Nov 2005
LiveJasmin powertips
November 22, 2005 22:37 LiveJasmin
LiveJasmin is among the largest camgirl websites, together with cumTV, ifriends, imlive and peekshows. Now also accessible as our LiveJasmin-based CamGirls Fans Livecams.
Tips for the power user: following our review, here are some tips for the power user. The site continues to innovate, with great new large video feeds and original Topmember awards.
Splendid large video feeds: As mentioned in the review, the LiveJasmin camsite has recently introduced a large video feeds feature with in-pic chatting. This allows members to have a full-size view and to continue chatting at the same time. The feature is bandwidth hungry, and performance heavily depends on both the guest and the camhost's setup. It is highly recommended to test the full size view option in free chat (which is available to all, including guests) before taking the camgirl private, as we found in our testing that a number of models have poor internet connections. Once you have a camgirl that has sufficient bandwidth, it is a very addictive feature that will make you not want to ever leave LiveJasmin
Original Topmember awards: LiveJasmin has a VIP membership option which they call TopMembership. The site explains that TopMembership allows members to express their views and rate models. This is not really revolutionary, and it seems that the LiveJasmin performer awards, which designate the best performers every month, are based on all user ratings, not only the TopMember ratings. What makes TopMembership original is that camgirls can rate TopMembers on the basis of a number of criteria, including "most masculine", "most generous", "nicest", "most sympathetic" and "wisest". The 50 highest ranked TopMembers receive up to 500 free credits every two weeks. This is a very strong incentive to join the program, but at $30 per month, this VIP option is really for the hard-core camgirls lover. The site adds that there will soon be an option to become a site "co-founder", "participant" or "leader" of LiveJasmin... these are quite intriguing options, and we are eager to learn more.
Number of models online: the frontpage indicates the number of livecams online but, as many other camsites do, the number of live chathosts tends to be exaggerated because many models log in under different host names.
Livejasmin Camgirls reviews: for users looking for advice and information on Livejasmin models, check out our camgirls reviews. We highly recommend Shygirl and the hilarious Roberta for camguests looking for great personality. Other stunning performers are SexyBlueEyes and SexyAngela.
Features not mentioned in our original review: LiveJasmin hosts camgirls who are only available to members, with no free previews. These models are typically not more expensive, but they tend to be more of the "professional" type who are logged in to different camsites at the same time. Another feature which was not reviewed is the availability of recorded shows to members. At $0.99/min, this is in line with pricing on other sites but, like on cumtv, some camgirls are merely posting recorded footage from porn movies rather than from their own performances. This feature is therefore to be used with caution.
Link to the site: LiveJasmin or our own LiveJasmin-based CamGirls Fans Livecams
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CumTV / Cams.com powertips
November 20, 2005 00:27 CumTV / Cams.com
CumTV, also branded as Cams.com or CamGirlslive, is among the largest camgirl websites, together with livejasmin, ifriends, imlive and peekshows.
Tips for the power user: following our review, here are some tips for the power user.
Model preview icons: CumTV's typical startpage loads a large number of pictures of camgirls currently online arranged in two main sections: free teaser chat and live video nude chat. Pictures are actual snapshots of the models' webcams at the time you access the site, except for those camhosts currently in private chat, whose standard bio picture is shown instead. This provides a nice real preview of the camgirl, and avoids aggressive marketing techniques common on other live chat sites, where it is not uncommon for models to use bio pictures of other (and often sexier) models.
Beware of the nude chat option: The pictures of the camgirls currently in nude chat are also actual snapshots, although you must be logged in to access these live snapshots. Non members only get to see the standard bio pictures instead. Members should be careful to base their decision whether to enter a nude video chat on these snapshots alone. Indeed, some camgirls are simply broadcasting pre-recorded performances in nude video mode, and live interaction is therefore limited (if the model is present at all). This is quite an unpleasant experience for members, who end up paying nude chat prices (around $2.50/min) for what is often available as a recorded show (available at $0.90/min). To avoid this misfortune, members should reload the page a couple of times at some interval to check if the same preview snapshots do not appear twice. The best way to ensure that you will be enjoying live interaction with a model is to start a free chat session, and then ask her to go to nude chat. Some models will resist this, and rather insist that you take a pricier private chat session. These restrictions render the nude video chat option much less attractive.
