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Technology
5 data governance framework examples
Organizations that treat their data as an asset have a data governance framework that matches their style, structure and culture.
Organizations of all sizes collect, store and process data from numerous sources, including customers, employees and business partners. Without proper oversight, they can miss valuable insights, violate privacy regulations and make decisions based on inaccurate or incomplete information. They might encounter other data issues such as inconsistencies, errors and duplications.
A data governance framework provides a structured, consistent approach to manage data assets and treat data as a valuable resource that supports business strategy. Data governance frameworks consist of policies, processes and standards that define how to collect, store, use and protect data throughout its lifecycle.
Establishing guidelines and best practices through a data governance framework helps organizations ensure regulatory compliance, improve data quality and develop transparent data management practices. A practical framework gives data users confidence in data reporting, analysis and planning. By demonstrating a commitment to responsible data management, organizations can build trust among their stakeholders, including customers, partners and regulators.
Pillars of a data governance framework
An effective data governance framework is built on four essential pillars: data quality, data security and privacy, data ownership and accountability, and data governance metrics.
Data quality
Data quality measures whether the data fits its intended purpose. High-quality data is accurate, complete, consistent and timely. It is the core of any data initiative.
A governance framework needs four essential procedures to establish and maintain good-quality data:
- Regular profiling to assess data and identify quality issues.
- Cleansing and validating to remove errors and inconsistencies.
- Defining data quality metrics to measure and monitor quality over time.
- Implementing data quality controls throughout the data lifecycle.
Data security and privacy
Organizations are susceptible to a wide range of security issues. IT teams might need a better handle on where their vulnerabilities lie. Organizations should ensure their data governance framework includes security and privacy measures to safeguard their data assets and comply with relevant regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA. A strong governance framework contains several elements to regulate data access and usage by members of the organization:
- Implement strong access controls and authentication mechanisms.
- Encrypt sensitive data at rest and as it moves around the network.
- Monitor data access and usage to detect and prevent unauthorized activities.
- Develop and enforce data privacy policies and procedures.
- Conduct security audits and risk assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities.
Data ownership and accountability
Clear ownership and accountability ensures consistent and responsible data management throughout the data lifecycle. Well-defined data ownership and stewardship roles can prevent data silos, inconsistencies and errors that occur from uncoordinated or unassigned data management. A framework should support key aspects of accountability:
- Establish data owners and stewards responsible for disparate data domains or assets.
- Define transparent processes for data access, modification and sharing.
- Create a data governance council or committee to oversee data governance initiatives.
- Promote a culture of data responsibility and collaboration across the organization.
Data governance metrics
Measuring the effectiveness of data governance initiatives enables continuous management and demonstrates the value of data governance to stakeholders. Organizations should define key performance indicators or metrics to track the progress of their data governance efforts:
- Develop dashboards and reports to monitor data quality, security and usage.
- Track the adoption and compliance with data governance policies and standards.
- Measure the relationship of data governance to business objectives.
Data governance framework examples
Organizations can adopt various approaches when implementing a data governance framework depending on their specific needs, structure and culture. Organizations should consider five standard data governance framework models.
Center-out model
The center-out model establishes a centralized data governance body, such as a data governance council or committee. They define and oversee governance policies and standards. The model balances enterprise-wide consistency with some flexibility for individual business units’ specific needs. It also promotes collaboration and communication between the central governance team and data stakeholders.
The Data Governance Institute’s Data Governance Framework is a center-out model that emphasizes establishing a Data Governance Office and Board. The framework comprises 10 critical components that address the rules, people, organizational bodies and processes required for effective data governance. The components include defining the mission and vision, establishing goals and metrics, identifying data rules and definitions, assigning decision rights and accountabilities, and implementing controls. The framework also emphasizes the importance of data stakeholders and assigns data stewards to ensure the program’s success. It has hybrid flexibility for business units and data domains, but the Data Governance Office remains critical.
PwC, one of the world’s largest professional services networks, also recommends a centralized approach to meet compliance requirements and avoid business risks. However, PwC sees it as a step to help organizations better monetize their data assets. The PwC model emphasizes a centralized data governance program for consistency across business lines and to reduce the risk of data silos and missed opportunities.
Top-down model
In the top-down model, executive leadership and senior management drive data governance. The approach ensures that governance initiatives align with the organization’s strategic goals and priorities. It also provides the necessary authority and resources to enforce policies and standards across the enterprise. However, it might require more support from business units and stakeholders that feel disconnected from the governance process.
