Android 14, the latest version of Google's operating system, is coming with a host of new features and improvements. One of the most interesting features of this version is the ability to turn your smartphone into a webcam for PC, Chromebook, Mac and Linux PC. 9to5Google found this feature, how it works. Let's see what the advantages are for users.
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Android 14 turns your Android smartphone into a webcam
With the update Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1 As soon as it came out, Google introduced the ability for Pixel users to use their devices as a desktop or laptop webcam. This innovation significantly simplifies the process, eliminating the need to download applications additional. The functionality works through a connection USB, thus ensuring compatibility with a variety of desktop platforms, including PC, Mac, Chromebook and Linux, making communication more accessible and versatile.
How it works
To activate the webcam feature on Android 14, users simply need to connect their phone to a computer via USB and select the option “Webcam” in the USB settings menu (photo below). Once activated, the smartphone will send an notification to configure the webcam. Tapping the notification will open an application that will allow users to preview and change the video feed, offering complete control over the video calling experience.
Video quality benefits
Using a smartphone as a webcam opens the door to a world of possibilities in terms of video quality. Smartphones, with their advanced sensors and high-quality lenses offer higher resolution, better quality microphones and the ability to experiment with different angles recording capabilities, far exceeding the capabilities of traditional USB webcams.
Furthermore, the sophisticated video processing techniques implemented in smartphones allow for sharper images and clearer audio, significantly improving the video calling experience. Think of all the innovations that will be implemented on smartphones Pixel 8 and 8 Pro from Google.
Compatible devices
Currently, the Android 14 QPR1 Beta 1 webcam feature is available exclusively for Pixel devices. However, Google has clarified that This is not a Pixel-exclusive feature and which, in the future, will be available for all Android devices that meet the necessary requirements.
This opening suggests that Google is intent on further developing this feature, making improvements and optimizations before the official release of Android 14 to the general public.
