WebCamImageSave is a new application by Nirsoft for the Windows operating system that can capture periodic webcam images. This can be handy for documentation purposes, the creation of art (e.g. time lapse movies) or as a personal log.

The program is portable and can be started right after it has been downloaded and unpacked on the computer system. It can be used with any webcam that is compatible with Video For Windows, which should be the majority of available webcams.

The program displays a configuration window on startup. Here it is possible to change the file name format and other settings. The software supports variables for the file name, for instance to add the date and time to it.

The interval in which captures of the webcam are taken and the jpg quality, in case jpg is selected as the image format, can be selected in the options as well. The program supports png and bmp next to jpg, the file name determines the image format.

A custom label can be added to captures. This includes date and time as well as custom label text. This is optional and can be disabled in the settings. The position, text color and shade color can be configured in the options.

The software will start taking captures of the webcam automatically once the options window has been closed. It is optionally possible to disable the automatic capturing and take stills manually with the F8 key.

Advanced users find command line options at their disposal to capture and save webcam stills from the command line or batch files.

Users who run into troubles or configuration issues should read the known problems and limitations section over at the Nirsoft website for troubleshooting help.

WebCamImageSave is compatible with recent 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the Microsoft Windows operating system.

Well, that is not quite what has happened in the real world. The webcam, sparing a select few business applications like long distance interviewing, has been degraded to a pretty much strictly social tool, becoming the tool of choice for teenage girls to talk to one another when ten feet away and long distance lovers to visit from miles apart. While some remote areas do indeed utilize webcams for doctor visits, most of its other applications have been limited to the less savory sections of the web. In short, the web cam never met its full potential.

There is, however, a quiet company that is attempting to capitalize on this social focus of webcams and utilize it for the better. They call their product line “Rounds,” and it can be applied in several different settings to add a webcam element to different parts of the web. To use the products you do, of course, have to have a webcam set up, and for optimal usage you need a microphone as well.

The main tool in their line is a simple Facebook application that allows you to do various things while sharing them with a friend. Not only can you both watch a video at the same time, but you can watch each other watch a video at the same time. The Facebook application can be found here – it is probably the least practical but most widely used option Rounds offers

The second option takes several functions that can be done using other websites and applications – like ChatRoullete and Skype – and puts them in a prettier interface. It comprises an entire social community that Rounds would like to flourish, although so far it has not done anything too incredible. It does, however, present some pretty neat things that other networks like Facebook do not, all of which center around webcam activities. The social community website can be found here.

Rounds offers two other options for utilizing webcams in new ways. The first is through a webcam connection service that operates directly through Chrome, allowing you to create contacts and have video conversations just like you might in Skype or a similar program but all through your Chrome browser as an extension. This is probably the best option the company offers – it really does seem to make a quick chat easier. The final is a gadget for the failed Google Wave project. Most people will not find it too useful, but if they are already involved in the project they may want to fiddle with it. The Chrome extension can be found here and the Wave gadget here.

The webcam may never accomplish what we hoped it would. We might as well enjoy what it can do instead.

Whats more distressing than two guys singing Barbie Girl live on webcam ? Can´t think of a lot of things, but mabye two chinese singing As long as you love me from the Backstreet Boys. A friend told me the two chinese got a advertising contract because of this, hard to understand if you ask me. Here is a second clip of them, still singing backstreet boys, I want it that way.

Next in line is a middle-aged men who is singing What is love from Haddaway, his facial expression is really something to.. ah well see for yourself. Unfortunatly we also hear his singing. Then comes this girl who sings Pink Dinosaur, a song from Pink called Dinosaur ? I don´t know but I think I did not miss a lot.

Here we have the worst five of American Idols, I always wonder why people with no talent are doing this.. Next in line to fame are two guys who sing a Spice Girls song, I can´t take a lot more, how about you.

This one is a classic, a rather fat teen is singing numa numa and looks just ridiculous. Indian boy sings Welcome to India, spoof of welcome to Atlanta.

Then we have Way To Amarillo by the Royal Dragoon Guards, don´t they have other things to do in Iraq ? And finally two chinese singing a rap dance song.. a chinese one.. lol.