Google seems to be preparing advanced features for Android 14. This new feature can later turn Android 14 devices into webcams for laptops or desktops.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many people have had to work and study from home online. This trend requires them to use an adequate webcam, and the demand for this device has soared in the last two years.
Actually, Android and iPhone phones can be turned into webcams for Windows and Mac devices using the Camo application. In addition, Apple also released a Continuity Camera feature that can turn the iPhone's rear camera into a webcam for Mac.
Now Google is developing a new feature to compete with the Camo app and Apple's Continuity Camera feature. The feature was developed through a project called 'DeviceAsWebcam' and was found in a new line of code by Mishaal Rahman.
As the name implies, this feature allows users to connect an Android device to a laptop or computer using USB to use it as a webcam, as quoted from 9to5Google, Tuesday (7/2/2023).
Interestingly, Google uses the 'USB Video Class' (UVC) standard so this feature should work on multiple platforms. This capability is different from Apple's Continuity Camera which can only be used on iOS and Mac devices.
However, users must connect their Android 14 device to the computer using USB. In contrast to Apple's Continuity Camera, which can connect iPhone to Mac devices wirelessly or via USB.
Unfortunately, it is not yet known what Android phones will support this feature and can be turned into a webcam. Also, whether this feature will be ready in time to roll out with Android 14 is still a puzzle, given that the Developer Preview hasn't started yet.