Gift Tip 21: Super Cute Minoru 3D Webcam

Dec 2 2009, 2:00pm CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

The Minoru 3D Webcam, launched by Novo, is the first 3D webcam meant for consumers. The two cameras of this state-of-the-art webcam are spaced roughly a face-width apart give users the pleasure of experiencing the stereoscopic effect. In Japanese, Minoru means “Reality” and this is exactly what this webcam provides us. This extraterrestrial looking cam brings you closer to reality with the 3D images it delivers.

The stereoscopic effect caused by the two cameras prompts people to turn their attention to the eyes of the cam once they become active. The stand that comes along with the Minoru 3D Webcam can be positioned virtually anywhere you want. To facilitate the viewing of the 3D image, viewers are required to wear special colored glasses. Multiple viewers can see the 3D image of their loved ones as five pairs of special colored glasses are provided along with the cam.

The Minoru 3D Webcam gives great flexibility in terms of the video conferencing packages it works with, as it functions fine with Windows Live Messenger, Skype, AOL instant messenger and OoVoo among others. With the Minoru cam, you can also take 3D photos or shoot 3D videos of your favorite occasions in life. You can also upload the 3D videos to YouTube so that your loved ones can enjoy seeing you in 3D no matter where they are.

If you only want to shoot 2D video, the Minoru 3D Webcam allows you to do that as well. Also, if you do not have 3D glasses at your disposal, you can still use it as a standard 2D webcam. The other specifications of the Minoru include USB 2.0 high speed 3D Webcam, output size – 800x600, 640x480(VGA), 352x288, 320x240 pixels, frame rate - 30 frames per second.

The Minoru 3D Webcam puts users through an all-new experience. Anyone who uses this webcam may never think about viewing in 2D again. However, the idea of wearing special colored glasses may not go well with some people as they may think chatting with them on can take away some of the pleasure of face-to-face video chat. Moreover, the compression you need to perform before uploading the 3D videos to YouTube may deprive your video of some of its charm.

Great Gift For
Anyone who has a fascination with 3D videos and aspires to take video chatting to the next level.

Price and Where to Buy
The Minoru 3D Webcam is selling for $89.95 on Amazon.com.

This gift tip is part of the I4U News Top 100 Holiday Gift Guide. Find many more hot tech gift recommendations across 10 categories and shopping tips here.

where to buy

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Luigi Lugmayr
Luigi is the founding chief Editor of I4U News and brings over 15 years experience in the technology field to the ever evolving and exciting world of gadgets. He started I4U News back in 2000 and evolved it into vibrant technology magazine.
Luigi can be contacted directly at ml@i4u.com. Luigi posts regularly on LuigiMe.com about his experience running I4U.