The global management consulting firm McKinsey describes a framework for effective governance that focuses on creating business value and enabling digital and analytics initiatives. The framework’s key elements involve securing top management’s attention and buy-in for data governance and integrating data governance with primary business transformation themes. McKinsey’s model proposes a central data management office, but emphasizes that executive leadership reinforces a solid top-down process.
Hybrid model
The hybrid approach combines concepts from other models to create a customized strategy that suits the organization’s unique needs and structure. For example, an organization might establish a central data governance council to set enterprise-wide policies and standards. They can also empower business units to implement local governance practices aligned with the central framework. It offers the benefits of centralized control and decentralized flexibility.
The Eckerson Group’s Modern Data Governance Framework is a hybrid model. It combines elements of centralized governance through methods, processes and technology with decentralized flexibility with an emphasis on people, culture and the need to adapt to the specific requirements of different stakeholders. The framework stresses the importance of involving a wide range of people, from sponsors and owners to stewards, curators, coaches and consumers. The goal is to build a roadmap for governance as a living document, that is revisited regularly to adapt to changes in priorities or needs.
Bottom-up model
The bottom-up model involves data stakeholders and subject matter experts from across the organization in the governance process. The model encourages collaboration and buy-in from people closest to the data, which ensures that governance policies and procedures are practical, relevant and effective.
DAMA, a well-known community of data management professionals, developed the Data Management Body of Knowledge (DMBOK). The comprehensive model defines the standard functions and activities related to data management within an organization. Its functions cover the entire data lifecycle, including planning, architecture, development, operations and quality management.
The DAMA-DMBOK framework is flexible, but it’s commonly used as a bottom-up approach because DAMA members typically drive initiatives from the IT department. Over time, they gain executive support and a more formalized adoption as stakeholders can show their success.
Silo-in model
A silo-in allows individual business units or departments to establish data governance practices and standards for their specific needs and requirements.
However, it can lead to inconsistency, duplication of effort and a lack of enterprise-wide coordination. The model suits organizations with highly independent business units or limited enterprise-wide data integration needs.
Few consulting firms or software vendors recommend the silo-in model because data silos are seen as problematic for governance. In practice, many data governance programs start tentatively in isolated business units that have problems to deal with or data that is especially valuable or vulnerable.
When organizations do not adopt a formal data governance framework, they often default to a silo-in approach due to practical considerations. Business units may recognize the need for governance within their domain and take the initiative to establish practices and standards that address their specific pain points or opportunities. The factors that drive the need for governance within the specific unit can include the following:
- Regulatory compliance requirements that apply to specific business units or data domains.
- The need to improve data quality and consistency within a particular business function.
- The desire to use data assets for competitive advantage or innovation within a specific market or product line.
Localized efforts can deliver benefits within their limited scope, but they often need to consider the broader enterprise context and can create challenges down the line. As the organization matures and seeks to use data assets holistically, siloed governance practices can become barriers to integration, interoperability and scale.
If a silo-in approach emerges as the starting point for data governance in an organization, it is essential to recognize its limitations and plan for a transition to a more enterprise-wide model over time:
- Identify and prioritize data domains that cut across business units and require a more coordinated approach to governance.
- Establish cross-functional data governance bodies and processes to align practices and standards across the organization.
- Develop and communicate a shared vision and roadmap for data governance that balances local needs with enterprise goals.
- Invest in data integration and master data management capabilities to break down silos and enable data sharing and collaboration.
Choosing a framework
Treating data as an asset involves giving it the same care and maintenance that the most valued corporate assets receive. Implementing a data governance framework requires more than technical effort. The cultural element around ownership and accountability requires consideration of an organization’s unique needs, structure and ethos.
The keys to success for any of the five models is involving the necessary stakeholders, securing executive buy-in for more comprehensive programs and developing a continuous improvement process. A data governance framework should integrate with the organization’s overall business strategy, ensuring that data management aligns with goals and objectives.
Donald Farmer is principal of TreeHive Strategy and advises software vendors, enterprises and investors on data and advanced analytics strategies. He has worked on some of the leading data technologies in the market and previously led design and innovation teams at Microsoft and Qlik.
