What as soon as appeared like a endless seek for the right webcam has now ended—and by that, I imply I don’t want to purchase one anymore. Seems I had one proper below my nostril.
Google’s December Function Drop software program replace for Pixel telephones provides the flexibility to make use of its masterful cameras in lieu of your underwhelming webcam with little greater than a easy faucet. It’s Google’s equal to the iPhone’s Continuity Camera feature.
Right here’s the best way to get it working.
Necessities
For this to work, you’ll want a Pixel cellphone able to getting the newest Android 14 updates. That’s the Pixel 4a (5G) or later—see the full list here.
You’ll additionally want the newest Function Drop, which hit in December. Head to Settings > System > System Replace to make sure you have it.
Join your cellphone to your pc
Subsequent, use a USB-C cable able to carrying information—such because the one which got here along with your Pixel cellphone – to attach your cellphone to your pc.
As soon as it’s related, swipe down from the highest of the display, and it is best to see a notification that claims “Charging this gadget by way of USB” or one thing related.
Faucet the notification, and also you’ll be introduced with a display of choices.
[Screenshot: Doug Aamoth]
Underneath the “Use USB for” heading, choose “Webcam”—at which level it is best to see a bit of webcam icon within the upper-left nook of your display.
That’s it—you’re related! Hearth up Zoom or Groups or whichever program you’d like to make use of and it is best to be capable of choose “Android Webcam” as a webcam.
[Screenshot: Doug Aamoth]
As a plus, your cellphone will cost whilst you’re utilizing it, because it’s plugged into an influence supply. It’s also possible to use your cellphone whereas it’s doubling as a webcam, so examine that out if you happen to’re courageous sufficient to be probably the most distracted-looking assembly attendee ever.
[Photo: Doug Aamoth]
Extra choices
Now, by default, the Pixel’s rear-facing digital camera might be used because the webcam. That is high quality, on condition that it’s a higher-quality digital camera than the front-facing one.
Nonetheless, you may swipe down from the highest of the display and faucet the “Webcam” notification, the place you may toggle between a number of zoom ranges or change between the front- and rear-facing cameras.
Not simply computer systems
This characteristic extends past simply computer systems: it’ll work on sure TVs, fancy vehicles, and even different telephones and tablets—although, mockingly, not different Pixel gadgets. So long as the gadget helps the connectivity commonplace often known as USB Video Class (UVC for brief), you need to use your Pixel as a digital camera for it.
