Apple VideoPhone Kit
The Apple VideoPhone Kit, introduced in 1996, was Apple’s innovative attempt to mainstream video communication. The kit included a QuickTake 150 digital camera, a microphone, and software for enabling video calls over standard telephone lines. Although limited by the technology of the time, the VideoPhone Kit was a forward-thinking product that anticipated the rise of video communication tools. It represents Apple’s early exploration into multimedia and communication technologies, marking an important step in the evolution of digital communication.
Technical Characteristics
Accessory Devices
KWM-A102A
Digital camera, Apple PlainTalk microphone, VideoPhone software (for enabling video communication)
Image resolution: 640x480 pixels, 320x240 pixels, image storage: internal memory for 16 images at high resolution or 32 images at low resolution, file format: QuickTake (.qt) format, JPEG
Unidirectional microphone designed for clear voice capture, Connection: 3.5 mm audio jack
The kit allowed for basic video communication over standard telephone lines, used the VideoPhone software, which enabled audio and still image transfer for video calls
Macintosh computer with a 68030 processor or higher, at least 8 MB of RAM, 1 MB of VRAM, modem with a speed of at least 14.4 kbps, Mac OS System 7.1 or later
Used standard telephone lines for communication, requiring a modem
The system allowed for real-time transmission of voice and still images during calls, still images were captured and transmitted rather than full-motion video
Varies by component