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If you’re tired of showing up to video calls looking like a shadowy figure, it’s time to upgrade your setup with one of the best webcams around. Whether you’re working from home, catching up with friends or live streaming, having a great video camera for your PC can make all the difference. With so many options out there, finding the perfect one that delivers top-notch video quality can feel like a challenge. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this buying guide, we’ll dive into the best webcams that will help you look sharp and professional, no matter where you’re dialing in from.
Quick Overview
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Best webcam overall
Logitech Brio 500
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Best budget webcam
Anker PowerConf C200 2K Webcam for PC, Webcam for Laptop, Computer Camera, with AI-Noise Canceling Microphones, Stereo Mics, Adjustable Field of View, Low-Light Correction, Built-in Privacy Cover
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Best webcam for streaming
Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra
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Runner up – best webcam for streaming
Logitech for Creators StreamCam Premium Webcam for Streaming and Content Creation, Full HD 1080p 60 fps, Glass Lens, Smart Auto-Focus, for PC/Mac – Graphite
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Best premium webcam
Logitech MX Brio Ultra
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Honorable mention
Elgato Facecam MK.2
Factors to consider before buying a webcam
Resolution and field of view
While some newer computers have 1080p webcams, most built-in cameras have a resolution of 720p, so you’ll want to look for an external webcam that has a higher resolution. FHD webcams will give you better video quality; ideally, you’re looking for something that can handle 1080p at 60fps or 30fps. If you’re considering a cheap 720p webcam, make sure to get one that supports at least 30fps (most will) or, even better, 60fps. However, if your primary concern is better picture quality during video calls, 1080p is the way to go.
Some webcams can shoot in 4K, but that’s overkill for most people. Not to mention most video conferencing services like Zoom, Google Meet and Skype don’t even support 4K video. When it comes to streaming, Twitch maxes out at 1080p video, but YouTube added 4K live streaming back in 2016. Ultimately, with 4K webcam shots having such limited use, most people can get by with a solid 1080p camera.
Field of view (FOV) controls how much can fit in the frame when you’re recording. Most webcams I tested had a default field of view of around 78 degrees, which captured me and enough of my background to prove that I really need to organize my home office. On cheaper webcams you’ll usually see narrower fields of view (around 60 degrees), and those aren’t necessarily bad. They won’t show as much of your background, but that also means you won’t be able to squeeze as many friends or family members into frame when you’re having Zoom birthday parties. On the flip side, more expensive webcams may let you adjust the field of view to be even wider than average, and some even offer features like digital zoom.
Autofocus and other “auto” features
Webcams with autofocus will keep the image quality sharp without much work on your part. You should be able to move around, step back and forth, and remain in focus the whole time. Some standalone webcam models let you manually adjust focus, too, if you have specific needs. Devices with fixed focus are less convenient, but they tend to be more affordable.
In the same vein is auto framing, a feature that some high-end webcams now offer. Similarly to Apple’s Center Stage feature, the camera automatically adjusts to keep you in the center of the frame even as you move around. This used to be a feature only available on the most premium webcams, but now you can find it on sub-$200 devices.
You’ll also see other “auto” features listed in webcam specs, most notably auto light correction. This will adjust the camera’s settings to make up for a dimly lit room. If you don’t have bright lights, or often take calls in places where you can’t control the lighting, this feature will be valuable. Alternatively, you might consider using your mirrorless camera as a high-quality webcam solution, taking all of the benefits and features with you (albeit in a cumbersome package).
Microphones
Most webcams have built-in microphones that, depending on your setup, might end up being closer to you than your computer’s own mics. Check to see if the model you’re considering has mono or stereo mics, as the latter is better. Some even use noise-reduction technology to keep your voice loud and clear. While audiophiles and streamers will want to invest in a standalone microphone, most others can get by using a webcam’s built-in mic.
Design
There aren’t a ton of fascinating breakthroughs when it comes to external webcam design. Most are round or rectangular devices that clip onto a monitor or your laptop screen. Some have the ability to swivel or screw onto a tripod stand and others can simply sit on your desk beside your computer. But unless you really like having people stare up your nose, the latter isn’t ideal. We recommend clipping your webcam to your monitor and ensuring that it’s at or slightly above eye level.
A few webcams go above and beyond by adding hardware extras like built-in lights and lens covers, too. The former can help you stand out in a dark room, while the latter makes it so hackers can’t view you through your webcam without your knowledge.
