December 2001 (Znews.com / Newstream) -- Logitech, a leading maker of Internet video cameras, in combination with the latest video-enabled instant messaging technology, is enabling family and friends to stay in "real-time" close contact even if they are thousands of miles apart. Thanks to the new instant messaging applications, users can now add live video and audio to their messages, making communication more personal -- more real. With an Internet video camera, and web access, anyone can tap into this new technology.

With higher bandwidth available to more and more homes, reservations about travel, current economic conditions, and most recently, concerns about sending and receiving mail, the Internet has emerged as a popular way to keep in touch with family, friends and business associates. Now users can chat -- live on line -- with anyone, anytime.

Recently, the cast of the popular TV program "Just Shoot Me" used Logitech Internet video cameras to communicate with troops overseas during a fundraiser for the USO. Instead of traditional text messaging, or commercial broadcasting from a dedicated studio, troops and celebrities could see and be seen using standard PCs.

Analysts estimate more than 200 million people will be using instant messaging by 2004, with sales of more than nine million webcams forecast for this year alone.