Microsoft LifeCams Debut in System Builder Channel

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Today Microsoft Corp. announced it will offer five of its top-selling webcams — three desktop and two notebook LifeCams — for sale in the System Builder Channel for the first time ever. Microsoft’s line of LifeCams includes the No. 2-selling desktop webcam, the LifeCam VX-3000, (1) and the No. 3-selling notebook webcam, the LifeCam NX-6000. (1) The LifeCams add to the PC experience with easy video calling that is more meaningful and interactive through the webcams’ close integration with Windows Live Messenger, the world’s largest instant messaging network.

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Microsoft Hardware consistently delivers innovations that add value to PC systems to make computing easier and more enjoyable. Microsoft’s LifeCams let users easily connect for video and voice calls with friends and family to let them see, hear and share life’s experiences with the following optimizations for Windows Live:

   —  Windows Live Call Button, located on top of the LifeCam, allows users       to open their Contact Picker (a tool showing which contacts are       currently online) with one touch so they can quickly initiate video       calls to friends and family.   —  One-touch Photo Swap access allows users to share and swap photos from       their PCs during a video call — and see and hear reactions from       friends and family.   —  LifeCam Dashboard integrates full LifeCam navigational controls (pan,       tilt, zoom, face tracking and Video Effects) within the Windows Live       Messenger interface, enabling a seamless and easy navigating       experience. The LifeCam software controls are where they should be —       right in front of the user.   —  One-Touch Blogging lets users immediately post photos to their Windows       Live Spaces site.    

Microsoft’s line of LifeCams is also compatible with Microsoft Office Communicator to deliver quality audio and video calls in a business setting. The two notebook LifeCams, the NX-6000 and NX-3000, are also compatible with Microsoft Office Communicator, providing easy plug-and-play action that works out of the box with no additional software installation required.

“Microsoft Hardware innovations continue to lead the industry for performance and quality, and our LifeCams are no exception,” said Gary Kirchberger, product marketing manager at Microsoft Hardware. “The webcam market is growing rapidly, and Microsoft Hardware offers a variety of webcam options for OEMs to enable their customers to create a higher-quality video calling experience, both on a desktop and notebook PC.”

Microsoft will offer the following desktop and notebook LifeCams to the System Builder Channel beginning Nov. 1, 2007:

   For Desktop PCs:   —  LifeCam VX-6000. The LifeCam VX-6000 is a high-end wired desktop       webcam offering a high-definition video experience, a built-in       microphone and a 71- degree wide-angle lens.   —  LifeCam VX-3000. The LifeCam VX-3000 is a midrange wired desktop       webcam with brilliant audio and video, offering 1.3 megapixel (MP)       stills and automatic face tracking.   —  LifeCam VX-1000. The LifeCam VX-1000 is a basic wired desktop webcam       with competitive video and integrated audio functionality and a       built-in unidirectional microphone.    For Notebook PCs:   —  LifeCam NX-6000. The LifeCam NX-6000 is designed exclusively for use       with a notebook and is ideal for mobile users, featuring a 2.0MP       sensor and the first-ever spring-loaded lens that retracts within the       LifeCam for protection when not in use.   —  Life Cam NX-3000. The LifeCam NX-3000 is a stylish midrange wired       notebook webcam with superior audio and video capabilities and a       built-in unidirectional microphone with acoustic noise cancellation       technology.    About Microsoft Hardware  

For 25 years, the Hardware Group has employed innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering, industrial design and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable computing experience. Microsoft IntelliMouse Explorer, which was launched in 1999, earned a place on PCWorld.com’s December 2005 list of “The 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past 50 Years” as the first mainstream optical mouse that “brought gunk-free pointing devices” to a broad consumer base. More information about the Hardware Group is available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

(1) Microsoft current sales data for 2007

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Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: Kerry Rickert, +1-206-223-1606, kerry.rickert@edelman.com, orBrittany Turner, +1-206-223-1606, brittany.turner@edelman.com, both ofEdelman, for Microsoft Corp.

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/