I just noticed a new webcam called the
Logitech QuickCam Orbit that’s got an interesting feature set. It uses face-tracking technology to keep you in the field of view as you move about your desk. If you are the kind of person who likes to pace during conference calls, this may be your opportunity to get into video conferencing.
Logitech has done a good job getting the word out. They got a photo and a favorable mention in the November 17th issue of Time Magazine. According to the article, “Logitech’s QuickCam Orbit… with it’s unblinking camera eye and luminous red LED, evokes the HAL 9000, though its quirky, jerky movements suggest the work of Jim Henson.”
There’s only one problem: the product is still unavailable; So much so that Amazon doesn’t have a picture of it in its on-line catalog yet. I’m always surprised when companies do a good job promoting a product for the holiday season, but fail to deliver it to retailers in time for people to choose it. If it starts arriving in the next week or 10 days, I guess they’ll do OK. But the fact that they’re not already in stock at the major on-line retailers is worrysome.