Title: “Windows 11 Unveils Innovative Android Webcam Feature: Transform Your Phone into a Seamless High-Resolution Webcam”
Subtitle: “Microsoft’s Latest Update Introduces Connected Camera Feature, Offering a Smooth Integration of Android Phones with Windows 11”
Microsoft has rolled out a groundbreaking feature with its Moment 5 update for Windows 11, allowing users to effortlessly convert their Android phones into webcams directly on the Windows 11 platform. This move follows in the footsteps of Apple’s Continuity Camera on macOS, but with a distinct focus on the Android ecosystem. While currently only available to Windows Insiders, Microsoft assures a widespread release to all users in the coming months.
In a hands-on test, the Android webcam feature showcased remarkable performance, with no noticeable stutters or lags during remote streaming on a OnePlus device. The integration proved to be a seamless experience, requiring only a few clicks to enable the connected camera feature on Windows 11. However, a noteworthy limitation is the absence of audio relay from the phone, a shortcoming that Microsoft may need to address in future updates.
Connected Camera Feature: A Closer Look
Enabling the Android phone as a webcam on Windows 11 proved to be a hassle-free process. Contrary to expectations, users are spared from the complexities of setting up wireless ADB or dealing with IP addresses. A straightforward option on the PC is all it takes to initiate the feature, eliminating the need for additional tinkering.
Once activated, the Camera app on Windows 11 seamlessly streams content from the Android phone’s camera, delivering impressive video quality without any visible issues. The versatility of this feature extends to various video conferencing apps, including Google Meet, providing users with a high-resolution webcam alternative.
The connected camera feature also introduces a user-friendly window on both the PC and Android phone, offering convenient controls. Users can effortlessly switch between front and rear cameras, pause video, and even add effects (although presets are yet to be introduced). The window can be pinned to stay on top of all other windows, ensuring easy access to streaming controls.
However, the absence of audio relay remains a drawback. Users relying on their Android phones as webcams for Windows 11 desktop PCs will need an external microphone, as the feature currently does not support audio transmission.
Enabling Connected Camera on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide
Microsoft has initiated a gradual rollout of the connected camera feature across all Windows 11 Insider channels. To access the feature, users should navigate to the Microsoft Store, click on “Library,” and select “Get updates” to ensure the latest versions of the Cross Device Experience Host and Phone Link apps are installed.
Following this, users should open the Phone Link app on their PC, pair their Android phone, and install the Link to Windows app on their smartphone. Users must ensure that the app version is 1.24012 or later, and their phone is running Android 9.0 or a later OS version.
In Windows Settings, under Bluetooth & devices -> Mobile devices, users should enable the “Allow this PC to access your mobile devices” toggle. After clicking on “Manage devices” and selecting the Microsoft account linked to the Android phone, users will find the “Use as a connected camera” option, which should be enabled to complete the setup.
Despite the delayed introduction of this native integration between Windows and Android, the connected camera feature is expected to be a valuable addition, catering to the needs of diverse users. Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing user experiences across platforms is evident, and this feature is poised to be a game-changer for many.
