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Logitech Vid: sometimes less is more
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I recently met with Logitech to go over almost 40 new or recent products. Some have been announced and you will hear about the others in the coming months.
One product that caught my eye was Logitech's new software called Vid. Vid is a simpler and streamlined video calling software. They essentially trimmed the fat from traditional instant messenger (IM) integrated services and made a user friendly video calling program that can have you up in running in a couple minutes. In fact, the opening statement during the presentation was something along the lines of, "Video calling that's so easy your grandma could do it.". I must admit that I may have laughed at what sounded like a somewhat ridiculous statement. My grandparents are big email junkies, but they don't venture much further. I turned my attention towards the screen to view the presentation, with skeptical optimism, and was quickly proven wrong.
The simplicity should be apparent by the explanation of steps below:
1. Own a Logitech webcam (new or old) and a PC or Mac
2. Download the Vid software from Logitech's website
3. Install Vid
4. Follow the on screen instructions (the program uses your email address as the username, you don't need to come up with something new)
5. Contacts are added by email address. If they are current users, it adds them via request. If not, you can invite them to use the program via email.
6. Calling is one click based on pictures and email addresses
(Note: those with an invitation from an owner of a Logitech webcam can use the program even if they don't have a Logitech branded webcam. Users invited by those that don't have a Logitech webcam will be given a 30 day trial period to use Vid. After that, the user must purchase a Logitech webcam to continue use.)
I can't stress enough that Vid really is a little bit typing and a couple clicks to install and start using it. Beyond that, adding friends is a snap and utilizes standard emails to get the job done. The email invites I mentioned in step 5 contain a link to automatically download the Vid software so you can chat quickly and easily.
Just in case anyone was wondering. I tested the install and use of Vid at home with my old Logitech Fusion webcam. I timed the setup process from when I clicked "Run" after the download finished. I managed to complete the installation process, which included taking a profile picture twice and recording a practice call, in just under five minutes. This process will vary based off your computer and typing speed, but that should give you a good idea.
Another notable feature is that you can set calls from certain people to auto answer. I would probably advise that the camera be located somewhere where you couldn't be caught doing something you don't want people to see. I am sure your great aunt Leona will appreciate that you didn't share your love for dancing in the nude with her.
Seeing as the software is so simple, I'd like to leave you with a few ideas on how to use it beyond sitting at your desk. If you had this loaded on a home theater pc (HTPC), you could easily be video calling with a webcam through your television. Perhaps you could even make it a little futuristic and use Vid with a touch screen and webcam to have a video calling monitor on the wall. The options are endless. The point is not that Logitech's Vid is the first to do this, but it is the first to do it with this level of simplicity from start to finish.
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