I never trade in my old smartphone for a new one. So when Microsoft announced that they were rolling out a system that would allow older Android phones to be used as webcams, I was actually quite excited.

According to the announcement article, this feature is currently being tested on "all" Windows Insider Channels. This feature is exclusive to Windows 11, and importantly, it is wireless. This means that it may soon be possible to connect an Android phone to a PC or laptop without using another precious USB port.

Some may remember that a similar feature appeared in Android 14. It was not exclusive to Windows 11; it worked on both Windows 10 and Mac.

The key difference in what Microsoft is doing is that the webcam feature does not require a physical cable and the Android phone does not need to be running Android 14. In fact, Microsoft has confirmed that it works on all phones running Android 9 or higher with the Link to Windows app (version 1.24012 or higher).

This means that those old phones lying at the bottom of the cable box may get a second life. Even if it can't be upgraded to the latest version of android software. And I think the rear camera might be a little better than the built-in webcam on most laptops.

Microsoft claims that the webcam feature will allow users to switch back and forth between the front and rear cameras and will also allow the option to pause during the stream. Users will also be able to take advantage of any camera effects available on Android phones - but did not elaborate further.11]

Windows Insiders can access this feature right now. [Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices > Manage devices to allow your PC to access your Android phone.

Unfortunately, those who are not on the Windows Insider channel will have to wait for the public release. Until then, check out our picks for the best webcams.