Android smartphones could soon make buying a dedicated dash cam obsolete, because 9to5Google has in code the latest beta version of the Google Personal Safety app Found evidence of a dashcam feature. If this function is activated, the smartphone records videos and, if desired, also audio.
If the smartphone is mounted in such a way that the rear camera has a clear view of the road, video recordings of unexpected situations such as collisions with other vehicles can be recorded, for example to see which vehicle is responsible for the collision. Video recordings can be viewed or started in the app. Practical: Google makes it possible to start this dashcam mode automatically as soon as the smartphone is connected to the vehicle via Bluetooth.
Recordings are automatically deleted after three days to save storage space, but it is possible to save individual clips manually. Videos are compressed, which should only take up about 30 MB per minute, i.e. 1.8 GB per hour. The smartphone remains fully functional in dashcam mode, so it can be used for Google Maps, calls, music streaming and more at the same time. Whether the dashcam mode exclusively for Google’s own smartphones such as the Pixel 6 or the Pixel 7 (about 550 euros on Amazon) is offered is not yet known – the Personal Safety App is also available on other Android smartphones.
Since 2009 I have been writing for various publications in the technology sector until I joined the Notebookcheck news department in 2018. Since then I have combined my many years of experience in the field of notebooks and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to inform our readers about new developments on the market. My design background as art director of an advertising agency also allows me deep insights into the peculiarities of this industry.