For some time now, Apple smartphones have been able to use them as a webcam paired with laptops or PCs. And now it is reported that the same feature will appear in Android 14. Mishaal Rahman, a journalist and developer, claims that DeviceAsWebcam will be added to the new system, which will turn an Android smartphone or tablet into a webcam.

Image generated by Midjourney neural network

Android devices that support the standard UVC (USB video class) mode will be able to stream the video stream, while all software processing will be done at the system level, that is, external applications such as Camo or DroidCam will not be required.

It is not yet clear whether this feature will be available to all smartphones with Android 14 or only the branded Pixel. If, nevertheless, the company decides not to make the feature exclusive, then all smartphones and tablets will receive support for this feature.

For some time now, Apple smartphones have been able to use them as a webcam paired with laptops or PCs. And now it is reported that the same feature will appear in Android 14. Mishaal Rahman, a journalist and developer, claims that DeviceAsWebcam will be added to the new system, which will turn an Android smartphone or tablet into a webcam.

Android devices that support the standard UVC (USB video class) mode will be able to stream the video stream, while all software processing will be done at the system level, that is, external applications such as Camo or DroidCam will not be required.

It is not yet clear whether this feature will be available to all smartphones with Android 14 or only the branded Pixel. If, nevertheless, the company decides not to make the feature exclusive, then all smartphones and tablets will receive support for this feature. Among other features, Android 14 promises satellite communications that will be better than the iPhone, as well as the recognition of illegible handwriting of doctors.

Earlier, Mishaal Rahman reported that Xiaomi offered to block the installation of APK files from third-party sources.

Users of Samsung’s flagship smartphones almost five years ago learned the opportunity to install the One UI 5.0 shell and the Android 13 operating system. And although Samsung has already stopped supporting the Galaxy S9 and Note9 (review), enthusiasts have not yet abandoned them.

The One UI 5.0 skin based on Android 13 is supported by many Samsung smartphones, but the Galaxy S9 and Note9 are not on this list.

The mobile developer community XDA Developers reported that Android 13 and One UI 5.0 are now available thanks to the unofficial Noble ROM 3.0 ported to the Galaxy S9, S9+ and Note9. Developer AlexisXDA used the Android 13 firmware for the Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Note10 Lite to create a version suitable for 2018 flagships.

Noble ROM 3.0 is currently only available for Galaxy S9, S9+ and Note9 versions based on Exynos 9810.

Of course, you can use such firmware only at your own peril and risk, being well aware of what you are doing and what to do if something goes wrong.

The AnTuTu benchmark team has published the latest rankings of the best Android smartphones in terms of price and performance in different price categories –– as of January 2023.

According to experts, in the beginning of the year, Vivo and Iqoo firmly “entrenched” in the market of expensive models. At the same time, in the cheapest category at a price of up to 1999 yuan (up to $ 296), the first three places went to Redmi Note 11T Pro, Oppo K10 5G and OnePlus Ace Racing Edition.

The next price category from 2000 to 2999 yuan (from 297 to 444 dollars) gave the first three places to Lenovo Legion Y70, Redmi K50 Pro and Iqoo Neo7.

The 3,000 to 3,999 yuan ($445 to $592) category is dominated by the Redmi K60 Pro, Honor 80 GT, and Xiaomi 12S.

The Iqoo 11, Iqoo 11 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Pro smartphones topped the category from 4,000 yuan to 4,999 yuan ($593 to $741).

Among the most expensive flagships at over $742, the Red Magic 8 Pro+ leads the way, followed by the Vivo X90 Pro and Vivo X90 Pro+.