Razer has announced a new webcam based on on Intel’s Realsense 3D technology. The new Razer Stargazer is intended to make it easier for gamers to stream their gameplay by removing the need for a green screen background. It is also one of the few ways of getting a Realsense camera on to a desktop computer.
At the core of the Razer Stargazer is a Intel’s RealSense SR300 imaging sensor; which is capable of capturing 720p video at 60 fps or 1080p video at 30 fps. Ideally, the higher frame rate will be of value to the target audience; although 30 fps will be just fine for those streaming gameplay from consoles. The Stargazer is also equipped with an automatic noise cancelling, dual array microphone.
The main feature of the Stargazer is the Dynamic Background Removal system, that blanks out the user’s background without the need for any additional setup. In theory, this will make it easier for streamers who don’t have the space to set up a green screen behind their gaming rigs if they want to do a picture in picture stream. The feature isn’t quite unique to Razer though, as Intel has been trying to make this a selling point for the RealSense camera for a while now. It’s just that Razer has had the bright idea to market it to people streaming video games.
Since this is literally an Intel RealSense camera slapped into a webcam, it is also capable of capturing 3D images and exporting them for 3D printing later. Razer is using the gesture and facial recognition capabilities of the RealSense technology to bring features like Windows Hello to computers that lack the necessary cameras; while also allowing games that rely on gesture and facial recognition.
The Razer Stargazer will be available in the second quarter of 2016 for $199.99 (about RM880). Razer will also be rolling out a limited number of Stargazers to those in its Sponsored Streamer Program.
