Microsoft LifeCam Cinema 720p HD Webcam: Apple’s iSight Reborn (but not as sleek)

iSight photo (2003) courtesy of MacDevCenter – LifeCam Cinema photo courtesy of Pocket-Lint.com

Two thoughts crossed my mind as I read this item in Pocket-lint.com…

Microsoft LifeCam Cinema goes 720p

1. Who has enough upstream bandwidth speed to transmit 720p HD video? Most people barely have enough downstream bandwidth to watch it in near-real-time. And, since most people have asymmetrical broadband bandwidth service (more downstream than upstream speed), well, you see the problem…

2. The LifeCam Cinema hardware design looks real familiar. Where have I seen somethng like that before? Oh yes, the old Apple iSight webcam from earlier in the decade!

Microsoft’s LifeCam Cinema will be available next month for $79.99. I think a Flip Mino HD or UltraHD might cost more but make more sense.

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