Many companies such as Intel , VideoPhone and VistaCom are offering crude versions, with herky-jerky motion video. The same people pooh-poohed cell phones and pagers, saying that nobody would want to be reachable when they stepped away from their office or home. Eventually, I predict that every phone will have a visual option. Webcams will one day bring us all closer together. They will enable families from far-flung regions to better stay in touch.
Viewers can look at cities around the world to see local weather and watch live special events.
Imagine if you could have seen a live Webcam of your young relative's first day at school from your computer at work. And many immigrants would love to view images of their homeland at any time. These are now all generally available. Cameras can also be a great learning tool. Imagine having a camera set up so students can get a live, but safe, view of a volcano erupting.