Price
Most external webcams that are just good enough to be a step up from your computer’s built-in camera cost between $60 and $150. If the webcam has the same resolution as the internal one on your laptop, you should look out for other specs like auto light correction, a wider field of view or an extra-long connecting cable that can provide a step-up in quality or ease of use.
Spending $150 or more means you might get advanced features that tend to be present in a pro webcam like 4K resolution, vertical and horizontal recording options, stereo mics, customizable video settings and more. But unless you’re spending hours on video calls each day or streaming multiple times each week, you can settle on a budget webcam and safely skip most of those high-end options.
How we test webcams
We primarily test webcams by putting them through as much real-world use as possible. We examine their design, how flexible they are and how easy they are to reposition, and make note of how heavy they are and if that affects their ability to stay put while sitting on top of a screen. We use each webcam for at least a week straight as our primary camera for all video chats, and we make sure to use the device in different lighting environments to test low-light performance. We also use any built-in microphones as our primary audio inputs on video calls as well. Finally, although most of these webcams are plug-and-play, we test out any proprietary software that’s intended to work with each webcam, tweaking things like field of view, video resolution and effects, and using any special features like Show Mode on Logitech webcams.
Best webcams for 2024
Logitech
Resolution: up to 1080p | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: auto-light correction, Show Mode, RightSight, built-in lens cover
The Logitech Brio 500 is essentially an upgraded version of the beloved C920s HD Pro. It shoots the same quality of video — up to 1080p 30fps — but it has a wider field of view, an upgraded zoom, improved auto-light correction, a better mic array and a USB-C connecting cable that offers overall better performance. The biggest difference I noticed in testing the Brio 500 was the improved light correction. My home office can feel very cave-like when the blinds are shut or when it’s raining, but you wouldn’t know it when on a video call with me. Logitech’s RightLight 4 technology does a great job of brightening the whole shot when you’re in a dim or dark environment.
This Logitech webcam works with the LogiTune software, which lets you customize camera settings like field of view, autofocus, contrast, brightness and more, plus lets you enable Show Mode and RightSight features. The former lets you present things on your desk just by tilting the camera down while the latter will automatically keep you in frame during calls even if you move around. RightSight works much like Apple’s Center Stage feature does on iOS devices, and most people will likely get more use out of this feature than Show Mode. If you prefer to keep things more consistent (or control how much of your background is visible), you can choose from 90-, 78- or 65-degree field of views instead of enabling RightSight.
Logitech also updated the design of the Brio 500. It’s made of recycled plastic and it comes in three different colors that you can match to other Logitech peripherals. The camera attaches magnetically to its base and it easily swivels from side to side when you need to adjust its position, plus it has a built-in lens cover for extra privacy when you’re not using it. Overall, it has the best mix of essential features and handy extras of any webcam we tested.
But $130 might be a lot for some people to spend on a webcam. We think it’s worth it if you’re primarily a hybrid or remote worker, but there is a cheaper option for those with tight budgets. The Logitech Brio 300 has many of the same core features as the Brio 500: 1080p resolution, auto light correction, a built-in privacy shutter and USB-C connectivity. However, you won’t get HDR support, an adjustable field of view, Show Mode or omnidirectional mics (although it does have a noise-reducing microphone of its own). It’s a pared-down version of the Brio 500 and it’ll only cost you $70.
Pros
- 1080p/30fps video recording
- Wider field of view
- Improved auto-light correction
- Works with LogiTune software for customizations
Cons
- A tad on the expensive side
Photo by Valentina Palladino / Engadget
Resolution: up to 2K | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: autofocus, built-in lens cover, dual stereo mics, omnidirectional vocal pickup
Anker’s cube-like PowerConf C200 webcam has has a lot of the same perks as our top pick, and it’s one of the best budget webcams out there thanks to its $60 price tag. Setup is equally as easy as it was for out top pick – just plug it into your computer or docking station and start using it. You can download the AnkerWork software to edit things like brightness, sharpness and contrast ratio, but I just kept all the defaults.
You’re also able to control the camera’s resolution and field of view with this software, too. The C200 webcam defaults to a 2K resolution, but you can bring it down to 1080p, 720p or even 360p if you wish. Same goes for field of view: The default is 95 degrees, but I bumped mine down to 78 degrees to spare my colleagues a wider view of my messy home office.
I was immediately impressed with the C200’s video quality: 2K is likely more than most people need (1080p should do just fine), but the extra sharpness and clarity is a nice touch. The webcam’s autofocus is quite fast, and its larger f/2.0 aperture captures more light so you stay illuminated even in darker settings.
