Microsoft today announced TrueColor Technology which they claim enhances the color and brightness of webcam video in the worst of lighting conditions. True Color Technology is a new image processing technology that automatically adjusts the picture quality to provide more colorful video. It does this through a proprietary combination of software and firmware technology. TrueColor Technology actually leverages face tracking technology developed by Microsoft Research, which can detect a person's face and help ensure it's not overexposed or underexposed, so the video call picture looks great even in the most challenging lighting scenarios.

Microsoft also announced 3 new LifeCam models that support TrueColor Technology. All of these new LifeCam models support TrueColor Technology, , 720p HD sensors, and Auto Focus technology.

 
LifeCam HD-5000

LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks

Not used to the square 'boxy" look for a USB camera, but if the resolution and quality is as good as they say it is, I might buy one even if isn't as "sleek" looking as i would like. The LifeCam HD-5000 and the LifeCam HD-5001 will be available later this month for the estimated retail price of $49.95 and the LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks will be available in May for the estimated retail price of $59.95. The LifeCam HD-5000 and LifeCam HD-6000 for Notebooks will be available for pre-sale on Amazon.com and Buy.com starting today.

TrueColor Technology will be available via a software download for LifeCam Cinema, which is already broadly available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/downloads/default.mspx.So if you're a current LifeCam user you'll be able to get the LifeCam software and a firmware update for the LifeCam Cinema available now that adds the TrueColor Technology. Sweet!