Video size and cam2cam: when logging in, users must set their standard setting either to small or big size video feeds. If your bandwidth allows, we would highly recommend to use the large size view, as it does not affect the size of your picture when in cam2cam mode. When in a 2-way cam session with a camgirl, your video feed will appear as a resizable picture within the camhost's feed. However, the pic-in-pic is quite large and cannot be reduced below a certain size. If the small-sized video feeds option has been set, your cam's video feed ends up eating a lot of screen space, which makes the cam2cam session less pleasant. This is particularly annoying for those members not wishing to avail themselves of the cam2cam feature, because oftentimes the Macromedia flash technology used on CumTV erroneously believes that you have a webcam when it is not the case. You then end up with a grey zone on the lower right corner of the screen, which hides part of the model's video feed.
CumTV's co-branded sites: the CumTV "official" sites are cumTV, cams.com and camgirlslive, but there is an increasing number of other access pages that are co-branded. These are however instantly recognizable as being CumTV skins, thanks to CumTV's specific interface. As shown above, you can enjoy the CumTV experience with the CamGirls Fans appearance (check it here).
Camgirls reviewed: check out our reviews, including video podcats, of selected Cumtv/Cams.com camgirls.
Link to the site: cumTV, Cams.com, camgirlslive or CamGirls fans livecamgirls.
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Peekshows powertips
November 18, 2005 18:07 Peekshows
Peekshows is one of the longest running and more reliable camgirl websites.
Tips for the power user: following our review, here are some tips for the power user.
Model rankings: when in chat mode, choosing the "online models" function displays pictures of online camgirls in the chat window. This makes changing rooms very easy. More interestingly, it is a way to find out who are the most popular models currently online: model pictures are ranked by the number of private shows they have, and it is an easy way to segregate between the more "professional" chathosts from the more amateurish type. A more comprehensive list of the top-performing camgirls on the site is available in the member area, and it lets users see the popular models, the model of the hour, etc. It is unclear how that ranking is being established.
Why do we like Peekshows Camgirls so much? Peekshows models are really among the best. They have great personal skills and most of them really care for their visitors. Our recommend Peekshows girls list includes Bianca, Kloudia, Kitra, Merian, everyone's favorite Rita, Pamela, and Vannesa. Check out our reviews of selected Peekshows camgirls.
Voyeur mode: this option allows to watch (but not to talk with) camhosts while they are in a private or semi-private session. This provides a cheap way to have a large-size view of a performance before making your decision to take the model private. Like the name indicates, it also allows users who are more interested in the performance than in chatting to be entertained at a fraction of the private show price. To find out which models are in private, you can browse through the many individual rooms, but a more efficient way is to go to the site's who's online section which highlights models currently in private with a red "P" sign atop their picture. Model fans should be careful though: "voyeur mode" is actually a misnomer, as the model can see the id's of the users who are voyeuring the performance.
Value deals: the site hosts a happy hour session on every Tuesday morning and evening (PST), during which tokens are available at a reduced price. Power users should also make use of the rewards system, where 2,500 points earn you 25 tokens (worth a five minute private show). New users get 25 tokens, but users can only register once with the same credit card.
Upcoming features: as noted in the review, peekshows has been lagging behind in terms of features. There is no audio chat nor cam2cam option available, and the only distinguishing feature is the stand-alone browser (called PeekshowsX) whose only benefit is to give users a full sized video feed in free chat. But things have been moving lately, with the site currently testing a recorded show option. This function already exists at sites such as streamate or cumTV.
Link to the site: peekshows
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CamContacts
November 17, 2005 22:41 CamContacts
CamContacts is a massive site, à la iFriends and imlive. It has a huge collection of camgirls, but remains easy to navigate.
In a nutshell: massive number of camhosts / original categories ranging from adult entertainment to dating and marriage / nice forum feature
Video quality: CamContacts runs a java applet for video content delivery. We could not check the quality at the time of writing due to technical reasons.
Models: with over 30,000 registered chathosts and several hundreds online at any time, CamContacts has a massive selection of models. Most are very cute, and, as the website's catch phrase has it, they are really from "around the world". Like at Livejasmin, many models speak several languages, which is indicated by a little flag next to their bio picture.