In addition to a built-in lens cover that you can slide closed for privacy, the C200 has dual stereo mics that actually do a good job of capturing your voice loud and clear. You can also choose directional or omnidirectional vocal pickup in the AnkerWork settings, with the latter being better if you have multiple people speaking on your end.
My biggest complaints about the C200 webcam are that it’s a bit cumbersome to adjust its angle when it’s perched on your screen. Unlike most webcams, Anker’s doesn’t have a short neck of sorts that connects the camera to its adjustable base – it’s just one, chunky piece of plastic that I had to use both hands to adjust. Also, the C200 comes with a USB cable that’s much shorter than others. This won’t be a problem if you’re connecting the webcam directly to your laptop, but it’s not as flexible if you have a standing desk converter or a more complicated setup that requires long cables.
Pros
- Up to 2K video recording
- Dual stereo mics
- Works with AnkerWork software for customizations
- Fairly affordable
Cons
- Short connecting cable
- Can be finicky to reposition on top of your screen
Razer
Resolution: up to 4K | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: background blurring, face-tracking autofocus, physical shutter
Razer built the Kiyo Pro Ultra as the ultimate video streaming webcam and that’s immediately apparent as soon as you take the webcam out of the box. It’s huge. Its circular frame measures three inches in diameter and about two inches thick. It follows the design language of other Kiyo webcams, but it’s definitely the biggest of the bunch and that’s probably because Razer stuffed a lot into this peripheral. It has the biggest sensor of any Kiyo webcam (1/1.2 inches to be exact), and the company claims it’s the largest in any webcam, period. The Pro Ultra has a F/1.7 aperture lens as well, which lets in a ton of light and results in a super crisp image. It certainly delivered the best quality image of all the webcams I tested, which isn’t a surprise since it can capture raw 4k/30fps (or 1080p/60fps) footage.
Streamers will not only appreciate the high quality image coming from this high-resolution cam, but also its HDR support, tasteful background blurring and face-tracking autofocus that swiftly transitions from zeroing-in on their face to whatever object they may be showing off to their viewers. It works with Razer’s Synapse software, too, so you can customize your image to your liking, tweaking things like zoom, pan, tilt, ISO and shutter speed. Just know that Synapse only works on Windows devices, so you’ll be stuck with default settings if you’re on macOS or Linux.
The Kiyo Pro Ultra is compatible with Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) and XSplit, so most streamers will be able to unbox it and get right to producing content. We also appreciate that you can twist the camera’s frame to physically shutter the lens, giving you more privacy when you need it. Undoubtedly, the Kiyo Pro Ultra is one of the most powerful webcams we tried out and it may even be overkill for streamers just starting out (our final pick might be better for those folks), but serious and professional content creators will love the quality video and customization options they get. If you want a similar level of quality and the ability to tweak settings on a Mac, Elgato’s Facecam Pro is a good alternative webcam. It costs the same as the Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra, can record video at 4K/60fps and its Camera Hub software works on macOS and Windows.
Pros
- Superior image quality (up to 4K/30fps)
- Face-tracking autofocus
- Works with OBS and XSplit out of the box
Photo by Valentina Palladino / Engadget
Resolution: 1080p | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: Auto exposure, noise reduction
Of all the webcams I tested, I had the most fun using Logitech’s Streamcam. While it’s a bit weird to say I “had fun” with such an innocuous piece of tech, I found the Streamcam to be remarkable in many ways. First and foremost, the video quality is excellent, coming in at a sharp 1080p/60fps. Details in my clothing came through much better and, whether I liked it or not, so did some of the texture on my skin. The Streamcam was also one of the best video streaming webcams I tested when it came to color reproduction.
All of those perks remain the same even when you’re shooting in low-light conditions. The Streamcam’s auto-exposure feature made up for the darkness in my office on gloomy days with excellent low-light performance. And it has the best kind of autofocus — the kind that you never notice in action.
The dual omnidirectional mics inside the Logitech Streamcam delivered my voice loud and clear during video calls. If you stream often and find yourself without an external mic, it’s nice to know that you could get by with the Streamcam’s built-in ones in a pinch. The microphones also have noise reduction to keep your voice font and center.
