The design of the Logitech webcam (short for web camera) is so recognizable that it's become an icon of the computer age. The signature "eyeball design" of the Logitech webcam is both functional and stylish; Logitech has created over 20 different webcams employing the basic eyeball design. Recently, the company has begun to produce smaller, more discreet versions of the eyeball webcam. Logitech's design change is in response to customer needs: since customers now use webcams in dining rooms, bedrooms, and other areas outside the home office, a less conspicuous design has become preferable. The history of the eyeball webcam began in 1994, when a company known as Connectix introduced the first QuickCam® webcam. (Recently, PC World Magazine named the QuickCam® one of "The 50 Greatest Gadgets of the Past 50 Years.") Logitech acquired the QuickCam® in 1998, along with Connectix's entire hardware division. Thus, the renowned Logitech webcam was born. Logitech soon adapted the webcam with subtle alterations; for instance, Logitech's current crop of webcams have all been designed with a universal clip that fastens the camera to both notebook and desktop monitors. Alternatively, the webcam can simply be placed on a tabletop. Today, ordinary people use webcams to "video call" their friends and family. Once a complicated and technically iffy affair, video calling has improved greatly in recent years. Video conferencing, video calling, and video networking are now popular ways to do business, connect with new friends, or stay in touch with geographically distant friends and family members. |
