Android 14 will likely let users turn their smartphones into webcams for video meetings on their laptops and desktops.
Apple offers a similar feature but is only limited to iPhone and Mac users, leaving out PC and Android device owners.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 06: Attendees visit the Google booth where a model of the Android logo is on display at CES 2023 at the Las Vegas Convention Center on January 06, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. CES, the world's largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 08 and features about 3,200 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to more than 100,000 attendees.
But this time, Google is reportedly gearing up to fill the gap.
Android 14 Might Turn Phones into Webcams
As per a report by 9to5 Google, the search engine giant looks to be working on letting users transform their mobile devices into a webcam.
Given that the pandemic has greatly forced most of us to be in video meetings from time to time, having a webcam has been essential these days.
However, some of us might have skipped doing so, leaving our desk setups with no webcams. Meanwhile, laptop users might still be settling with their low-quality front-facing cameras.
With that, Google seems to be working on a solution.
The upcoming Android 14, which expectedly debuts this 2023, will likely feature an option that turns phones into webcams. After all, smartphones these days, even budget-friendly options, now come with high-quality cameras.
Instead of merely using these snappers for taking selfies, why not use them for video meetings?
Here's How it Works
9to5 Google says that the current project is aptly called "DeviceAsWebcam."
And as its name suggests, it should allow Android users to simply plug their mobile devices into their desktop or laptop for video meetings.
It remains to be seen if the feature has limitations like how Apple Continuity Camera works. But given that Google is reportedly planning to use "USB Video Class," it might support various devices like how a real webcam does the job.
Read Also: Is This Android? How To Customize Apple's iOS 14 Icons-Aesthetic Widgets Now Trends!
Android 14: What to Expect
According to XDA Developers, Google is gearing up to debut the all-new Android 14 update, as it plans to release it early this year.
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DJ Koh, president and CEO of Samsung Electronics, presents the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 smartphone during a launch event at Barclays Center on August 7, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Samsung announced the Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10 Plus smartphones.
However, it is worth noting that the tech giant has yet to announce its release date. But despite that, rumors and leaks have already given away what we could expect.
The new Android update could potentially prevent users from sideloading apps that are already outdated. These ancient versions might start bringing security flaws, potentially spreading malware.
Besides the sideloading changes, Google might finally take some time to improve the share menu for Android users.
And on top of that, Google's satellite communication support might finally see the light of day on Android 14.
Related Article: Android 14 Update Could Ban Outdated App Sideloading: Stricter API
