WebCamMax is an application that can take your ordinary webcam to the next level. Cool screen effects, video source switching, and cam recording are just a few of the features packed into this affordable piece of software. And while most webcams sold today come with some sort of extra control software, WebCamMax has richer and more extensive features than a standard webcam software bundle. I was so impressed with the trial version of WebCamMax that I bought a copy and it was through that purchase that I learned a few things about the product worth mentioning to other perspective WebCamMax customers.

Purchased version unlocks NO new functionality

There is no doubt in my mind that WebCamMax is well worth its asking price of $26.95. It should be noted, however, that you won’t get any new functionality when you buy a copy. The free trial version (available for download) has all of the functionality as a purchased version — nothing is “crippled.” Which is exactly what a trial version should be. If I want to “try-before-I-buy,” then I should be able to try all aspects of an application. Nothing is more annoying than trying something only to find that certain parts of the application don’t work. Ugh!

So, what do you get for $26.95? The removal of two minor annoyances:

1. Removal of the start up “nag screen” that requires you select an option (e.g. try, buy, cancel) before the application fully loads
2. Removal of the WebCamMax banner at the top of your screen

Most people can probably live with the “nag” screen, but removing the WebCamMax banner advertisement is well worth $26.95. Why? Because screen real estate is critical when you stream video. Why let someone else get prime advertising space in your stream when you could put something far more useful there yourself? Simply put, reclaiming screen real estate is what you get for $26.95.

Extra cost added at check out by default

If you decide to purchase this product, and I highly recommend that you do, be aware that an extra $6.99 gets tacked onto the final price by default.

The additional $6.99 is for the “Extended Download Service” (EDS). Should you lose your original copy of WebCamMax and its activation code, CoolwareMax (makers of WebCamMax) keep your original invoice on file for a full year so you can download a new “purchased” copy from the web site without having to buy the product a second time.

What’s important to note is that $6.99 for EDS gets added to your shopping cart automatically. If you don’t want this service, make sure you remove it before you complete your purchase. If you casually look at the shopping cart, you might not immediately see how to remove this line item. If you select the RegNow check out option, just press the trash can icon to remove the option. Otherwise, if you checked out with Piimus, just select the no thanks option from the drop down list.

Product documentation not easily found

This last tip is mostly a personal nit-pick:

The “Support” link found in the top menu bar at the web site does NOT link to FAQs, online documentation, or forums

If you routinely turn to a product’s web site for FAQs or a basic user manual, then you might think that the “Support” link in the top menu bar would give you want you’re looking for. Unfortunately, that link just shows you a couple of addresses for email support. If you want “Help,” then navigate to the bottom of the site’s web page and scan the footer links. Yes, normally non-essentially information is placed in a page footer but oddly enough, CoolwareMax thought that the “Help” link was best placed in the footer, not far from the “Privacy” and “Terms” links. On the other hand, however, the help option found on the menu bar of the product itself does provide a direct link to the online documentation — at least that navigational link is sensible.

Still love it despite my nit-picks

These 3 items are mostly just simple FYIs. Despite these points I still think WebCamMax is amazing and I’m very happy with my purchase (wishing they had an affiliate program). Therefore, if you use your webcam with video enabled messaging services such as Skype or Yahoo Messenger, or you’ve made the leap into stream casting at sites such as Stickam or UStream, then you should definitely check out WebCamMax.

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Filed under: How-To & Tech Tips