Android 15’s second developer preview is right here, and whereas there’s not a ton new, these utilizing their Pixel as a webcam are in for a deal with, as the standard has been improved.
Google first launched help for utilizing your Android cellphone as a webcam for a linked laptop again in Android 14’s first replace. However, even again then, it was clear the standard could possibly be higher.
In Android 15 Developer Preview 2, Google has added a brand new “HQ” toggle to the webcam preview.
This permits the standard of the feed to be a minimum of barely improved. Screenshots don’t do it justice, however as under you’ll be able to see a slight increase primarily in sharpness when “HQ” is enabled. We did discover, although, that this vastly is determined by lighting. In poor mild, the “HQ” setting can truly look worse even when the main points are finer.
The distinction will not be main, but it surely does look higher when seeing the seize for your self, quite than by a screenshot. Android Authority notes that battery and warmth impacts had been comparatively minimal whereas working a Pixel 8 Professional as a webcam utilizing the “HQ” characteristic (which was enabled manually, presumably on DP1) for over two hours.
Notably, you’re additionally now required to make use of your fingerprint/biometrics to authenticate the usage of the webcam.
Do you utilize your Pixel as a webcam? Tell us within the feedback under, and take a look at the remainder of our DP2 protection under.
Extra on Android 15:
Comply with Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, and Instagram
FTC: We use revenue incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. Extra.