Minoru 3D Webcam to launch at CES

3D vision systems have been threatening to make the transition from quirky novelty to mainstream consumer product for some time now, and though the jury is still out on whether that will actually happen, we can certainly expect a flurry of 3D products to hit the market during 2009 - starting with this one. Using two cameras incorporated into a single stand to produce a stereoscopic effect, the Minoru 3D webcam's image can be viewed in 3D using the familiar red and cyan 3D glasses.

The British designed Minoru (which means “Reality” in Japanese) will be launched at the CES in Las Vegas this week in concert with its worldwide in-store release, although it has been available online since mid-December at a price of USD$89.

The USB 2.0 camera can also be used to take still pictures or record 3D video for YouTube and if your friends don't have glasses, it can also be used as a normal 2D Webcam. The unit is designed to sit or stand on a desk, or perch on a monitor and the purchase price includes five pairs of 3D glasses.

In brief
• USB 2.0 High Speed 3D Webcam
• Output Modes – 3D, 2D, Picture in Picture (PiP)
• 3D Mode – Optimised Red/Cyan Anaglyph viewed with Red/Cyan 3D Glasses
• Output size – 800x600, 640x480(VGA), 352x288, 320x240 pixels
• Frame rate - 30 frames per second
• Power consumption < 1.5 W operating mode,