Features: the site supports free chat, cam2cam and audio. Like the other massive camgirls sites, CamContacts is organized in different sections. The different model categories are more original than what you would find on other sites: CamContacts blurs the line between dating and adult entertainment, as categories include "A Little Shy", "Non-Adult", "Make New Friends" and even "Long Term or Marriage", aside from the more traditional "Not So Shy", "Instant Action" or "Girl-Girl". The "A Little Shy" camgirls are supposed to love to chat and tease, whereas the more explicit sections feature girls that "go all the way", according to the site owners. This is a refreshing approach, which is designed to cater to a variety of interests. However, in our testing, many chathosts do not really fit their assigned categories, and some move from section to section depending on their mood. As regards online features, free chat is available to members, with the option to chat privately (like the whisper chat feature in Spread4u): this lets users get to know the camgirl better before taking a private session. Like most modern camgirls sites, CamContacts has a number of offline features such as bios, picture galleries, email alert system informing you when your favorite models are online, the possibility to email the model through the site, etc. Another original feature of the site is the forum, which allows fans to discuss their favorite models and other topics of common interest.
Value for money: we will need to update this review as we learn more about this site. Like iFriends or Imlive, CamContacts has many different options which merit a full investigation before a honest review can be posted.
Link to the site: CamContacts
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DivaShow
November 17, 2005 22:39 DivaShow
DivaShow is the smallest site we have reviewed to date, but it has great potential. It offers "girls next door"-type cute camhosts.
In a nutshell: very good value for money / "girl next door" experience / free chat for non members / nice interface / funny emoticons chat / growing number of models online
Video quality: the site uses a java applet to deliver video feeds, which works fine most of the time. Like an increasing number of small camgirls sites, it is based on the webvideo technology, which has some quirks: there are few, but annoying, random java errors that force you to relaunch your browser. We could not find a way to increase the size of the video feed, be it in free or private chat.
Models: a growing number of models (according to the site owners, more than 300 have already registered). In our testing, there were on average at least 10 models online at any one time. Camgirls on this site work either from home or from studios, but most have a distinct "girl next door" attitude: most camhosts create a sexy dating atmosphere, which provides for pleasant chatting and some thrills when going private. Only a few models dual-cam (i.e., they are on more than one site at the same time), which means that you can get their full attention. You will find no "professional" models on this site, unlike some of the popular models on flirt4free, cumtv or peekshows. A vast majority - not to say all - camgirls are from Eastern Europe. Very few two-girl rooms, and no male models.
Features: no cam2cam but audio, depending on the model. Very funny emoticons enhance the chatting experience. Low prices allow for long private chat sessions enhancing the "reality factor". The site has limited offline features, with picture galleries and no recorded shows. Overall, a simple but very nice site design.
Value for money: free chat for all, sometimes with audio (you can test free chat here). Camhosts determine themselves the type of chats they want to offer (nude, semi private or full private). In our testing, all type of private chats entail a strictly one on one experience, and most models are not providing a different experience based on the price you pay. In other words, you can enjoy real private moments with some camgirls at a fraction of the price you would pay on the larger sites. Private chat prices are determined by the model, and range from 1 to 5.5 tokens per minute. With the special offer running at the time of writing, this means that you can have up to 30 minutes in private chat for $30. Overall, a very good value for money. For some reason, memberships that have no credits left are being cancelled after 30 days.
Link to the site: DivaShow.
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Flirt4free
November 16, 2005 20:55 Flirt4free
Flirt4free is a high quality and innovative camsite, with a large selection of professional models. Despite its name, the site makes no secret that it is a porn site, contrary to some others that entertain a "sexy dating" atmosphere.
In a nutshell: free chat for all / very cute models featuring some porn stars / very few regular "girl next door" camhosts / quality comes at a price
Video quality: java-based video feeds, which can sometimes get slow in free chat (it is much faster in private chat). Members can adjust many features during private shows, including the video size and, depending on the model, even control the camera. Models supporting the advanced video control options are clearly labeled as such.
Models: the site owners claim to have more than 1,000 performers, with around 200 online at any time. On average, our testing has shown that it is more likely to find around 40-50 chathosts online. But what is very striking about this site is the quality of the models: it shows already from the bio pictures, most of which are high quality photographs rather than webcam snaps. Also, the site seems to have added the best camhosts from other sites such as peekshows. What sets this site apart from the other general camgirls sites is that it hosts popular pornstars such as Jenna Jameson and Gina Lynn, who perform occasionally. Even if the site features are very nice, this site is already worth it for the models.
Features: the site has a lot of features, and we expect to update this review as we learn more. Flirt4free supports audio and, as mentioned, advanced video controls. It has very good offline features, including large picture galleries and recorded shows. Overall, a very professional looking site with innovative features such as contests for the flirt of the month or the flirt of the year, etc.
