Logitech created a 4K magnetic webcam specifically for Apple’s Pro Display XDR you can use with the 2019 Mac Pro. Apple didn’t include a webcam in the display, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It will be used in environments like music studios where people cover up the webcams anyway. But Logitech’s solution is elegant, with an anodized aluminum finish that won’t look out of place with on Apple device. The magnet is strong enough to stay on even if you put the XDR display in portrait mode, and the screen image will automatically rotate along with it. You can buy it for US$199.
John Martellaro and Andrew Orr join Kelly Guimont to discuss webcams and security measures, as well as AI that freaks out even Elon Musk.
There is a certain practice, born, perhaps, of obsolete data and just plain paranoia. People place a sticky note over their Mac’s webcam when not in use. Is this a valid, efficacious practice? There are even commercial products that have a nicer look to them. John Gruber digs into the practice and the technology both old and new. There’s a lot to learn in this column by John. Check it out.
Apple says an iMac with pro features is coming later this year, but didn’t elaborate on exactly what that entails. Jeff Butts and Dave Hamilton join Jeff Gamet to talk about what they’d like to see in the new model. Spoiler: they were able to distill that down to two words.
Our front-facing cameras are terrific, but they are also a security risk. Jeff Butts tells you how to disable your FaceTime Camera, iSight, or other webcam on a Mac without resorting to leaving the sticky residue of tape behind.
Logitech announced BRIO earlier this month. I’ve been researching webcams for a video/podcast I’m developing with John “The Devil’s Advocate” Kheit, which led me to the Brio. It’s a 4K webcam aimed specifically at YouTubers and other vloggers, with support for multiple resolutions: 4K (Ultra HD) at 30 fps, 1080p (Full HD) at 30 or 60 fps, and 720p (HD) at 30 or 60 fps. BRIO also features a 5X digital zoom and a lightning feature Logitech calls “RightLight 3 with HDR.” On the Windows side (but not Mac), it supports Microsoft’s Windows Hello facial recognition technology. Logitech is sending me one for review, and I’ll be using on Pop.0 with John Kheit when we launch early in March. BRIO is scheduled to ship in March, and it retails for US$199/€239. It’s up on Amazon for pre-order now.
