You already know why you need this iPatch to cover up your iMac’s iSight—because you do dirty, dirty things in front of your computer—but now the small, molded piece of plastic is form-fitted for your MacBook and MacBook Pro. It works exactly the same as the old version. Just slide it over your iSight when you’re about to get naughty, then slide it off when done. They even have a MacBook Air version coming later this week. On the other hand, the light comes on when the iSight is active, but unless you really stare at the thing you won’t notice the light. [The iPatch]
Brando’s new ANEO GX-10 USB webcam comes bundled with three PC video games that put your moves on screen. Play “Kung fu,” “Super Knight” or “Funny Stair” and you appear interactively in the action, which might brighten up a glum afternoon at the PC. The webcam is pretty standard, with 1280 x 1024 pixels at 30 frames per second, but it does have that combined clip/stand with adjustable neck for easy attachment. Available now for US$33.[Brando]
newVideoPlayer("zcam_gizmodo.flv", 475, 376);
The ZCam is the first low-cost, consumer videocamera that can capture video with depth information and probably the first real challenger to Nintendo’s Wiimote: with its 3D capture abilities it will allow you to play Wii-style without using any controls whatsoever. In fact, it is so precise that it will even recognise your finger gestures to fire a weapon or manipulate your computer like in Minority Report, but without gloves or any other external device:The camera has sensors that are able to measure the depth for each of the captured pixels using a principle called Time-Of-Flight. It gets 3D information “by emitting pulses of infra-red light to all objects in the scene and sensing the reflected light from the surface of each object.” The objects in the scene are then ordered in layers in the Z axis, which gives you a grayscale depth map that a game or any software application can use.
newVideoPlayer("autofoosball_gawker.flv", 475, 376);
Four engineering students from Georgia Tech have built an Autonomous Foosball Table, quite possibly the key to my never-ending quest to replace the humans in my life with robots. The funny thing is, this thing isn’t just a gimmick; it may soon become a decent foosball opponent. The table system cost about $500 to build, and combines a webcam, an 800MHz Pentium PC and servo-controlled paddles to move, twist, and kick. Here’s how it works:
Set up this retro webcam on its included tripod, and it looks like you have an old-timey Kodak Brownie camera set up and ready to take some snapshots. Other than its musty old faux leather-wrapped retro looks, it has standard webcam specs, such as 640×480 resolution, USB connectivity and a built-in microphone. Giving away its modernity is its blue LED tally light situated just under the lens, lighting up when you’re saying “cheese” to the world. Now 23 skidoo, you mugs. [Boys Stuff, via Technabob]
We have been telling you about the impending release of the Playstation Eye for some time now, but for those of you who have trouble remembering what month we are currently in, much less the release date of highly anticipated gaming peripherals, you will be happy to know that the Playstation Eye is now available. The device will come bundled with the Eye of Judgement card game with EyeCreate, the video capturing and editing application available as a free download via the Playstation network.
We already knew the PlayStation Eye webcam was coming bundled with the Eye of Judgement card game, but you’ll be able to buy it solo for $US39 on October 23 as well. It’s got a four-microphone array to let you do AV chat, which is one more thing you can add to your list of “Things I Do with the PS3 Other than Gaming”. [PlayStation Blog]
Can there ever be too many R2D2 inspired gadgets? No, it is impossible, as proven by this orgasm worthy R2D2 webcam, by Hammacher Schlemmer.
The camera might not scream great picture quality at 628×528 resolution, but there are so many reasons why this R2D2 rendition kicks geek gadget butt. The obligatory beeping sounds are all preset, along with the Star Wars soundtrack. Digital photos and voice recorder functions are also included. Further, the device is wireless meaning it will not need to be on a leash connected to your laptop. The supplied remote control, which is kick-ass because it is shaped as a light saber, allows you to control R2D2′s movements. Yes it moves, in four glorious planes! If that kind of control is not remote enough for you, there is also an option to manage the righteous robot via the web. Worried it may take a tumble from the great heights off your desk? Don’t; Hammacher Schlemmer has managed to incorporate a sensor to protect your $349.95 investments from such tumbling travesties. The light saber remote can also be packed with you on your journeys away from R2D2, as it doubles up as a sweet Skype handset.
If you are a little wet in the pants from reading all this you are probably not too fussed about the $349.95 price tag, but we think it is a little steep. Unless, of course, you intend on marrying and having some kids with R/C R2D2. Lets face it, no one this side of the human species is going to consider you as a potential procreation partner, certainly not for a measly $349.95, anyway. Set for a release date of 21/09/07, pre-orders are being taken now. [Product Page via Oh Gizmo!] .
Robot webcams are all the rage nowadays, and this USB Robot doesn’t look to stir up the waters with “innovation.” It’s got a a low-quality VGA-ish camera (350k pixels) along with lights for eyes. The same eyes that look in disapproving horror at what you’re doing at your desk right now. You should be ashamed of yourself. [Akihabara]
