By: John Andersen
Imagine a video conferencing accessory for your Xbox that could alter your voice, change your appearance on video, and allow up to five conferencing participants all at one time. Microsoft Japan�s Xbox division has developed such a product, simply called Xbox Video Chat.
Video conferencing has been a feature that has always been reserved for the home computer rather than the typical home videogame system. Any consumer can purchase a web camera, headset microphone and download any of the free popular instant messengers with videoconference features. Microsoft Japan�s Xbox division has now taken it upon themselves in releasing a videoconferencing accessory titled Xbox Video Chat, which was solely released in Japan in late-November 2004.
The Xbox Video Chat kit is being offered to Japanese consumers at the retail price of 6800 yen, (about $65.08 USD as of press time). The kit includes the Xbox Video Chat cam that plugs directly into the Xbox control pad socket, Xbox Voice Communicator Headset (which plugs into the controller), Xbox Video Chat software, and an Xbox Live Starter Kit complete with a 12-month subscription to Xbox Live.
In an exclusive interview about Xbox Video Chat, a spokesperson for Microsoft Japan has officially confirmed that other Xbox markets around the world may soon be considered. However, one may ask why has Xbox Video Chat only been released in Japan?
�The Xbox Live video chat is initially launching in Japan because it was designed by our Japanese Xbox team for the Japanese market. As such, Japanese homes have significantly higher broadband speeds than most of the world. One in four Japanese homes have a broadband connection and 12Mbps services are standard. These higher broadband speeds enable us to have a larger early-adapter base and provide for more intriguing video possibilities�, explains Asako Miyata, a spokesperson for Microsoft Japan.
Miyata also confirmed that international markets are being considered for the product, but it will take time.
�We're going to test the product in Japan and determine its worldwide appeal over time. Right now, we want to harness the advanced high-speed infrastructure in Japan. In time, as broadband advances around the world, it will make sense to roll out the Xbox Video Chat product globally.�
However, when asked for more details, Miyata cautioned that plans would depend on how Japanese consumers react to the product.
Content Sections
