Oct 09 2006
Xbox Live Vision - it just works
I hate to use the expression “it just works” on any Microsoft product because it’s not usually true. Well, in the case of the new Xbox Live Vision camera, it’s entirely true. In fact, it works where my previous attempts at getting webcams to work under Windows have failed - even my iSight and Mac wouldn’t work due to some inexplicable router issue with SIP port 5060.
The Xbox webcam, a mere $40 which includes a $5 game (UNO) and $15 wired headset, delivers 640×480 video at 30 fps. There are no drivers to load, no incompatibility because I’m trying to use AIM-Yahoo-MSN clients, and fool-proof operability because the Xbox 360 already communicates properly through my router.
While the Xbox Live Vision camera may not be the “best of breed” it works extremely well. Why? It’s the Apple factor: build the hardware and the software and you’ve got (almost) guarenteed compatibility. Considering most Xbox 360s are in the living room, where better for a video chat with family?
I’m a Mac convert and will be in the foreseeable future but I’m continually impressed with Microsoft’s efforts behind the 360. Perhaps in the not-so-distant future they’d have abandoned the OS market and become King of the Consoles where they seem to “get it” in the way Apple “gets it” with their products.
Related posts:
- Xbox 360 becomes a full-fledged Media Center
- Xbox 360 doomsayers
- Windows Gaming or: How I learned to stop worrying and love the Xbox
- Console Wars: What Does the Media Really Want?
- Xbox 360 impressions on sight alone
Although I’m a Windows user and not quite convined that games on consoles are better than PC versions, i have to agree that the Xbox 360 webcam works right out of the box. No drivers or problems connecting, but like Apple products, no versatility. The manufacturer imposes strict limits on how to use the device and it certainly will (and should) work as advertised. Not a critism, more of an observation.