With laptop sales up 37 percent¹ in 2005 and more than 30 million U.S. households expected to use VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) by 2009², consumers are demanding new solutions for richer communications experiences, even when they are on the go. Microsoft Hardware meets these needs with its expanded digital communications line, which consists of the Microsoft^® LifeCam NX-6000 (the company’s first webcam designed exclusively for laptop use), the LifeCam VX-1000, and two new digital headsets — LifeChat™ ZX-6000 and LifeChat LX-3000 — all optimized for use with Windows Live™ Messenger, the world’s largest instant messaging network,³ providing a simple and natural communications experience.

The Microsoft LifeCam NX-6000 offers the highest-resolution video (2.0 megapixels⁴) and still photography (7.6 megapixels interpolated) on the market. This notebook webcam is uniquely designed for mobility and durability. The LifeCam’s lens is fully collapsible and retracts inside the body of the webcam when not in use. The built-in unidirectional microphone offers unprecedented audio performance, rivaling even CD audio quality. For added convenience, the versatile attachment base allows for easy and secure placement on most laptop screens.

Also introduced today, the Microsoft LifeCam VX-1000 features a built-in microphone to provide better-quality video calling to accompany its brilliant video and still photography (640x480 pixels).

To meet the growing demand for easier PC calling, Microsoft is introducing two digital headsets, the LifeChat ZX-6000 and LifeChat LX-3000, to help consumers easily communicate PC-to-PC or PC-to-phone. Optimizations for Windows Live make accessing VoIP technology easier than ever. The rechargeable Microsoft LifeChat ZX-6000 is Microsoft’s first wireless headset designed exclusively for the PC and features a range of up to 30 feet, noise-canceling microphone, competitively vibrant audio and unique industrial design. The LifeChat LX-3000 is a wired PC headset that offers in-line volume controls, pivotal boom microphone with 180-degree movement and a flexible 6-foot cord.