Microsoft Phone Link: Turning Your Smartphone Camera into a Webcam for Your PC
Microsoft Phone Link, formerly known as Microsoft Your Phone, is a useful utility for Android 14-powered flagship smartphone owners. The software consists of two apps – the Link to Windows companion app for Android phones and the Phone Link app for Windows devices.
New Feature in Development
Recent discoveries by the team at Android Authority suggest that the developers of the Link to Windows app are working on a new feature. This feature would allow users to utilize the Link to Windows app to use the camera on their smartphone as a webcam on their PC. However, it is unclear if this capability will be available on all phones that have Link to Windows installed.
Code Indicates Video Streaming Capability
Within the code of Microsoft’s Link to Windows v1.23102.190.0 for Android app, there are indications that the corporation is working on enabling video streaming from Android phones to Windows PCs. This would essentially turn the phone’s camera into a webcam for the PC.
The code includes strings that prompt users to tap a notification to allow their PC to stream their camera video. While the term “webcam” is not explicitly used, there are hints that suggest the functionality is related to video calls.
Effects and Auto-Framing
Another set of strings discovered in the code suggests that users may be able to apply effects and auto-framing to the video stream. This further supports the idea that the feature is related to webcam operation. The “auto-framing” effect is particularly interesting, as it could potentially mimic the functionality of Apple’s “Center Stage” feature, which keeps the camera focused on people even as they move around during video calls.
The potential to use your smartphone’s camera as a webcam for your PC opens up new possibilities for video conferencing, online meetings, and more. While the exact release date of this feature is unknown, it is an exciting development for Microsoft Phone Link users.
Please note that pricing and specification details are not provided in the original text.
