Microsoft is currently working on a feature that will allow you to use your Android smartphone as a webcam, potentially giving consumers access to high-quality webcams for free.
Although this capability is not yet available, Microsoft announced it as part of the March 2024 “moment” update for Windows 11. The company mentioned in a blog post that the feature is being tested in all Windows Insider channels, including the Release Preview channel, suggesting that it may be released soon.
This is significant as webcams gained importance in 2020 during the work-from-home trend, leading to a demand for better quality webcams. Many laptops now come with improved webcams, but most smartphones have better cameras than laptops or standalone webcams.
Microsoft stated, “We are gradually rolling out the ability to use your Android phone or tablet camera in any video application on your Windows 11 PC to Windows Insiders across all Insider Channels.” This feature will allow users to enjoy their mobile device’s camera quality on their PC wirelessly, with the ability to switch between front and back cameras, pause the stream, and use camera effects.
This feature will work with popular video conferencing apps like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, potentially impacting webcam sales and creating a new market for laptop mounts for smartphones.
Users will need an Android phone running Android 9 or higher with the Link to Windows app (version 1.24012 or greater) installed. They will also need to allow their PC to access their Android phone through the Cross Device Experience Host update in the Microsoft Store.
While using a phone as a webcam in Windows is not a new concept, Microsoft’s upcoming feature looks set to revolutionize the webcam market.
