The new Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2) has introduced a feature that allows users to use their smartphones as webcams for their PCs. This feature, called Connected Camera, is currently available only for Android phones. To get started, users will need an Android phone running Android 8.0 or later and a PC running Windows 11 24H2.
To access this feature, users will need to navigate to the “Open mobile device settings” page within the Windows settings menu. If the phone is not paired with Windows yet, users will need to pair it with the PC using the Manage Mobile Devices controls. This process involves scanning an HTML glyph with the phone and agreeing to certain permissions to allow Windows to access the camera.
Once the phone is connected to the PC, users can use their smartphone camera as a webcam for apps like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The implementation is sophisticated, allowing users to choose between the front and rear camera on the phone and apply Windows Studio Effects like background blur and AI framing.
While the smartphone camera may provide superior image quality compared to a laptop webcam, users may experience a resolution limitation when using the phone as a webcam. The camera output may be captured at 720p resolution, which could appear grainy to viewers. However, the overall image quality, color balance, and light balance are expected to be superior.
Positioning the phone properly to focus on the user is important when using it as a webcam. Users may need a stand or phone mount to keep the phone in place during video calls. This new feature has the potential to impact the webcam industry, much like how Google Maps made standalone GPS devices irrelevant.
In conclusion, the Connected Camera feature in Windows 11 offers a convenient way to use a smartphone as a webcam for PCs. While there may be some limitations in resolution, the overall image quality and features make it a valuable tool for video calls and conferencing. As technology continues to evolve, features like Connected Camera showcase the innovative ways in which smartphones can enhance user experiences on different devices.