As far as design goes, the Streamcam is a bit larger than your standard cam. It’s a chunky almost-square that can easily be positioned on a monitor or mounted on a tripod, and a unique feature of its design is its ability to shoot either vertically or horizontally. I kept mine in the standard 16:9 format, but some content creators and streamers who post to social media often will like the 9:16 format that’s best for Instagram and TikTok. Logitech also made sure the Streamcam was optimized for OBS, XSplit and Streamlabs, so you can use it directly out of the box for your next live session.
Pros
- Up to 1080p/60fps video recording
- Good low-light performance
- Can shoot vertical and horizontal video
- Works with OBS, XSplit and Streamlabs out of the box
Cons
- Non-removable connecting cable
Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Resolution: 4K | Mic: Yes | Software support: Yes | Features: Auto-exposure, auto white balance, noise reduction, and autofocus
Everything about the MX Brio Ultra feels premium, from its sleek aluminum housing to its magnetic mounting clop to the twisting lens cover that gives you more privacy when you need it. This webcam uses a Sony Starvis sensor to record video at up to 4k/30fps, which is more than most people will need but provides a noticeable boost in video quality. The MX Brio also has better dynamic range and low-light sensitivity, making it a great option for someone like me, whose home office can get pretty cave-like on a rainy day.
The mounting clip sturdily attaches to a laptop screen or monitor, but it can be removed as well if you prefer a tripod mount. But the clip is also flexible enough for you to vertically angle the camera downward to activate Logitech’s Show Mode, which lets you more easily show off what’s on your desk while on a video call. That, plus the built-in lens cover, are two stand-out features on the MX Brio Ultra (aside from the stellar image quality), and Logitech even gives you the option to customize your video using companion software that has brightness, contrast, field of view and other adjusters. Admittedly, a lot of these perks are nice-to-haves rather than necessities; we’d recommend the MX Brio Ultra only to those who spend more time on video calls than not, or anyone who has a deep love for the MX lineup of productivity accessories.
Pros
- Shoots 40k/30fps video
- Sturdy yet flexible mount clip
- Attractive and premium design
- Built-in twisting lens cover
- Works with Logitech Show Mode
Elgato
Resolution: 1080p | Mic: No | Software support: Yes | Features: HDR, built-in lens cover, pan-tilt-zoom
Elgato made a few important upgrades in the new Facecam MK.2: it now supports HDR, a slightly wider field of view and a new pan-tilt-zoom feature that can either keep you in the center of the frame at all times or move the camera to follow you as you point to a whiteboard beside you. The latest model supports 1080p/60fps video recording and it has a built-in lens cover that you can slide out from the side when you’re not using the peripheral. Video quality is pretty good, with natural colors, good detail and decent lighting regardless of the available illumination in your space. In addition to its solid overall quality, streamers will appreciate the level of control Elgato’s Camera Hub software provides over things like white balance, exposure, contrast and more, and the fact that the Facecam MK.2 integrates seamlessly with the Steam Deck.
Pros
- Records 1080p/30fps video
- Pan-tilt-zoom feature
- Camera Hub software gives you a lot of control
- Integrates with Steam Deck
Others webcams we tested
Logitech C920s Pro HD
Our previous top pick, the Logitech C920s Pro HD webcam remains a solid option for those with less than $100 to spend and really only need a basic 1080p camera to upgrade their setup, or something affordable to make them look better on those inevitable Zoom calls. It has a 78-degree field of view, decent microphones and handy privacy shutter built in. The Brio 500 took the top spot away from this model thanks to its advanced light correction, auto-framing and Show Mode.
Buying glasses can be a big commitment. Even with the right deal and a great sale to keep the price down, you’re still picking out what will essentially become a part of your face until your next purchase. Your glasses will inform every first impression and contribute their shape to every smile and frown. Maybe that’s too much pressure, but another way to make things easier is to look at what makes a pair of glasses the “Best” for experts who make a point of judging.
Many online stores offer a wide selection of prescription glasses. Even with an internet full of articles telling you which glasses are the best, it’s still going to come down to you to make a decision about what frame fits your face.
Maybe one day you’ll be able to just choose the latest model of high-tech digital glasses, but for now, you’ve got a decision to make. Here are a few things you can consider when making that decision.
What’s your perfect price point?
This one is obvious on the surface, and it stays obvious once you get deep with it, too. You want the best value for what you’re paying! What could be simpler than that? Well, sites still rank different glasses in different places. Some lists go all the way to the bottom of the price range, finding frames as low as $6, while others take a more holistic view of value, where the price ranges from $39 all the way to $700.
