Gizmo

By Andy Walker, Cyberwalker Media Syndicate

Web cameras can be difficult to use because you have to sit still in front of your computer to stay in frame.

The TrackerPod changes that. It's a robotic tripod that uses some innovative software to target and follow a person in the camera's frame. You attach an existing web cam to the screw-on mount and the software identifies any motion in the frame and moves the camera to follow it.

This has obvious uses in home security. Advanced features allow you to connect to the camera across the Web and monitor your home remotely. You can pan, tilt and zoom the device from a Web browser. In video conferencing this tracking feature can be used to make sure the camera stays on you as you move around.

You can even set the camera to follow a preset path in its field of view.
The device, which connects to a USB computer port, is a clever addition to the world of web cameras. Those who have utility for it will be very pleased with the innovation.

Price: $275.00 Canadian / $174.99 US (without camera). Add a Logitech QuickCam Pro 3000 for $140 Canadian / $99.99 US

Buy it: In Canada, through Honson Computer (416-967-9333) and OTA Systems Centres. (416-922-8618). On the Web and from anywhere in the world, at www.trackercam.com (Eagletron ships to the U.S., across Canada and around the world).