12/24/2008
Sharing Season’s Greetings with Messenger and a webcam
Posted by Bennie
Fun things you can do this Holiday with Windows Live Messenger and a Webcam
Whether across the world, the country or the other side of town, it is easy to stay in touch, face-to-face, during the holiday season using Windows Live Messenger video calling and your webcam. And today, with many people looking to reduce holiday-related travel costs, video calling offers an alternative, fun and affordable way to connect with distant loved ones. With a real-time video call you can share a tradition, tell a tale, sing a song and spread some holiday cheer…together!
Windows Live Messenger video call quality is better than ever. With the most recent Messenger release and a quality webcam, you can now experience a clearer, sharper picture with full-screen VGA video. True VGA video (640x480) is up to four times better resolution then prior solutions when switched to full screen. To experience a true VGA video call, you will need the latest version of Windows Live Messenger, a webcam, a PC with a dual core processor and broadband Internet connection.
Additional improvements have been made in faster connection time to initiate a video call and a video-centric interface when not in full screen mode.
Other fun things you can do with your web cam.
- Create a dynamic profile picture (see the post from Steven on how to do this)
- Place yourself in a holiday visual effect (using the software that comes with your webcam)
- Try Windows Live Video Messages Beta when your friends are not available for a Messenger video call
- Customize emoticons with images of yourself (See screenshot below)
- Tools > Emoticons > Create >
Then select a picture that you’d like to make into a emoticon by clicking ‘Find Image’.
Need a webcam for yourself or a gift?
Find out about our Windows Live partner webcams from Microsoft, Logitech and Creative Labs.
Hope you are all having a safe and happy holiday season. All the best,
Sincerely,
The Windows Live Messenger Team
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