I really don’t need a webcam on my MacBook at all. Kinda like I don’t need a microphone on my TV. Why are these not optional on devices? How do we know this is really what consumers want?
It feels like a lesson from the “you can have any color as long as it’s black” school of consumer choice.
The webcam is cheap enough that the cost to make it optional (ie: added manufacturing and logistical complexity of another model variant) would greatly exceed the cost of the part.
Most people (except some high security military/intelligence customers, perhaps) aren’t willing to pay more to not have a webcam.
The reason this isn’t being done more is because of course this leads to people wondering why their camera doesn’t work when the lid is on.
Because according to the seller’s analysis, the probability of marginal profit is not sufficient.
>How do we know this is really what consumers want?
“We” don’t, and short of a worldwide poll, one can only guess. The seller, especially as one of the most profitable entities in the world, is presumed to be able to come up with decent market analysis.
(though the switch isn't labeled as to which direction is on and which is off, which might have changed in current models)
The problem is I can’t confidently defeat the builtin devices. I would be more comfortable if they just didn’t exist.
I don't know how it is implemented, may be in software, may be done in firmware. It won't be perfect but at least it gives you a visual indication that your mic is (or should be) muted.