On Friday Looxcie launched a hands-free HD video cam featuring built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. It's also wearable, meaning that it can be mounted on a user's head so that they can creep through an abandoned house, looking for a serial killer while also holding a flashlight and someone's hand. Even more, it offers direct-to-Facebook streaming and the ability to create a public or private broadcasting network so that friends and family can see the serial killer's face before the doomed user goes down for the count.
"After the broadcast ends, the video is automatically saved in the cloud and can be shared on Facebook through the Looxcie App for Facebook," the company said. "When users aren't streaming, Looxcie's unique Instant Clip button lets people capture 'instant replay' clips of what just happened. Clips can be immediately viewed, edited and shared with the Looxcie companion app. Because the Looxcie HD connects wirelessly to smartphones or tablets running iOS (5.0 or higher) or Android (2.3.3 or higher), users can stream a broadcast or share video clips from virtually anywhere."
Looxcie said the headset will be offered in several flavors including the $329 USD LooxcieHD Explore, now available for pre-purchase. This model provides versatile mounting options for ball caps, helmets or bikes, making it easy to record and stream hands-free right out of the box. It also has a water-resistant design, a low-light camera sensor, and a removable/rechargeable battery, allowing users to record and stream under nearly any condition, from snow sports to forest trails to creepy abandoned houses and sporting events.
"With the ability to simultaneously record HD video and share a live stream on Facebook, the Looxcie HD resets the bar for hands-free video cams. People can now instantly share high-quality video from anywhere and to anyone," said Looxcie CEO Romulus Pereira. "Sharing video is now as simple as updating your status on Facebook, sending a Tweet, or uploading a picture, but with the rich story-telling power of high-definition video."
The Looxcie HD is available for pre-purchase now from Looxcie.com or from Amazon.com. The MSRP will range from $279.99 to $349.99, depending upon configuration. Currently the Looxcie website is only listing the Looxcie HD Explore, and here are some of its features and specs:
Features
* Full HD recording up to 1080p @30fps or 720p @60fps
* 480p mobile streaming for sharing a live feed anytime, anywhere
* Simultaneous streaming & recording
* Sleek, hands-free design with a wide range of mounting options
* Mobile app for viewfinder and controls
* Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
* Weather-resistant enclosure for use in virtually any climate
* Low-light sensor for use in dim lighting
* Unique Instant Clip button for creating “instant replays” of what just happened
* Protective lens filter
* Rechargeable and replaceable battery
* Supports microSDHC card up to 32 GB (Class 6 type; Card not included)
Camera Body
* Weather-resistant enclosure
* Wi-Fi connectivity
* Replaceable 1200mAh lithium polymer battery
* MicroSDHC card slot: minimum class 4, maximum 32 GB
* Micro-USB port for charging battery & connecting to computer
Camera Sensor & Video
* User-selectable video resolution (1080p, 720p, 480p, 320p)
* Low-light sensor (650 mV/lux-sec)
* Automatic light correction for indoor/outdoor operation
* High-quality CMOS sensor with 75° FOV
* Clips saved in iTunes-compatible format (mp4)
* Looxcie companion app (free download)
* Looxcie desktop application (free download)
Live Video Streaming
* Mobile-to-mobile (Wi-Fi or 3G/4G) group streaming
* Live streaming to Facebook (via free Looxcie App for Facebook)
* Adaptive resolution for Wi-Fi and 3G/4G streaming
* Two-way voice chat during broadcast
* In-app text chat during broadcast
* Automatic broadcast notification (via push notification)
