Creative resurrects video phone with InPerson

Creative plans to revive the concept of a dedicated video phone with a device to be released soon, according to an FCC filing published yesterday and recently discovered by Engadget. The portable InPerson embeds a 7-inch LCD and rotating VGA camera that can be used for video chats between users with SightSpeed's live video service; directional pad controls and a simple onscreen interface help the user place calls more easily than would be possible either through software on a PC or on a legacy video phone. VoIP calls to and from real-world numbers will be possible through a number pad, the leak shows.

The InPerson pulls its connection either across Ethernet or WiFi and also has an RCA output for relaying its video to a TV that supports the analog video format. A hinged, notebook-like design alows it to fold and includes a 5-hour lithium-ion battery to use independently of a power cord when on the road, according to Creative.

No immediate clues are provided as to the release date of the video phone in the FCC post, though the inclusion of an early user's manual with images of the interface point to the InPerson receiving approval close to its production date, suggesting a potential announcement at the CES expo in January and a release in the near future.