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Varioptic Liquid Lens in Autofocus Webcams  

   Akkord selects Varioptic’s Liquid Lens for their first autofocus webcams  

Shenzhen (P.R. China) and Lyon (France), 10th June 2008 – Varioptic, the liquid lens company, and Shenzhen Akkord Electronics Co. Ltd, an OEM for leading electronics brand names in Europe, announced today the launch of the first 1.3 and 2.0 Megapixel liquid lens variable focus webcams – S1300 and S2000 AF SnakeCams.  

The new S1300AF and S2000AF SnakeCams feature a high quality CMOS sensor integrating Varioptic’s variable focus Liquid Lens, Arctic 416. 

With the increased availability of broadband access, high-definition displays, users expect superior image quality. A typical use of a webcam should also allow extreme close-up view (“look at this” situation) to full overview of a scene.  Autofocus then becomes mandatory. 

With its fast response time, Varioptic’s liquid lens is the perfect solution for the SnakeCam, maintaining good focus at all times at a frame rate up to 30 frames per second. Its silent operation also avoids any irritating noise or electro magnetic interference, which could be captured by the built-in microphone, when the focus changes. With no moving parts, the liquid lens is very robust and the perfect answer to stand up to the day to day knocks the SnakeCam is likely to suffer.

“We are delighted to support Akkord Electronics to bring their first Autofocus SnakeCams to market ’’, said Christian Dupont, CEO of Varioptic. “This is a great first step with Akkord and we are looking to extend our cooperation to broaden their range of webcams”.

Tian Xiaofeng, General Manager of Shenzhen Akkord Electronics Co. Ltd  added: “by choosing Varioptic’s liquid lens over other autofocus actuators, we are able to supply our customers with an innovative, high performance, low power, auto focus solution with no moving parts, requiring very little power, and with a very fast response time.’’   

The S1300 & S2000 AF SnakeCams can be ordered now through Akkord Shenzhen Electronics Co. Ltd at USD 20 per unit.  Varioptic’s liquid lens is mass produced by manufacturing partner, Creative Sensors Inc. (Taiwan), located in Wuxi, China. 

The S1300 AF SnakeCam will be demonstrated at Opto Taiwan, 11-13 June (Varioptic booth A019, Hall 1). To make an appointment, contact [email protected]. 

About Shenzhen Akkord Electronics Co. Ltd, established in 1997 and located in Shenzhen (China), is a high-technology manufacturing enterprise specialized in research and development and sale of digital cameras, computer cameras and IP video phones. It counts more than 450 employees, including 20 research engineers.  Our success is based on advanced manufacturing equipment, fast moving environment and an experienced research team. In addition, our company keeps on promoting technology innovation in order to manufacture more multi-functioned and individual products to satisfy customers’ demand. Please visit www.akkord.com.cn for more information. 

About VariopticVarioptic is the world leader in liquid lenses having pioneered the development of Electrowetting Technology to create variable focus lenses with no moving parts. Liquid lenses are used in a wide range of imaging applications from industrial vision to camera phones, and feature a number of advantages over traditional focusing technologies in terms of robustness, power consumption, size, cost and speed. Varioptic is located in France with a subsidiary in Taiwan and representation in China, Japan, Korea, Europe and USA. For more information, visit www.varioptic.com.   

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