There’s more to price than just finding the smallest number; you need to get that cost-to-quality ratio working in your favor, and there’s style to take into account, too. Before you start judging the price, you need to decide: what are you willing to spend? Those articles can’t answer that for you. Neither can this one.
Style selection and try-before-you-buy
As long as you’re picking out such a major part of your face’s overall look, you’ll want to find a shop with lots of selection so you can find the right look. Then you’ll want to try them on. There’s a whole discourse about what glasses are best for which face shape, and you’ll find plenty of disagreeing guides online if you want to look for those. They all come down to where on your face the glasses sit, how wide or narrow or tall they are, how round or square, and a lot of other things that are on some guides but not others. You know it’s going to come down to putting them on and seeing for yourself.
If you’re buying online, find a site with a virtual try-on feature. Don’t trust a sales pitch or your imagination when you’ve got a webcam that can dispel all doubt.
How optional are optional features?
With the right vendor and a great deal, some optional features are essentially basic. Would you call shatter-resistant lenses optional? What about a scratch-resistant coating? What you should really be making decisions on are things like transition lenses and blue light blocking, things that can make life easier and vision clearer and save you a few headaches (as figuratively or literally as you like).
Shopping for glasses is so personal and complex that it’s not really a surprise that rankings and priorities differ from guide to guide, site to site. What’s really going to matter is your own. Decide on price, find a great selection, and have some optional features in mind, then find a vendor that lets you put some frames on your face (even if only virtually). With some decision-making done up front, you’ve got a better chance of enjoying the shopping experience and finding what makes your next pair of glasses the best for you.
VentureBeat newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
Technology
India’s Physics Wallah raises $210M at $2.8B valuation even as edtech funding remains scarce
Physics Wallah, an Indian edtech startup, has secured $210 million in fresh financing amid a tough funding environment for edtech companies in the country following the collapse of Byju’s, once the biggest company in the space.
Physics Wallah said on Friday the Series B round was led by the hedge fund Hornbill Capital, a venture between China’s Orchid Asia and India’s Hornbill, with Lightspeed Ventures Partners “significantly” participating, alongside existing backers WestBridge and GSV. The round values Physics Wallah at $2.8 billion, a substantial increase from the previous $1.1 billion valuation it scored in June 2022.
The startup has raised over $310 million to date. The new funding, largest by an Indian edtech since 2022, included a secondary transaction of about $35 million that saw its founders and employees selling some of their shares.
Physics Wallah began its journey as a YouTube channel in 2016, where co-founder and teacher Alakh Pandey posted his lectures for free to help students who — like he had — lacked the financial means to enroll in premium coaching classes. By 2020, Physics Wallah had grown to become the largest Indian education community on YouTube, prompting Pandey to formalize his efforts into a company that now serves 46 million students in five vernacular languages.
“He always felt that he couldn’t crack the IIT entrance exam because he didn’t have access to quality education,” said Prateek Maheshwari, co-founder of Physics Wallah, explaining the motivation behind the startup’s mission.
India, the world’s most populous nation, boasts one of the largest education markets globally, with approximately 250 million students attending school and about 4 million giving entrance exams for engineering colleges and medical schools every year.
Physics Wallah caters to a broad spectrum of this market, serving students from third grade through those preparing for competitive engineering and medical entrance exams and government positions. It even offers live classes that typically draw tens of thousands of simultaneous attendees.
The startup, which also operates about 180 brick-and-mortar centres, employs teaching assistants and AI to address student queries, and has developed an app called AI Guru that helps students solve problems in their learning material. Physics Wallah has trained the AI on its own data, Maheshwari said.
One of Physics Wallah’s key strengths is the affordability of its courses, with prices starting as low as $50 for an entire year. More than 5.5 million students are paying subscribers, the startup said.
“We are covering nearly all exams in India, and for all the special ones – JEE, NEET, GATE, UPSC, and CAT — we are No. 1 in terms of revenue and the size of the student base served,” Maheshwari said.
That traction is serving Physics Wallah well: It reported revenue of $96.2 million in the year ended March 2023, and the startup told TechCrunch revenue increased 2.5x between March last year and March 2024. It expects its fiscal year ending March 2025 to be its most profitable yet in EBITDA terms.
