Microsoft: "Cell phone as webcam" function now available for all Insiders
Microsoft is working on its own software to use the smartphone camera as a Windows webcam. All Insiders now have access.
Smartphones as webcams in a web conference.
(Image: Bild erstellt mit KI in Bing Designer durch heise online / dmk)
Microsoft is now working on anchoring the concept of using the camera of an Android smartphone as a webcam on the PC in Windows. All Insiders now have access to the new feature with immediate effect.
(Image: Microsoft)
Microsoft announced this in an update to the original feature announcement. "We've expanded the rollout of the ability to use the camera on your Android phone or tablet in all video apps on your Windows 11 PC to all Windows Insider users in all Insider channels," the developers added on Tuesday. This brings the feature closer to general availability for all Windows users.
Use your cell phone as a webcam
For some time now, the cameras in smartphones have generally delivered excellent image quality and offer high resolutions from Full-HD upwards (1080p). "With this feature, you can enjoy the high quality of your mobile device's camera on your PC wirelessly, easily and flexibly," explains Microsoft. "Some of the features include switching between front and rear cameras, pausing the stream during interruptions, or using effects from your smartphone."
At least Android 9 is required on the mobile device. Interested parties must also install the beta version of "Link to Windows" version 1.24012 or newer from the Google Play Store. In the Windows settings under "Settings" – "Bluetooth and devices" – "Mobile devices" there is the "Manage devices" button. There, the PC must be allowed to manage the Android smartphone. A "Cross Device Experience Host" update from the Microsoft Store is then installed on the PC.
Using the camera of a now discarded smartphone as a webcam is not a new idea in itself. Third-party programs were already able to do this before, but they were regularly subject to a charge or limited in their free version. It is therefore welcome that Microsoft has now added this function free of charge. This means that the supposed electronic waste from the drawer can be used for something after all, especially as smartphone cameras usually deliver significantly better quality than cheap webcams or those built into laptops, for example.
(dmk)
