John Paul M. Joaquin Tech 05.17.2023 06:May AM EDT

Google Pixel Phones Might Double As Dashcams Soon

Your Google Pixel phone could be your dashcam if you want.

Google was recently spotted to have added a new feature by accident, revealing that it plans to turn Android and Google Pixel phones into dashcams for those who don't have a dedicated one.

It is unknown when Google will release an update that will make the new feature available to the previously mentioned phones.

Google Dashcam Feature Details

9to5Google's team recently spotted a mistakenly launched "dogfood" build of a Personal Safety feature via the company's mobile Play Store, formally known as version 2023.04.27.532191641.8-dogfood.

Upon further inspection, the team managed to enable a new feature called "Dashcam" that does what you think it does - it turns your phone into a dashcam that can record video while you're driving. It can also record audio to go along with the recording it has, but doing so is an optional feature.

If mounted at the right spot, it can provide helpful information in the event of an accident or other unexpected situations.

Android Authority reports that phones with the dashcam feature enabled can record up to 24 hours of video, with file sizes as large as 30MB a minute. Captured videos are automatically deleted after three days - ample time for you to save clips of anything noteworthy should there be any.

Interestingly, phones switched to dashcam mode could still be used as if they're not recording, allowing you to switch to navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze while it records in the background. The phone will still record even if the screen is locked.

Unfortunately, only select Android phones and mostly Google Pixel phones would have this new feature, though that may change in the future if Google sees a demand for it. Android/Goole Pixel users can launch the dashcam feature through the "Be Prepared" section of the home page, which allows them to record manually or view their recent recordings.

Another unfortunate thing is that the feature doesn't utilize ultrawide lenses to offer a bigger picture for a more complete view of what's happening in front of the car. There are also concerns about phones overheating when used as a dashcam for extended periods since they would not only be connected to a charger but also exposed to a lot of direct sunlight.

Why Would You Need A Dashcam?

While there is no formal release date for the Dashcam feature for Android and Google Pixel phones, having a dashcam on board a car is a good idea when it comes to keeping yourself safe on the road.

Not only will you have first-hand evidence of an accident, but it would also allow you to contest wrongfully issued tickets. It also protects you against insurance fraud and can promote safe driving for yourself and other drivers on the road.

Last but not least, it can capture unexpected memories that you wouldn't normally be able to record immediately with your gadgets since they aren't prepared to record anything.