The latest from Android 14 is offering a way for users to use the Pixel's rear cameras as a plug-and-play webcam for computers, and it is available for most platforms including Windows and Mac. This feature was recently made available for eligible Pixel devices.
It goes alongside the long-launched Continuity Camera from Apple, working for the iPhone and Mac computers, but it is time to know which is the better feature.
Android 14's Pixel Webcam for PC Feature: What Reviews Say
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As offered by Google's Android 14 release, the latest version available for Pixel devices now offers the device to act as the webcam for PCs, using the rear cams to bring improvements compared to built-in webcams. However, a report from Android Central claims that despite the massive promises from Google and the upgraded cameras of the Pixel 8 Pro, it does not appear good on the PC.
Despite the 50MP main rear camera of the Pixel 8 Pro, its output on the computers was reportedly not that good, and its video maxes out at 1080p at 30fps. In its specs sheet, Google claims it can bring 4K video recording up to 60fps.
It remains unknown why Android 14's USB-C connection for webcams does not capture Pixel's impressive camera features for its output, considering that it already requires wires for it to work.
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Android Pixel Webcam vs. Apple's Continuity Camera
This aims to rival the iconic perk of owning an iPhone and a Mac with at least the iOS 16 and macOS 13, with the Continuity Camera feature available to use with improved video and photo output. It is also available for users to use wirelessly, offering a prompt whenever opening the Photo Booth, FaceTime, and third-party apps like Zoom, Meet, Teams, and even Meta's Messenger.
Smartphone's Rear Camera for Computers
Back in 2022, the feature known as Continuity Camera from Apple was made widely available via the iOS 16 release and the macOS, 13 a.k.a. the Ventura, with compatible devices. It was an iconic release from the company as it leveraged the significant rear cameras of the Apple iPhones as an improvement to the FaceTime webcam installed on Macs.
In early 2023, there was a report regarding Google offering this feature to Android users where they get to see the Pixel devices and other eligible Android 14 smartphones to get the feature as well. This would be the same feature as Apple's Continuity Camera where it would use the rear cam to bring improvements, but in their case, it requires USB-C wires to connect the phone to the PC.
Now, both features are available to access in the respective smartphones and computers, with these drawing comparisons as to which offers the better experience with regards to upgrading the webcam experience. While this expands more of the availability of the feature for Android and Windows users, Apple still holds the edge for the quality it brings, improving more of the output for both the owners and receivers.
Related Article: Android 14 is Finally Within Your Reach Now: New Features, How to Download, and More
