In fact, he thinks the itch scratched by ChameleonMask is a pretty common one, and understands why a human-surrogate may be preferred over a simple videoconferencing robot.
As a demonstration, we were able to construct from commodity components a simple dyadic videoconferencing prototype that supports eye contact.
But not if you're a Mac user or you can't justify spending $100 on a webcam for simple stuff like videoconferencing and short, quick videos.
An UltraPort connector above the center of the ThinkPad screen allows the integration of an optional U.S.B. digital camera (about $100), which can be used for capturing quick still images or as a simple video camera for videoconferencing.
IChat AV makes videoconferencing as simple as instant messaging for users with compatible video cameras and broadband connections.
At the time, they were working on a dead-simple solution for videoconferencing on your television.
According to a company director, videoconference technology offers "a simple and economical way to narrow a field of key personnel candidates before flying in finalists".
At the low end, the videoconference business can be as simple as a $70 Webcam on an Internet connection.
One allows incarcerated women to participate in child custody hearings via videoconference, and others make it simpler for young people who went through the foster care system to get access to federal funds and resources.
