Turn your iPhone into a full-fledged webcam
With most video chatting platforms, you must download a large program, create an account and log in. Then you’ll have to figure out how it works. But there’s one great option that fixes all that. Tap or click here for a free video chat program that doesn’t require an account or even your name.
If you make video calls or participate in virtual conferences during work, you probably use the camera that came with your computer. The problem is those cameras can be poor in quality. What if you could use the best camera you own for video calls? Here’s how.
Webcam woes
Most modern computers come with built-in webcams, but more often than not, they seem like an afterthought. You could buy a webcam and attach it to your monitor, but there’s no need! You already have one and might not even realize it.
Your iPhone has a high-quality camera built in and features that enhance webcam functionality. It gets even better when you use your iPhone as a Mac webcam.
With Continuity Camera, you can use your iPhone as your Mac webcam and take advantage of the mighty iPhone camera and additional video effects. You can connect wirelessly or with a USB cable.
Once you have it all set up, you can make the following adjustments:
- Use Control Center to add video effects. Desk View shows a top-down view of your desk and your face simultaneously, while Studio Light dims the background and illuminates your face. Portrait mode blurs the background to keep the focus on you and Center Stage keeps you centered in the camera frame as you move around.
- Open Mic Mode in Control Center to choose between modes. Voice Isolation gives priority to your voice while cutting out background noise. Wide Spectrum captures your voice and the sound around you, such as music.
To set up your iPhone as your Mac webcam, you’ll need the following:
- Your Mac must have the latest version of macOS.
- Make sure your iPhone has the newest version of iOS.
- Sign in to both devices with the same Apple ID.
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both devices.
- You’ll need a phone mount that lets you clip your phone onto your monitor with the back camera facing you. We have some recommendations below.
How to use your iPhone as a webcam
Once you’re ready, setup is easy:
This free video chat doesn’t require an account or even your name
As more people started to work from home, Zoom’s video conferencing platform exploded in popularity. Tap or click here for Zoom tricks you’ll wish you’d known sooner.
With most video chatting platforms, you must download a sizable program, create an account and log in. Then, you might fight with an unfamiliar user interface to get yourself set up.
Feel like putting on a show? 4 best karaoke apps to try out solo or with friends
Many of us thought we finally saw the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. The dangerous Delta variant had other ideas. Tap or click here for an online map that tracks the spread of this deadly variant.
You might not feel comfortable visiting your local bar or restaurant right now, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good time. There are still ways in which you can have fun with family and friends.
How to disable your computer's webcam and microphone
If you’ve been using your computer for video chatting more than ever, you’re not alone. Many of us pulled off that strip of masking tape and allowed our cameras and microphones access once we shifted to working from home.