Use Windows Phone as Webcam?

[SurferDale]

I don't have a webcam on my desktop computer but seeing as how I can connect my phone to my computer, and my phone has a camera, I'm wondering if there is an easy way to use it as a webcam? Obviously I'd need some sort of dock to keep it aimed the right direction, but I'm looking more for the technical details.

I've got a Windows 7 Desktop. Not sure of the actual computer/tower brand- it's something custom I got from NewEgg a few years back but I doubt that makes a difference. It should be plenty powerful in terms of hardware requirements.

[markaskey]

You can do it with Windows Mobile 6.5 but I have not seen anything yet on WP7

here is what I found: (copy pasted text)

Right now, developers for WP7 are at a bit of a disadvantage when it comes to accessing the phone's camera, a key piece of hardware that can give apps a big wow factor. Simply put, they can't use it. Developers are usually provided the necessary tools and documentation for making software for an OS in the form of an SDK, or software development kit, but in this case it appears that Microsoft left out the software hooks necessary to fully control the lens.

So it seems like the camera is unusable for video streaming application. You may have to wait for an update to the WP7 SDK that may enable free use of the camera. For the moment, as that article says, the camera can only be used by the Microsoft applications that come with the WP7.

[techblitz]

You're probably better off buying a cheap webcam from Best Buy

[techblitz]

Here's one! Logitech - HD Webcam C310 - Black - 960-000585 - Best Buy If you used your phone, you,d have to constantly hold your phone up to your face, so this is the better option.

[techblitz]

You can do it with Windows Mobile 6.5 but I have not seen anything yet on WP7

here is what I found: (copy pasted text)

Right now, developers for WP7 are at a bit of a disadvantage when it comes to accessing the phone's camera, a key piece of hardware that can give apps a big wow factor. Simply put, they can't use it. Developers are usually provided the necessary tools and documentation for making software for an OS in the form of an SDK, or software development kit, but in this case it appears that Microsoft left out the software hooks necessary to fully control the lens.

So it seems like the camera is unusable for video streaming application. You may have to wait for an update to the WP7 SDK that may enable free use of the camera. For the moment, as that article says, the camera can only be used by the Microsoft applications that come with the WP7.

I think that's an old article, the 7.1 SDK allowed for use of the camera. Not exactly sure though

[Ashley K.]

Doesn't sound like it's possible and you'd need a $20 dock anyway. Probably best to do what techblitz said and snag a cheap one from Best Buy.