The Skype service is rapidly gaining more users for its Internet based audio and video chats. A few weeks ago, its new owners at Microsoft claimed that Skype generated 115 billion minutes worth of calls in the April-June quarter, up 50 percent from the year before.
Now Logitech is jumping onto the Skype bandwagon with the announcement today of its new TV Cam HD camera, which includes support for Skype. Logitech states:
Using a simple, bundled remote controller, the Logitech TV Cam HD lets you call anyone using Skype on any platform, whether they are on their smartphone, tablet, HDTV or computer. Simply sign into Skype with your existing Skype Name, or create a new account on your HDTV, and you are a few clicks away from making a Skype video call from the comfort of your couch.
The camera has both WiFi and Ethernet support for connecting to a home network, along with an HDMI port for connecting to most HD televisions. The camera has a Carl Zeiss-made wide angle lens that"s designed to get a group of people in one shot. It also has four microphones and a ringer that goes off whether the TV is turned on or off.
Logitech will sell the Skype-based TV Cam HD later this month in the US for $199.99; it will be released in Europe in September.
Source: Logitech | Image via Logitech