Hannover (Germany) - Creative announced what the company calls the "most advanced webcam on the market".

The new Live! Cam Optia AF is not quite on the market yet as it is scheduled for a later Q2 product introduction. But it is the first camera we know of that runs at a 2 megapixel (1600 x 1200) resolution, which is a substantial upgrade from the regular Optia model that offers only 1.3 megapixels. Most competing webcams only offer 640 by 320 pixel resolution.

The form factor is identical with the predecessor, however, Creative decided to go with a trendy piano black look in the new model. The camera also includes a glass lens, the firm's dual microphone system s well as noise cancellation technology.

Pricing has not been announced but is expected to be slightly above the Optia's $80 MSRP.