Google wants your Pixel phone to moonlight as a dashcam

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Google is reportedly working on a new Pixel phone feature that enables the device to double as a dashcam.

This addition, still in development, would allow users to automatically record video footage of their drives while simultaneously using their phones for other tasks.

This could be a valuable safety feature, as it could provide evidence in the event of an accident.

The feature is expected to release as part of a Personal Safety app update, currently available on Pixel phones and the Nothing Phone (1). The app includes many other features, such as emergency calling and crash detection.

When is Google going to announce this new feature?

Google has yet to announce a release date for the new dashcam feature. However, it could launch in the coming months.

Here are some additional details about the new feature:

• The service can run up to 24 hours on a device.
• The service will automatically record video of your drive when you connect your phone to your car’s Bluetooth.
• The app compresses the video to save space on the device.
• The video saves to your phone’s storage. It deletes footage after three days unless users choose to delete the video manually.
• You can view the video in the Personal Safety app.
• Users can use other apps while the video continues to record.

This wouldn’t be the first attempt at turning your phone into a dashcam

Dashcam abilities within your smartphone aren’t new. If you search the Play Store or AppStore, users will find apps like Droid DashCam, AutoBoy, Dash Cam Driver, or Smart Dash Cam.

These options have been available for several years, providing similar features to those speculated in Google’s new Personal Safety app.

Unfortunately, third-party apps sometimes face limitations in stabilizing images while optimally recording videos. This means that your video could have a lot of jumpy behavior from physical movement in your car or things like bumps, rocks, or speed bumps.

These issues can make sure things in the video are hard to process. Google doesn’t make it clear if it will include this in its service, but it has been noted as a restriction elsewhere.  

Heat issues can be problematic when phones, placed on the dashboard for extended periods, record in high-definition, as they are exposed to significant heat. This combination of sunlight and high CPU usage won’t be good for your device.

Thankfully, that’s something Pixel owners don’t have to worry about.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• A recent Google app update turns up the heat on Pixel phones
• Google Pixel 6a falls to an all-time low, now $300 at Best Buy
• Google Pixel 7a vs. Pixel 6a: Which one’s right for you?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.

• Google’s new Pixel Fold is here, and it costs a whopping $1,799

Marcus Spencer

I have experience writing in-depth reviews of tech products, with a focus on market trends and analysis. I am skilled at explaining complex concepts in a clear and concise way, and I enjoy writing.