Dev Khare, a partner at Lightspeed and one of the earliest investors in Indian edtech startups, told TechCrunch that many trends have converged to help Physics Wallah grow. “When you bring the price point down, it just makes things way more accessible,” he said, pointing to budget-hotel chain Oyo, quick-commerce startup Zepto, and storytelling platform PocketFM as other examples of Lightspeed’s portfolio startups that run similar playbooks.
Maheshwari said Physics Wallah will explore inorganic growth opportunities with the fresh funds, but added that the company largely raised the capital because the funding was available and the investors saw value in doing so. The company, which has acquired about 10 firms in the last three years, is thinking about an IPO, but he cautioned that it would not make any immediate moves soon.
The new funding arrives as India’s edtech sector faces significant headwinds. Online learning startups, which saw rapid growth during the COVID-19 pandemic when schools were closed, have seen a sharp decline in usage since.
Unacademy, a major edtech company based in Bengaluru, has cut approximately 2,000 jobs since 2022. The company cut another 250 positions in July this year, citing the need to restructure for profitability.
Byju’s, formerly India’s most valuable startup at $22 billion, has suffered a dramatic downturn over the past two years. The company now faces the prospect of bankruptcy proceedings.
Maheshwari said recent industry events haven’t affected the market opportunity. “From a student’s lens, things haven’t changed much post-COVID. The market is entirely hybrid and students are enjoying the best of both worlds to strengthen their preparation,” he said.
Physics Wallah is a “rare combination of vision, execution, and impact with a thriving 3C model – Content, Community, and Commerce,” said Manoj Thakur, founder of Hornbill Capital, in a statement. “We are excited to see PW’s use of AI not only to help improve students’ outcomes but also their emotional well-being.”
No investment bank was appointed for the deal.
Given how little Sony has yet shared about its big, pricy console refresh, and the excitement for the company’s just-announced limited-edition PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection, I figure you may want a peek anyhow.
Plus, I can now confirm its arrangement of USB ports: unlike what we’d previously heard, both of the console’s USB-C ports will be on the front, with two USB-A around back.
So here are some photos. First, the PS5 Pro. Then, the PlayStation 30th Anniversary Collection, including throwback grey versions of the PS5 Pro, PS5, DualSense, DualSense Edge, and PlayStation Portal — which all include a new version of Sony’s easter egg microtexture that includes a “30” next to the other PlayStation symbols.
PlayStation 30th Anniversary:
More photos of both in our gallery below:
1/23
Photography by Sean Hollister / The Verge
The Huawei Watch D was one of the weirdest wearables of 2022, and now the airbag-packing, blood-pressure-tracking marvel is back.
Released this week as one of six new Huawei Watch models, the D2 builds on the ground-breaking blood pressure tracking of the first D model. In a world-first for any smartwatch, its ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) system is now certified by China’s National Medical Products Administration and the EU’s Medical Device Regulation body.
The blood pressure monitoring tech is housed inside a revised chassis that’s slimmer and lighter than the original Huawei Watch D. Say what you want about the cool health tech, the last one was pretty ugly. The new version is a lot more Apple Watch-esque and features a 1.82-inch AMOLED display. While not a stunning design by any means, it’s at least more agreeable on the eye and a much less offensive housing for some otherwise smashing health gear.
The Huawei Watch D2 paradox
The advent of Huawei’s Watch D2 continues this device’s heritage as a bit of an enigma. Including blood pressure technology in a device the size of a wristwatch is a marvelous technological feat. Like the previous model, the D2 houses a narrow mechanical airbag in its strap, and on paper, this is the ultimate wearable for anyone with blood pressure issues.
However, Huawei remains banned in the U.S., vastly limiting its reach, and precluding the inclusion of Google‘s Mobile Services. As such, even where you can buy Huawei devices, the ecosystem is incredibly limited and requires the use of a lot of alternative services.
Still, Huawei has taken the best of the Watch D and repackaged inside a much more amiable second iteration. Sadly, it seems the innovative (and arguably life-saving) blood pressure tech will continue to be held back by Huawei’s usual issues.
Blood pressure monitoring in more mainstream smartwatch models remains out of reach. Behind the scenes, Apple has been working on blood pressure monitoring on the Apple Watch for years. Most recently Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman reported that the Apple Watch Series 10‘s redesign caused a delay with the feature due to problems during testing. The best Apple Watch is now available in stores, with a new titanium finish and a larger display in tow, but no BP technology.
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