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Dell UltraSharp Webcam (WB7022) : All You Need To Know!

Dell just introduced the UltraSharp Webcam (WB7022) for the new Work From Home normal!

Here is what you need to know about the new Dell WB7022 UltraSharp Webcam!

Dell UltraSharp Webcam (WB7022) : All You Need To Know!

More than 18 months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Work From Home (WFH) normal appears to be here to stay, at least for now.

To ensure that those who need to remotely work have the best possible video conferencing webcam, Dell just introduced the UltraSharp Webcam.

With nine patent-pending technologies, the Dell UltraSharp Webcam offers 4K image quality, built-in AI tracking and other video conferencing features.

4K Webcam With World’s Best Image Quality

Dell claims that the UltraSharp Webcam offers the world’s best image quality, courtesy of the large 4K Sony STARVIS CMOS sensor and the multi-element lens that captures more light to deliver “crystal-clear video”.

It supports frame rates of 24 and 30 fps at the full 4K UHD resolution. It also supports the higher 60 fps frame rate, at the lower 1080p and 720p resolutions.

It’s not just about the hardware. It’s also about the software embedded into the UltraSharp Webcam.

Its Digital Overlap HDR capability lets the Dell UltraSharp Webcam preserve true-to-life colours and balance exposure.

Meanwhile, its 2D/3D video noise reduction capability eliminates grainy images, making you look good even in low light conditions.

AI Auto-Framing

The Dell UltraSharp Webcam has AI Auto-Framing capability built-in. This feature uses Artificial Intelligence to keep you focused and centred in the frame.

You don’t have to manually adjust the webcam. It will track your movements and shift the frame to keep you centered, even if you stand up!

5X Digital Zoom + Three Fields of View

The Dell UltraSharp Webcam supports up to 5X digital zoom, as well as three fields of view – 65°, 78° and 90°.

This allows you to fit multiple people in the same conference call, or focus exclusively on you in a crowded place.

Smart Security Features

The Dell UltraSharp Webcam supports Windows Hello, allowing you to sign-in quickly and securely usual facial recognition.

It also has Dell ExpressSign-in capability built-in, allowing Dell PCs to detect your presence as you approach and automatically log you out when you step away, offering you an extra level of security.

Finally, it comes with a magnetic privacy cover that securely snaps onto the lens, or the back of the webcam.

Webcam Mounting Solutions

The Dell UltraSharp Webcam comes with two mounts in the box :

a magnetic mount
a tripod adaptor

The magnetic mount makes it easy to attach to the top of any desktop or laptop monitor, without obscuring the display.

And if you need to mount it on a tripod, simply slide the webcam off the magnetic mount and slide it into the tripod adaptor!

Dell UltraSharp Webcam (WB7022) : Specifications

Specifications	Dell UltraSharp Webcam
Model	WB7022
Camera Resolution + Frame Rates	4K : 24 / 30 fps 1080p : 24 / 30 / 60 fps 720p : 24 / 30 / 60 fps
Sensor	8.3 MP Sony STARVIS CMOS
Field of View	65, 78, 90 degrees
HD Digital Zoom	Up to 5X
Autofocus	Yes
Auto-Light Correction	Advanced Digital Overlap (DOL) HDR 3D + 2D Video Noise Reduction – Temporal Noise (3DNR) – Spatial Noise Reduction (2DNR)
Auto White Balance	Yes
AI Auto-Framing	Yes
Microphone	No
Lens Cap	Yes (Magnetic)
Windows Hello	Yes
Dell on Dell	ExpressSign-In
Certification	Microsoft Teams, Zoom
Other Optimised Apps	Skype for Business Go To Meeting Google Meet Google Hangout Blue Jeans Slack, Lifesize
OS Support	Windows 10, macOS
Plug & Play Support	Yes
Connectivity	USB C – comes with USB-A to USB-C cable
Material	Anodised Aluminium
Webcam Dimensions	42 mm wide 90 mm long
Mount Dimensions	32 mm wide 64 mm deep 9.4 mm high
Warranty	3 years

Dell UltraSharp Webcam (WB7022) : Price + Availability

The Dell UltraSharp Webcam (WB7022) is available for purchase at the official price of US$199 / RM 1,122 (about £144 / A$266 / S$268).

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Mac Camera Cover Guide : Why Apple Is Wrong!

Apple recently advised everyone not to cover the camera of their Mac laptops, and rely instead on the camera indicator light.

Find out why Apple is WRONG, and why you need to physically cover your Mac computer’s camera!

Mac Camera Cover : What Is It For?

Cybersecurity specialists have long advocated covering the built-in camera of your computers, not just MacBook laptops or Mac desktops, with a camera cover of some sort.

This prevents hackers from taking over that camera, and secretly recording you. This has implications beyond just recording your embarrassing moments for blackmail.

With access to your laptop camera, hackers can determine when you are away from home, who lives at your home, who you are working with, and even where you currently are.

Apple : Don’t Use A Camera Cover For Your Mac

In their recent HT211148 tech advisory, they asked Mac laptop (MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro) users not to use any camera cover.

Recommended : Warning : Using A Camera Cover Can Damage Your MacBook!

