Microsoft Windows 11 to Enable Android Smartphones as Webcams

Microsoft is working on a key innovation for Windows 11 where a traditional webcam can be replaced by an Android smartphone for video chatting. This feature has already rolled out to some users on the platform’s preview versions.

Microsoft announced that they have begun rolling out this webcam feature on Android smartphones across all Windows Insider preview build channels, including the traditionally testing-exempt ‘Release Preview’. While the majority of users didn’t need webcams prior to 2020, the popularity of applications such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams surged during the pandemic. Laptop users found in-built webcams insufficient forcing the market to flood with external 1080p and 4K resolution options.

Currently, many consumers have more than one smartphone, with older models often not discarded. Front and especially main cameras on most smartphones generally offer higher quality than traditional webcams, offering the old devices a new lease on life. Microsoft stated, “We’re gradually rolling out the ability for your Android device’s camera to be used in any Windows 11 PC video application. This function will allow you to easily and flexibly enjoy the high image quality of your mobile device camera on your PC across the wireless network…”

This means users can use phone cameras with applications like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, and virtually any other application with support from phone filters and other modes. This could greatly influence the webcam market, as well as smartphone mounts. Microsoft did not specify whether face unlock functions, available on Samsung and Google Pixel phones, can be connected to Windows Hello. But there are limitations: The phone must run on Android 9 or a later version with the “Connect with Windows” application installed (Version 1.24012 or later). Also, users will need to go to the “Bluetooth and devices” section in the settings on their PC and allow the computer to access the Android gadget. The necessary ‘Cross Device Experience Host’ application will then be installed from the Microsoft Store for the feature to work.