Microsoft LifeCam VX-2000: Share Life at a Price That's Right

New webcam is easy to use with vivid video and clear audio.

REDMOND, Wash., May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today Microsoft Hardware,
makers of the best-selling LifeCam line,(1) delivers quality video calling for
under $30 (U.S.) with the LifeCam VX-2000 -- an easy-to-use webcam with a
built-in microphone and vivid VGA video. This new webcam makes setup a cinch;
consumers can easily connect with friends and family, using their broadband
Internet connection, just minutes after opening the box.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

"Microsoft is committed to delivering quality products at every price point,"
said Daniel Anguiano, product marketing manager at Microsoft Corp. "These days
more than ever, consumers are looking for the biggest bang for their buck, and
the LifeCam VX-2000 fits the bill, with an excellent webcam experience that's
easy on the wallet."

Quality Video Connection for Less
"Video-calling technology has been around for decades but has really taken off
recently," said Rebecca Swensen, research analyst for IDC's Enterprise
Mobility and IP Communications Services program. "With monthly worldwide use
reaching an estimate of 35 million users, video calling is a viable technology
for consumers and businesses alike."

Responding to the growth of video calling, the VX-2000 aims to bring the fun
of video calling to more consumers, letting families and friends share life's
moments across distances near and far. Featuring VGA video and 1.3MP still
photography, the VX-2000 provides crystal-clear images and auto-adjusts for
low-light conditions to create bright pictures in a variety of scenarios. The
VX-2000 also comes equipped with these top Windows Live features:
-- Video Effects that let people personalize video calls with fun visual
elements
-- Video Messages so people can record and send videos when friends are
not
around for a live call

-- Windows Live Call Button to easily initiate a video call

Pricing and Availability
The LifeCam VX-2000 will be available in June 2009 for an estimated retail
price of $29.95 (U.S).(2) It is available now for pre-sale on Amazon.com and
will ship in June when it is widely released. The LifeCam VX-2000 is backed by
a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty from Microsoft. More
information about this and other Microsoft Hardware products can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.

About Microsoft Hardware
For more than 25 years, the Hardware Group has employed innovative
engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to
create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the
software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their
PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering, industrial
design and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easier, more
convenient and more enjoyable computing experience. In 2008, the Hardware
Group debuted the world's most advanced tracking technology -- Microsoft
BlueTrack Technology -- allowing consumers to track on more surfaces than
optical and laser mice. More information about the Hardware Group is available
at http://www.mshardwareguide.com.

About The NPD Group, Inc. (http://www.npd.com)
The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer
and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 1,700
manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive
critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels.
NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product
development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information
is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty,
commercial technology, consumer technology, entertainment, fashion, food and
beverage, foodservice, home, office supplies, software, sports, toys, and
wireless. For more information, contact us or visit http://www.npd.com/ and
http://www.npdgroupblog.com.

About RetailVision (www.retailvision.com)
RetailVision is the premier event for building alliances between top
retailers, vendors, distributors and industry experts serving the retail
channel across North America and Latin America. RetailVision's agenda is built
to maximize the face-to-face interaction in both highly structured business
settings and relaxed social networking events. RetailVision's format, tools
and offerings give retailers, vendors and distributors more access and control
to develop a comprehensive strategy to maximize their success throughout the
retail channel.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software,
services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full
potential.

(1) RetailVision/NPD Group Best Selling Product Through Retail, Microsoft,
Webcams
(2) Actual retail prices may vary.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

Brittany Turner, brittany.turner@edelman.com, or Kerry Rickert,
kerry.rickert@edelman.com, both of Edelman for Microsoft Corp.,
+1-206-223-1606