The Android 14 QPR1 is now rolling out to all supported Pixel devices, and as expected, Google has added a lot of features to the new version of the software. Some features the company mentioned itself, and some features we found out through sources. But considering how it is a proper OS update, things often go under the radar, but thankfully, we have something new around the corner.
Thanks to Android 14, your phones could soon have the ability to turn into webcams
Based on information from Android expert and enthusiast Mishaal Rahman, it appears that the new Android 14 QPR1 lets you use your Android device as a webcam. This is a really convenient feature that will allow you to quickly connect your phone and use it as a webcam, especially when you are on a desktop and don't have ready access to a webcam.
Android 14 QPR1 lets you use your Pixel 6 or Pixel 7 series device as a USB webcam for your PC, as I first reported. This feature is NOT Pixel-exclusive, however.
According to my sources, it'll be part of Android 14's source code, but the DeviceAsWebcam app is not included when… https://t.co/Hl0YiaSqd0 pic.twitter.com/FTizZmypoI
— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) September 21, 2023
Now, Rahman has mentioned that the Webcam Service app should be part of the AOSP (Android Open Source Project), and if that is the case, Android manufacturers should start including this in their version of Android 14. This means that sooner or later, this feature could become commonplace for a lot of phones. Rahman also clarifies that this feature is not going to be a complete clone of Apple's Continuity Camera because this version actually works on multiple platforms. Basically, any phone running Android 14 that meets the requirements can be turned into a USB webcam, which is great news for anyone who is looking to get rid of an old webcam that no longer gets the job done.
Now, the important thing here is that we are still not sure if this feature is going to be exclusive to Android 14 on Pixel phones or if other phones will also support it. Remember, even if the Webcam Service becomes part of the AOSP code, it will be up to the OEM to design whether they are going to bring this feature into their version of Android or not. This is where the question mark comes at, but hopefully, that will not be the case when the OS is available for all major devices.
News Source: Esper
About the author: I have been tinkering with Android devices ever since the early days of the HTC Desire. Over time, I have grown a fondness for the ecosystem and now I cannot live without it. Although some might believe that I have sold my soul to Android, but I believe it is not the case. You can find me writing tutorials and posting guides on a number of different smartphones. When I am not writing here, I am wasting myself away in books, journals, or on Steam.
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