Instead, they recommended that you use these two built-in features for your privacy :

A. The Green Camera Indicator Light

Apple points out that your Mac computer has a camera indicator light that glows green whenever the camera is active.

They also claimed that the camera is designed not to activate unless its indicator light is also turned on.

B. The Camera Access Control

As an additional measure built into macOS Mojave or later, you must give an app permission before it can use your Mac computer’s camera.

To view which apps has access to your Mac computer’s camera, and to revoke any app’s access :

On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Security & Privacy, then click Privacy.
Select Camera.
Select the tickbox next to an app to allow it to access your camera.Deselect the tickbox to turn off access for that app.If you turn off access for an app, you’re asked to turn it on again the next time that app tries to use your camera.

Why Apple Is Wrong, And You Need To Cover Your Mac Camera!

Apple fans may hate us for this, but they are wrong. You must physically cover your Mac computer’s camera to protect yourself.

Hackers Always Disable The Indicator Light

Mac computers are not the only ones to feature an indicator light for their built-in cameras. Most computers with a built-in webcam have such an indicator light.

It is, therefore, SOP for hackers to disable the indicator light after gaining control of the camera. Camfecting attacks won’t work if you are aware that the camera is turned on…

Apple asserts that the camera and its indicator light on Mac computers are wired in series, so the camera won’t work if the indicator light is turned off.

However, a 2013 Johns Hopkins University paper showed how it was possible to disable the indicator light of a Mac computer’s webcam, even though the camera module had a “hardware interlock”.

This isn’t just an obscure research subject. The FBI has the capability to covertly activate a computer’s camera without triggering the indicator light, according to Marcus Thomas, the former assistant director of FBI’s Operational Technology Division.

The only ways to prevent such attacks would be to either turn off your computer, or physically cover the camera.

Hackers Won’t Ask You For Permission

Security researcher Ryan Pickren showed in April 2020 how seven flaws in Apple Safari can let malicious websites hijack your camera and microphone to spy on you.

All you have to do is click on a link, and it lets the malicious website gain access to your webcam without asking for permission.

So much for the Mac Camera Access Control feature…

You May Not Notice The Light

Even if the camera indicator light is not disabled, it doesn’t mean you will immediately realise when the light turns on.

By the time you realise the green light is actually glowing, it may already be too late.

This is partly because it emits a steady glow, and doesn’t blink. Of course, a blinking light is bloody irritating, but we are more likely to notice it than a static green glow.

The only way to prevent that is to physically cover the camera.

Hackers Can Turn On Sleeping Or Hibernating Computers

Don’t assume that just because your Mac computer is sleeping or hibernating, hackers cannot access its camera.

They can potentially wake your computer, turn on the camera and record from it, with the indicator light turned off.

Security researcher Pedro Vilaça showed in 2015 how it was possible to remotely “root” and take over a Mac computer after it wakes up from sleep mode of 30 seconds or longer.

Irrespective of the method used, once hackers gain control of your computer, they can turn on its Wake On LAN (WOL) feature to remotely wake up your computer, like what the Ryuk ransomware does.

The only way to prevent that is to turn off your computer, or physically cover the camera.

Cybercriminals Can Trick You With A Fake Blackmail

Even if cybercriminals are unable to access your camera, they can still trick you into believing they somehow took compromising photos or videos from it.

They send out thousands of spam emails every day to trick people into believing they have been caught on camera.

People who don’t use a camera cover can be convinced into believing that their webcams were somehow compromised, and tricked into paying up to avoid exposure.

The only way to prevent that is to physically cover the camera.

The Best Way To Cover Your Mac Computer Camera

While we strongly advise you to cover your Mac computer camera, that does not mean you should risk damaging your display.

Laptop Computers (MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro)

According to Apple, we should not use any camera cover that is more than 0.1 mm thick. That basically rules out any camera cover, because it is impossible to make one that thin.

They also advise again using anything that leaves an adhesive residue. So that means cellophane tape (Scotch tape) and packaging tape should be avoided.

So here are the best options for you to consider, based on your requirements :

If you don’t intend to use the camera at all
a) Use your laptop in clamshell mode, with a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse
b) Cover the camera with masking tape, which is gentle and leaves no residue
If you plan to use the camera
– Cut a small piece of sticky note, so that there is an adhesive part and a non-adhesive part.
– Alternatively, cut a piece of masking tape, and fold part of it to create a non-adhesive portion.
– Cover the camera with the adhesive part
– You can then use the non-adhesive portion to pull it off whenever you need to use the camera

Desktop Computers (iMac, iMac Pro)

Desktop computers like the iMac or iMac Pro don’t have to worry about damaging their displays with camera covers of any thickness.

We therefore recommend using a proper camera cover that slides to let you use the camera whenever you want to, and physically cover it whenever you don’t.

Just make sure the camera cover does not use excessively strong adhesive, or leaves a residue that will require using solvent to remove, which could damage the display coating!

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New Logitech C925e Business Webcam Announced

6 September 2016 — Logitech today announced the newest member of business webcam portfolio, the Logitech C925e. The Logitech C925e Webcam is purpose-built for anyone seeking an enhanced video collaboration experience. With USB plug-and-play connectivity, the webcam is a plug-and-play device that works with virtually any video or web conferencing application.

