Android phone owners are in for a treat with the upcoming software update from Google. The tech giant is introducing a new feature that allows users to use their Android phones as a substitute for a webcam. This exciting development, currently available only on select Google Pixel models, will soon be rolled out to all Android phone owners, according to 9to5Google.

Goodbye expensive webcams, hello Android Camera

If you've been contemplating purchasing a new webcam, hold off for a bit. Thanks to Google's new feature, Android users will get a "free" webcam upgrade as part of their phone. This is great news for those who want to save money on expensive accessories.

What are users saying?

The response from Android users has been overwhelmingly positive. One user, who previously lacked a webcam on their gaming laptop, said, "This will be very useful for me." Another user had already given the feature a test run and said it worked perfectly on their Pixel 6.

Compatible with popular apps

The Android Camera feature will seamlessly integrate with popular video conferencing apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. It will appear as "Android Camera" in these apps, allowing users to easily access their phone's camera for video calls and meetings.

How does it work?

To use your Android phone as a webcam, you'll need a device that can handle a standard webcam, such as a Windows PC, Apple Mac, or Chromebook. Once the Android 14 operating system officially rolls out, all you'll need is a USB cable to connect your phone to your computer.

Upon plugging in your phone, you'll see a new option in the notification menu. Tap the usual notification for charging your device via USB, and below that, you'll find the option for using your device as a webcam. Select this option, and you'll be directed to a new app where you can preview and adjust your video feed, including zoom settings.

After setting up the picture as desired, you can start streaming via your phone as if it were a webcam. You even have the option to lock the phone to preserve battery life while continuing the stream.

This simple and convenient feature will make a significant difference for Android users, eliminating the need to purchase a separate webcam and saving money in the process. Get ready to upgrade your video conferencing setup with this upcoming software update.