Having fun with effects in video calls

While the new video calling feature in Yahoo! Messenger 10 is great all on its own, you can liven up your video calls even more with special effects.

Many of the popular webcams come bundled with free software that lets you add effects, backgrounds, or accessories to your video calls.

Imagine talking to a friend and all of a sudden you grow a goatee and moustache. Or perhaps you feel more comfortable talking as a cat. Pick an Avatar from your webcam software and start meowing.

Some webcams also offer filters that change the color of your window, distort your face in hilarious ways, or make you look like you’re in a vintage movie.

Here are the basic steps for how to add special effects to your video calls:

1) Make sure that you have installed the manufacturer’s software that came with your webcam. It should be on the CD that came with your webcam. Or visit the webcam manufacturer’s website.

2) Start a video call with a friend in Yahoo! Messenger 10

3) Bring up the control panel for your webcam. On the panel there should be a section or icons for the special effects. Select the one you want and start goofing!

What video effects are available with a webcam varies by type of camera and the manufacturer. But here are a few links from some top webcam makers that detail how to use their video effects:

Logitech
Creative
Microsoft (pdf)

Have you used video effects on your calls? What are some of your favorites?

Sarah Bacon
Product Manager

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