
The Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1 update, published for Pixel smartphones, unlocks a future Android feature that allows you to use your phone as a webcam. The new camera feature does not rely on third-party apps or software, instead requiring the phone to be physically connected to a laptop or desktop computer through a USB connection.
The capability may be found under the “Charging this device via USB” option that displays in the notification tray after connecting the phone. Switching to the new “Webcam” option in the “Use USB for” section will then display on-screen instructions for configuring the webcam video stream, including zoom in/out and switching between the device’s front and back cameras.
Except for the Pixel Fold, the new camera capability is presently supported on all Pixel devices that can install the beta version. Because Android beta updates are often issued first to Pixel smartphones, it’s probable that the webcam functionality will ultimately be accessible across Android phones from other brands when Android 14 is released to the general public.
There have been some third-party apps available for a time now that allow you to use your Android phone as a camera, such as EpocCam and DroidCam, but this will be the first capability that is officially embedded into the Android platform. Modern phone cameras are significantly superior than traditional webcams, particularly those incorporated into laptops, so when Android 14 is launched in October, this should be an easy (and free) solution to improve the quality of your broadcasts or video feeds during meetings.
The requirement for a cabled connection is a touch surprising, given that Apple’s Continuity Camera, which replaces an iPhone’s camera for the webcam while accepting calls on a MacBook, is totally wireless. However, because Android’s camera capability is based on the USB Video Class (UVC) standard, it should operate on any system, including Windows, Chromebook, Linux, and Mac.
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