Android phones can be used as a webcam for computers. The new feature should arrive with the launch of Android 14.
Android phone owners will be able to use their devices as webcams for their computers. The Android 14 QPR1 beta 1 update, released for Google's Pixel devices this week, is testing this feature, according to information from the XDA-Developers website.
The new webcam feature works via a physical connection between the phone and a notebook or PC, using a USB-C cable. The webcam feature is likely to be available on all other brands of phones when Android 14 is released in October.
Since the webcam function is based on the USB Video Class standard, it should work on all systems: Windows, Linux and Mac.
Find out more about this new feature, which should arrive with Android 14, the new update to Google's operating system.
Android phone can become a webcam
The new webcam feature does not rely on third-party apps or software, but rather on the physical connection between the phone and a laptop or computer via a USB cable. The new webcam feature is currently supported on all Pixel devices capable of running the beta update, with the exception of the Pixel Fold.
Beta updates are usually released first for Pixel devices, so the webcam feature will likely be available on all Android smartphones from other brands when Android 14 is released to the general public.
According to XDA, the option is located in the “Charging this device via USB” section, which appears in the notification tray after the phone is connected to the device. Switching to the “Use USB for” option will provide on-screen instructions for configuring the webcam’s video feed, with options to zoom in/out and switch between the phone’s front and rear cameras.
While there have been a few third-party apps like EpocCam and DroidCam available for some time that make it easier to use Android phones as webcams, this will be the first feature natively integrated into the platform.
Since Android's webcam feature is based on the USB Video Class (UVC) standard, it should work on all operating systems without restrictions. Today's smartphone cameras tend to be better than traditional webcams, especially those built into laptops, so this should provide a quick way to improve the quality of live streams and video calls when Android 14 launches.
Android 14
After two developer previews and over 11 beta updates on Pixel devices, Google is almost ready to release the stable version of Android 14. All Pixel devices from 4 to 5G will receive the update on October 4. According to some leaked information, Android 14 was supposed to be released on September 4, but it was delayed.
The launch will take place at the Made By Google event, where the company is expected to unveil several products, such as the Pixel 8 series and the Pixel Watch 2. The phone series includes the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro.
Among the Google devices that will receive the Android update are: Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5/Pixel 5a, Pixel 6/6 Pro/6a, Pixel7/7 Pro/7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8.
