- Sunday, 22 November 2009
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I'm sorry buddy, but you must be a complete moron - Yahoo Ramboholic
Play.com breaks Microsoft's NDA embargo
DETAILS OF MICROSOFT'S first ever High Definition webcam have been leaked by online electronic retailer Play.com, weeks ahead of the official launch date when details were to be first made public.
The INQUIRER saw a demonstration of the 720p HD webcam at a recent Vole press event, where we were required to sign an agreement that we couldn't publish any of its details until September 9th.
It appears that Play.com wasn't bound by that same Non Disclosure Agreement, as they've begun selling the product online even before Microsoft has admitted publically that it exists.
All the details relating to this ever-so top-secret webcam have now been outed by the retailing giant, leaving egg firmly on Microsoft's face and its agreement with the press in tatters.
We checked back on Play.com a short while ago, where the webpage still exists, only now the page that yesterday was selling the Microsoft LifeCam Cinema USB Webcam is blank.
Seeing as we had the fortuitous insight to take a screen shot just in case Play.com bowed to pressure from Vole HQ, we can exclusively prove this happened and show the product off in all its holy glory.
Thanks to the wonder of Google cache we can now bring you that original page here and the updated page here, which hides the product, only not so well.
A colleague recently remarked, "I can't remember the last time I attended a press event where the details weren't leaked." Neither can we. µ
Update: It now appears Microsoft was at fault for getting Play.com in trouble. Vole central dispatched the advert to the online retailer without telling them to keep schtum until September 9th, according to a Play.com spokesperson.
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The Inq is signing NDAs? Where or where have we gone!?! How low have we sunk!?!
Seriously guys where's your credibility gone? Time was everyone knew you didn't sign NDAs which is why you didn't get invited to the press conferences, was the lure of free booze too much?
Yeah, Sylvie signed a NDA for RV8x0 over at AMD, same goes for Charlie! :D
how low will they go?
So gone have the days of Magee and no signing of NDAs? Geez, never thought you guys would be desperate enough having to sign NDAs to keep the site alive.
Then again, I wouldn't be surprised if Charlie and the rest of the old crew were signing ATI NDAs for years since the stories were always published when their press wanted and were so so positive...
Well, obviously now that you doinks sign NDAs, must mean there isn't anyone there anymore who can do REAL investigative work.
Just hacks for the man, that's all.
Bye, Bye
A penny short of £70 for a flippin' webcam? Are they insane, or just a little bit raving bonkers?
Wonder whether it does make sense to buy the MS-toy:
minimum: Intel Dual-Core1.6 GHz or higher, 1 GB of RAM
recommended: Intel Dual-Core 3.0 GHz or higher, 2 GB of RAM
If it takes a 3.0 Ghz Dual Core CPU it puts quite a burden on the PC.
I also wonder whether Skype supports the offered HD-resolution ...
So it probably stays a nice toy only ... and makes a nice present :-)
:( Can't believe you guys would sign a NDA....
But plently of other sites besides play.com are talking about this. There's one example:
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/18/microsofts-lifecam-cinema-hd-webcam-lets-you-film-those-youtube/
...its only a webcam!
I dont see an issue with signing an NDA for something trivial/boring like this if it saves a lot of hassle later on. No need to pee in your bed if you dont have to. No one is being harmed in this.
Now if it was something major like a huge flaw in a chip that was still on sale then thats a good time to say "no way corporate lawyer!"
What happened to not signing NDAs? I used to greatly respect The Inq for not signing NDAs, and talking about products no-one else would. Does this have anything to do with the change in management and editorship a while back?
to the dark side, I see. Disappointing.
This is akin to tramping on Mike Magee's grave. At least it would be if he were dead.
http://volesoft.com/2009/08/21/dearie-me-day-over-at-the-inquirer/
Specifications
True 720p HD with Clear, Smooth Video in 16:9 widescreen at up to 30 fps
5.0MP Stills (interpolated)
High-precision lens with glass elements
Auto Focus, 4x digital zoom
ClearFrame Technology for smooth video
Digital noise-cancelling microphone
Easy tilt and swivel base
Flexible stand for notebook and desktop PCs
Optimised for Windows Live
System Requirements:
Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2) or higher
minimum: Intel Dual-Core1.6 GHz or higher, 1 GB of RAM
recommended: Intel Dual-Core 3.0 GHz or higher, 2 GB of RAM
1.5 GB free hard drive space
CD-ROM drive
USB 2.0
Windows-compatible speakers or headphones
Broadband Internet access may be required for certain features
The immortal line "NDA's?! We dont need no stinkin NDA's!" was carefully carved out for a reason: News without spin. So long µ.
You whiners really should get a damn life. Who the hell cares if they had an NDA to not talk about the stupid webcam until it was approved by MS? OMG ALMOST MISSED OUT ON THE TOP SECRET WEBCAM NEWS. Get a f'n life you tards.