Creative launches new Skype-certified WebCam

As Skype announces its new video communications offering, Creative ships a new WebCam for Skype Video calls out of the box

London, December 1st 2005; Creative (Nasdaq: CREAF) the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer and the Internet, announces a new WebCam – the first to be Skype-branded and certified and fully compatible with current and future editions of Skype's new Internet video-calling service Skype Video. Known as the Creative WebCam Instant Skype Edition, this new WebCam comes with a personal headset with microphone, plus software and a stand-alone microphone for use when several people wish to talk. Also in the box is a free voucher for up to 30 minutes of SkypeOut - Skype’s PC-to-landline or mobile phone calling service.

“Skype seeks to revolutionize the way everyone communicates using the Internet – via chat, voice and now with video – by making it simple. Creative shares that vision,” said James Bilefield, vice president of business development for Skype. “Our partnership with Creative is important in helping to make the consumer experience with Skype Video calling simple and effective.”

“Making phone calls over the Internet is the new wave in communications. This WebCam Skype Edition represents a breakthrough, offering people an easy-to-use solution for communicating and sharing their experiences,” comments Jean-Marc Dupuis, Joint-General Manager of Creative Labs Europe. “With the simplicity of its new service, Skype is sure to generate huge interest in video calling. We’re delighted to be making our Skype-certified WebCam available for customers to purchase on the day of the announcement.”

Available in 27 languages, Skype is being used by people in almost every country around the world and Skyping has become a global phenomenon. The latest version of the software has further simplified the Skype interface, making it even easier for people to see and speak with their family, friends and colleagues.

With more users going on-line to communicate, webcam sales in Europe have grown by over 139 percent in the past two years and show no signs of slowing down.

The Creative WebCam Instant Skype Edition
This Skype-certified WebCam features an advanced CMOS sensor that can capture video at 352x288 at a full 30 frames per second. It has a versatile stand that enables it to be positioned almost anywhere, and it’s quick and easy to set-up and use. Supplied with a comprehensive software bundle for image editing and management, it’s the perfect partner for Skype 2.0.

Price and availability
The Creative WebCam Instant Skype Edition will be available in store and online w/c 5th December 2005 with an SRP of £27.99 inc VAT. Also included is a free voucher giving up to 30 minutes of SkypeOut - Skype’s PC-to-landline or mobile phone-calling service

About Creative
Creative (Nasdaq: CREAF) is the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer and the Internet. Famous for its Sound Blaster and for launching the multimedia revolution, Creative is now driving digital entertainment on the PC platform with products like the award-winning Zen and MuVo Personal Audio Players.

The company’s innovative hardware, proprietary technology, applications and services leverage the Internet, enabling consumers to experience high-quality digital entertainment – anytime, anywhere.

Founded in 1981, Creative Technology's corporate headquarters are in Singapore. Creative Labs Europe was established in 1993 to capture a bigger share of the growing European market. Its Headquarters and Operations/ Technical Centre (EOTC) facility are based in Dublin, Ireland, and provide an efficient, localised and customised product supply service to the European market.

They also provide strategic customer support functions to Creative’s sales offices in Benelux, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK. The European operation currently employs around 400 people.