Microsoft aims to make the Xbox Live experience more personal with the addition of the Vision. This webcam attaches to your Xbox360 and allows you to send pictures, video messages, stream video during certain games (UNO, for example) and even create your own personal gamertag picture.

Basically, it's webcam capable of 30 frames per second, 640x480 resolution, and 1.4 MP stills in an incredibly small package. The Vision also functions as a regular webcam when connected to your Windows XP computer.

Yeah, I've been having a lot of simple minded fun with this accessory to the X360. From playing with the settings to see how it effects the background on the X360's dashboard (it shows up under your background, and has several different looks, from edged, to water-ripples, etc), to taking various personal gamertag pictures, to sending picture messages to people.

The image quality on it is pretty good, and while I haven't tried it as a webcam on a computer, I imagine it would work well. I'll never use it as one, I bought it to be used as an accessory to my Xbox, not my computer.

There's a few games out on Live Arcade now that support the camera, Bankshot Billiards, the "Palour Games" are all going to be patched to support it, as well as UNO, which you actually get with the Vision, as well as an additional headset and a month's subscription to Xbox Live Gold. Unforunately, if you already have UNO, your SOL for another game, I've already tried to exchange the points for another.

There is a better deal out there though, and if you're American, or don't mind tracking one down, this is the bundle you want. It's $40 more, but it comes with a full year of Gold, and a couple more games.

Overall, it's a cool toy, works well, and has caused me to have hours of fun playing with it, but it'll be awhile yet before we know if it's the next thing in gaming, or another Eye-Toy...

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