Value for money: free chat for all - check out free chat here (only the small sized video feed is available to non-members). Members can choose between voyeur shows, group chat (paying for regular members, free to VIP members) and private chats. These options will be familiar to peekshows members. Pricing for private chat is one of the most expensive we have tested (even more than cumtv) at $5.99/min. The voyeur and group chat options start at $1.99/minute. There is a VIP Membership program, which seems to add many features that we still have to test.
Link to the site: flirt4free
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Camcrush / Epic Cams
November 13, 2005 17:30 Streamate / Camcrush / Epic
Camcrush and Epic cams are close siblings, not to say identical twins, of Streamate, with the same models.
In a nutshell: exact same sites as Streamate, same models, same technology, even your membership is valid at all sites. The sole difference is the layout, which is more "in your face" and more cluttered at Camcrush. We find it less classy than Streamate's.
Click on the link to the Streamate review in the left panel to read the full review of this very good site.
Link to the sites: Camcrush or Epic Cams
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Spread4u
November 13, 2005 15:19 Spread4u
Already quite large, it seems that Spread4u is still growing very fast.
In a nutshell: free chat for non members / whisper chat allows members to have a private conversation without paying for a show / many models online
Video quality: the site uses a java applet to provide regular, bigger and biggest video options (the last two are available to members only). As is the case for Streamate, the bigger screen options open a separate window, and one must go back to the main window to chat.
Models: many models, although not as many as on cumtv or Streamate. There appears to be a majority of models working from home, which adds to the "reality" feeling of the experience. Many girls are from Eastern Europe but you will find some models from Asia and South America. Almost no two-girl or couple rooms, and no male models (they have a gay site at stroke4u).
Features: no cam2cam but audio, depending on the model. The models list includes audio or phone icons identifying those models that support these options. The distinguishing feature of the site is the whisper chat option, which allows members to have a private conversation with the model without having to take her private. Note that in crowded rooms models tend to ignore private whispers as they tend to be overwhelmed by private messages. The chat window also shows who is in the room. The site has poor offline features, with limited picture galleries and no recorded shows. The one nice feature, which is also available to non members, is the email alert system that tells you when a model is online.
Value for money: free chat for all, sometimes with audio. Private chats range from $2.99 to $4.99, and a nude chat option is available for $1.49 to $2.49. The nude chat option is a bit cumbersome because, like on cumtv or cams.com, one has to ask the model to go to the nude chat section of the site.
Link to the site: Spread4u
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Streamate
November 09, 2005 20:56 Streamate / Camcrush / Epic
Possibly one of the best sites these days, Streamate is feature-rich and hosts a rapidly growing number of stunning camhosts.
In a nutshell: no chat for non members (except if you go through our live camgirls page) / uncluttered chatting / many many stunning models online / large collection of pics and recorded shows
Video quality: video feeds are provided through Macromedia's Flash player, which results in good quality. The full screen is also a nice feature, although one must go back to the main window to chat: Streamate has a thing or two to learn from Livejasmin's latest full screen view, which allows in-pic chatting. As with all camsites, the quality of the feed ultimately depends on the model's setup, and you better check in free chat before you go private.
Models: there is always a vast selection of models online - we'd say close to a 100, depending on the time of the day. Most of them are cute. There are both studio hosts and models working from home. Many girls are from Eastern Europe but you will find many models from Asia and South America. Comparatively more two-girl and couple rooms than on other sites.
Streamate camgirls reviewed: check out our reviews of selected Streamate camgirls, including long-time favorites Martini and SweetCherry.
Features: the site supports cam2cam and audio, both through Macromedia's Fash player. But what sets this site apart is the chat window: members only see what they and the model type. The chat window is not cluttered by messages from other members, and it is easier to get the model's attention and have a real conversation. Another nice feature (which is not supported by sister site Camcrush) is the display at all times of your favorite models in a pane on the left side of the screen. The site has also good offline features, including picture galleries and, for many models, recorded shows. On the minus side, there is no timer when in private, and members pay ex-post: there is no option to purchase blocks of time in advance, which results in a tendency to overspend if you are not cautious. Members can rate models, but there is unfortunately no way to search for the best rated models.
Value for money: members-only free chat (sign up is free), except if you access through our live camgirls page. Free chat may also include audio, depending on the model. Pricing is reasonable and varies from $1.99 to $4.99 (for duo shows).
Link to the site: Streamate
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Cumtv / Cams.com / CamGirlslive
November 07, 2005 19:06 CumTV / Cams.com
CumTV, also branded as Cams.com or CamGirlslive, is among the largest camgirl websites, together with livejasmin, ifriends, imlive and peekshows.
In a nutshell: free view but no chat for non members / quality comes at a price / many many models online.
