anymore.

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel have developed a new training method that uses Webcam imaging to tell workers sitting at computers when their posture needs a boost.

In their six-week study of 60 university and hospital workers using the Webcam pop-up photo method, the researchers report in the journal Applied Ergonomics that while traditional ergonomic training and photo training both resulted in short-term improvements in posture, only the Webcam approach resulted in longer-term gains, and it had the most impact on … Read more

This Day in Tech: Obama signs debt limit bill; ZocDoc announces $50M funding round

Too busy to keep up with the tech news? Here are some of the more interesting stories from CNET for Tuesday, August 2.

• Finally, President Obama signs debt limit bill after nasty fight to avert economic catastrophe Tuesday. According to CBS News, Obama said the deal to cut spending and increase the nation's $14.3 trillion debt limit marked an "important first step to ensuring that as a nation we live within our means."

• Doctor booking site ZocDoc announces $50 million funding round from DST Global, and plans to use the investment to expand its presence to … Read more

Logitech's C615 HD Webcam folds and swivels

Logitech's just added another model to its growing HD Webcam line, and this one brings a new twist.

Due out later this month in the U.S. and in Europe and Asia in September, the HD Webcam C615 features a "fold-and-go" design, 720p video calling (1080p video capture), autofocus, and 360-degree swivel rotation.

Logitech's touting the C615 as a rather flexible Webcam that can do birthday parties or business trips and is compatible with Macs and Windows PCs, as well all the major video chatting programs, including Skype, FaceTime for Mac, Logitech Vid HD, Windows Live … Read more

Creative's inPerson HD cam is made for Skype HD

Designed to work with HD video calling in Skype, Creative has introduced a $149 high-end Webcam, the Live Cam inPerson HD, which features built-in H.264 video compression.

Creative says by offloading the video processing to the Webcam you get, "Smooth movement and video calls every time."

Here's a look at its key specs:

Full HD 1080p video capturing at up to 30 frames per second Wide-angled glass lens with auto focus Skype HD certified Live Central 3 software (create movies, add special effects, and share media online) Extras: business card scanning software, H.264 decoder, security … Read more

PC rental store sued for alleged Webcam spying

When you rent out your house, it's always tempting to visit your renters to check that they are happy--and to see that the walls are still in place.

So if you were a PC rental store, would you think to check up on your renters occasionally? Perhaps with those frightfully innovative Webcams?

This Socratic conundrum comes to mind because of a Wyoming Tribune story today that tells of a Casper couple who believe that they were spied on by Aaron's, the Atlanta-based rent-to-buy company from whom they rented their Dell Inspiron laptop.

Crystal and Brian Byrd claim, in … Read more

Get a 1.3-megapixel Webcam for $9.99 shipped

I don't think video calls will ever fully replace regular phone calls, but there are indeed times when it's nice to see a face at the other end. And all you need to make that happen is a program like Skype and a Webcam.

If you're not happy with the low-resolution Webcam that came with your laptop or your computer just doesn't have one, here's a deal you're sure to like: Today only, Cowboom has a Creative Live Cam VF0415 1.3-megapixel Webcam for $4.99, plus $5 for shipping.

Unlike a lot of … Read more

Get a TrendNet wireless Internet camera for $39.99

I've often thought that wireless Internet cameras were an awesome idea. By beaming live and/or motion-captured video to your laptop or phone, they let you keep tabs on your home, office, kids, etc. when you're on the go.

Alas, they've always been crazy-expensive, usually selling for at least $100 apiece. Well, here's your chance to score a rare deal: Buy.com has the TrendNet TV-IP110W wireless Internet camera for $39.99 shipped. It sells for two or three times as much everywhere else, and therefore may sell out quickly. 

Update: It sold out quickly. … Read more

Video capture tool

Debut Video Recording Software Professional Version from NCH Software turns your computer into a flexible, capable video capture and recording device. It can record video from a wide range of sources, including VHS VCRs, and save it in many formats; it can also capture screenshots and save them as JPEG stills. It will even capture and record video playing on your PC's screen. When all else fails but you've just got to save that clip, Debut can save the day.

Debut detected our video capture and playback devices, but it will automatically configure itself as a screen capture … Read more

At Demo, virtual dressing rooms promise big sales

PALM DESERT, Calif.--It seems like a no-brainer, but why don't the thousands and thousands of online clothing retailers offer customers a way to stand in front of a Webcam and virtually try things on?

That's a question a couple of companies that presented at the Demo Spring 2011 conference here today were trying to answer. Both Zugara and FaceCake Marketing Technologies showed the audience here forthcoming offerings that would integrate virtual dressing rooms into e-tailers' sites.

Although Demo often showcases companies with related technologies, I don't recall a time in my many years of attending this … Read more