The Logitech C925e Webcam provides razor-sharp video (1080p/30fps), a 78° field of view, and omni-directional dual stereo microphones designed for clear communication from open workspaces to home offices to private offices. Additionally, the camera features an internal privacy shutter that allows customers to block camera access when the Webcam is not in use.

Logitech C925e Availability & Pricing

The Logitech C925e Webcam is available starting mid-September onwards from distributors, MCL Bhd and M-link System (M) Sdn Bhd. The suggested retail price for the product is RM 549 / ~US$139 (inclusive of GST). It is certified and qualified for most business-grade PC or Mac-enabled video and web conferencing applications, including Skype for Business, Cisco Jabber and WebEx, Zoom, Google Hangouts, and more.

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Logitech Wins Five 2015 Good Design Awards

Jan. 21, 2016 — Today Logitech (SIX: LOGN) (NASDAQ: LOGI) announced that five of its products have been named 2015 GOOD DESIGN Award winners for achievement in design and product excellence. This marks the fifth consecutive year that Logitech products have been awarded GOOD DESIGN Awards.

The awarded products include the Logitech Wireless Mouse M280, the Logitech ConferenceCam Connect, the Logitech Keys-To-Go, the Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480 and the Logitech MX Master Wireless Mouse.

“These additional design award wins help underscore how design is at the core of what we do at Logitech,” said KP Sim, Logitech Country Manager for Malaysia, Brunei and Philippines. “Being recognized by prestigious organizations such as GOOD DESIGN, motivates us to continue our focus on design and making exceptional products that connect people to experiences they care about.”

The GOOD DESIGN Awards are presented each year to the most innovative industrial, product and graphic designs produced around the world by the Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design, in cooperation with the European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies.

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Razer Stargazer Webcam Features Intel RealSense Tech

LAS VEGAS (CES 2016) – Razer, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the Razer Stargazer desktop webcam. It delivers the best video capture quality in a webcam available today and simplifies traditional streaming setups.

The Razer Stargazer revolutionizes webcam use as the first device of its kind suitable for quality streaming content production. It sets a new benchmark for video capture at 60 frames per second at 720p, a magnitude better than the 30 frames-per-second limit of common webcams, and it can provide high-definition 1080p video at 30 frames per second. The Razer Stargazer also includes an automatic noise-cancelling, dual-array mic.

Powered by the Intel^® RealSense^™ SR300 camera, the Razer Stargazer is also enabled with next-generation features that push the boundaries on what a consumer-grade webcam is capable of right out of the box.

Razer Stargazer’s Dynamic Background Removal capability eliminates the need for full-scale green screen setups traditionally used by streamers. The webcam’s Intel RealSense Technology enables the camera to intelligently sense depth to separate foreground from background. This feature works with popular broadcasting software like OBS, XSplit and Razer Cortex: Gamecaster.

The Dynamic Background Removal capability also opens possibilities beyond gaming. Video conferences using Skype with Personify will be able to remove or swap backgrounds. FaceRig, QQ Video and ooVoo are also supported by the camera. Face and object 3D scanning will work out-of-the-box, and users can accurately port real-life objects into the digital world in full-HD. This holds promise for game development, as captured 3D scans can quickly be ported directly into development engines like Unity.

The Razer Stargazer also offers the most advanced facial and gesture recognition in a consumer camera. Up to 78 points on the face and 22 points on each hand can be tracked by the webcam. With this sensor advent, users can unlock their computers via Windows Hello’s face security system, launch applications with gestures, and play games that track facial expressions and hand movements like Nevermind and Laserlife for a new level of immersion.

“Webcams have not had any real innovation in several years, beyond resolution quality,” says Razer CEO and co-founder Min-Liang Tan. “There are exponentially more people streaming and video conferencing than ever before and their needs are constantly evolving. The Razer Stargazer can revolutionize work done by game streamers, YouTube personalities, 3D designers and game developers with additional benefits to the average computer user. Simply stated, this is the webcam of the future.”

Game streaming in particular has seen major growth in recent years. A 2015 report by SuperData says that gaming-related streaming content and their studios are worth $3.8 billion worldwide with more than 480 million tuning in.

The Razer Stargazer joins Razer’s one-stop-shop for streaming hardware – including the Razer Seiren and Seiren Pro microphones and related accessories – and will be available in Q2 2016. Razer plans to send out a limited number of Razer Stargazer units free to streamers via its Sponsored Streamer Program.

Razer Stargazer Price & Availability

U.S. $199.99 / EU €239.99
Razer Store – Q2 2016
Worldwide – Q2 2016

Razer Stargazer Features[adrotate banner=”4″]

Ultra-high 60 frames per second capture optimized for streaming (720p max)
Max 1080p HD video capture
Automatic noise cancelling dual array mic
Dynamic Background Removal
3D scanning
Facial/gesture recognition
Flexible clip for laptops and desktop monitors

Razer Stargazer Technical Specifications

Intel 6^thGeneration Core processor
USB 3.0 connectivity
Windows 10 only

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