Video quality: video feeds are provided through Macromedia's Flash player, which results in good video feeds. There is an option when logging in that allows you to decide the default size of the video.
Models: quantity and, on average, better quality than other large sites such as livejasmin: most models are cute and quite professional. There is always at least a selection of close to 100 models online, with a pool allegedly comprising close to 1,500 models. Many girls are from Eastern Europe but you will find some Asians and Northern American models too. There are a few South American models, and a few male models. Comparatively more two-girl rooms than on other sites.
Features: the site supports cam2cam and audio, like many of the largest sites. The chat window also includes some emoticons, which adds to the fun. The site distinguishes itself by good offline features, including large picture galleries and, for many models, recorded shows. You can see an example of the bio of a cams.com chathost here. There is no timer when in private. Members can rate models, but there is unfortunately no way to search for the best rated models.
Value for money: free view to all, but members-only free chat (sign up is free). Check out the free view here (only the small sized video feed is available to non-members). Free chat may also include audio, depending on the model. Pricing for private chat is on the expensive side, at up to $4.99. There is also a less expensive option, nude chat, with prices typically at $2.5/minute. There is a Premium Membership program, which includes "customizable Who's On Now, instant notification when any of your "favorites" are on-line, and full access to over 350,000 webcam galleries".
Camgirls reviewed: check out our reviews of selected Cumtv/Cams.com camgirls, now including video podcasts.
Link to the site: CumTV or Cams.com or Camgirlslive or CamGirls fans livecamgirls.
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Livejasmin
November 05, 2005 20:23 LiveJasmin
LiveJasmin is among the largest camgirl websites, together with cumTV, ifriends, imlive and peekshows. Now also accessible as our LiveJasmin-based CamGirls Fans Livecams.
In a nutshell: free chat for non members / moderate pricing / many models online.
Video quality: the site uses a new java-based engine, with very good video feeds, including options for "double sized" and "full view". Note that not all models are using the new software, but we guess its use will become more widespread over time. You can have a look through this link.
Models: quantity more than quality. There is always at least a selection of close to 100 models online. Many models work from home or from small studios. Many girls are from Eastern Europe but you will find some Asians too. No male models, and we have yet to see two-girl rooms.
Features: the site has just implemented a new technology, with different sizes for the live feeds. The full view option is very nice, with a chat in picture function that is very easy to use. The site also supports cam2cam and audio, like many of the largest sites nowadays. There is no timer when in private, but the site will alert you when you only have two minutes left.
Value for money: free chat, even for non-members. Free chat may also include, depending on the model, the full size and double size options, as well as audio. Pricing depends on the model, but tends to be cheaper than peekshows or cumtv. No rewards or fidelity programmes, although there is a VIP member option which we still have to investigate.
Camgirls reviewed: check out our reviews of selected Livejasmin camgirls.
Link to the site: livejasmin or our own LiveJasmin-based CamGirls Fans Livecams
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Peekshows
November 02, 2005 03:21 Peekshows
Peekshows is one of the longest running and more reliable camgirl websites.
In a nutshell: free view but no chat for non members / quality models
Video quality: the site uses a java-based engine, with very good video feeds, although the quality ultimately depends on the model's setup. You can go to free view and choose the model to view from the camgirls live section of this site.
Models: it is rare to see less than 20-30 models live at anytime. Most models are working from studios and have very good looks. There is a large number of girls from Eastern Europe and Russia, as well as a certain number of chathosts from Northern America. Very few male models. Some two-girl rooms.
Features: the site was once at the forefront, with large and crisp video feeds and little lag time. Chatting options include free, voyeur, semi-private and private shows. There is also a stand alone viewer application (which you can test here), as well as a software alerting you when your favorite models are online. Surprisingly, the site now lags behind as there is no support for sound nor for cam2cam. The owners have chosen to expand in other areas, such as a gift shop where you can make presents to models, and a relatively elaborate look & feel including options to view the "model of the hour", "new chathosts", etc.
Value for money: all depends of course of the chathost. There are discounts depending on how much tokens you buy at one time, and there is a frequent customer programme allowing users to exchange points for free minutes. The site applies a single pricing policy for each of the voyeur (1 token/min), semi-private (3 tokens/min) and private (5 tokens/min) show options. Prices are twice as much for duo shows. Reduced pricing is available on Thursdays, and new members get 25 tokens which will get them a free five minutes private show.
Camgirls reviewed: check out our reviews of selected Peekshows camgirls.
Link to the site: peekshows
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