Google Pixel smartphones to double up as car dashcams

Google claims the app can record 24 hours of footage, taking up 30MB of storage per minute.

According to a media report, Google is working on a new feature for its Pixel smartphones, which essentially turns the smartphone into a dashcam.

The new pre-release feature is simply called "Dashcam" and does exactly what it says. Users can set up their phones on the dashboard, which then records video (audio optional) while driving. This eliminates the need for drivers to purchase dedicated dashcam hardware for their cars.

The new feature is said to be part of Google's Personal Safety App, which is offered on the Pixel and a handful of other Android devices and offers other functions like Emergency Sharing, Safety Checks and Car Crash Detection. The Dashcam will be part of the safety app and was discovered while "dogfooding"; that is when a developer takes the app home to test it in the real world.

Reports also state that the feature is more than just pressing the record button, with Google integrating a number of clever tricks into it. The dashcam function can be set up to start recording automatically when connected via Bluetooth to the car's infotainment system and stops recording when disconnected.

Further, the videos are compressed to save storage space. Google claims the app can record 24 hours of footage, taking up 30MB of storage per minute. All videos will also be automatically deleted after 3-days unless you save them.

To save battery, the dashcam feature can work irrespective of whether the screen is on or off. The feature also allows users to simultaneously record videos and use the phone's navigation or a few other features.

As per reports, the Dashcam feature will be introduced in Pixel smartphones next month.

Source: 9to5google