We’re all aware that webcams on laptops aren’t excellent. As a result, most individuals prefer to utilise an external webcam, and some even use their smartphone as a webcam for their computers via third-party apps. iPhones may also be used as webcams for MacBooks. Now, rumours are circulating that Google is developing a function that will allow you to utilise your smartphone as a webcam for your laptop. This will be offered as a native function on Android soon, eliminating the requirement for third-party software. This will undoubtedly be one of the best features Google has ever added.

Today, Android expert Mishaal Rahman revealed on Twitter that Google may add functionality for turning your Android phone into a USB webcam. Rahman discovered evidence indicating that Android is adding a “DeviceAsWebcam” service in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) repository. If you’re not familiar with AOSP, it’s Google’s open-source operating system development initiative for stock Android.

It allows anyone to examine and contribute code and changes while being directed and overseen by Google. “DeviceAsWebcam” is defined as “a new service that transforms an Android device into a webcam.” According to Rahman, this would work on Android smartphones that support the standard UVC (USB video class) gadget mode, which allows video data to be sent.

Making your phone become a webcam isn’t necessarily innovative for Android. However, this would be the first time Android has permitted turning your phone into a UVC device without the use of a third-party app. It is unknown whether Google will integrate this capability in a future OS upgrade. However, in order to exploit the new capabilities right now, Rahman suggests that your device’s kernel be compiled with CONFIG USB CONFIGFS F UVC=y first. Technically, it would still require an app or service to function. You might call it an official app, but hey!

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