Opal has unveiled the Tadpole, a compact webcam capable of capturing and streaming video in 4K, and the company notes this development via a report from 9to5Mac.
The Tadpole measures 30.5 by 30.5 millimeters and weighs just 45 grams, with Opal claiming it to be the smallest webcam currently on the market. It features a 48-megapixel Sony IMX582 sensor and a six-element f/1.8 lens, delivering bright, sharp images. The device clamps easily onto a laptop, and its braided USB-C cable also serves as a carrying strap for convenience on the go.
What sets the Tadpole apart is its artificial intelligence-assisted directional microphone. This mic is designed to focus on the voice of the person in front of the camera while reducing background noise and other extraneous sounds. A built-in sound tunnel effect confines audio capture to the intended area, and a Touch to Mute feature allows quick silence with a single press during use.
Compatibility spans both Apple computers and Windows devices, making the Tadpole a versatile option for mixed ecosystems. The retail price is listed at 175 dollars, roughly equivalent to 15.6 thousand rubles in currency terms at current rates.
Earlier users of Apple systems encountered issues with macOS discs and software availability, a reminder that platform compatibility and software access can influence the overall experience for some buyers.