The Personal Safety app on Google Pixel phones is reportedly getting a new feature that will allow you to use your phone as a dashcam.
According to 9to5 Google, an upcoming version of the app may offer a feature to allow drivers to record video and audio while they are driving.
The app, available through the Google Play Store, currently offers emergency sharing, safety check and car crash detection features.
An update called “dogfood” reportedly went live in the app store a few days ago, however as of today users who download the app won’t see any new dashcam feature.
According to 9to5 Google, the dashcam feature will connect to the vehicle’s bluetooth and begin recording.
Drivers will also reportedly have the option to manually start recording as well as download footage within three days before the files are automatically deleted to conserve storage.
The app can reportedly run in the background while the phone is in use for Google Maps and other applications. Alternatively, drivers can save power with the screen turned off while the dashcam feature will work continuously in the background.
Drivers will need to consider where they mount their phone to ensure they capture the appropriate footage.
It will be interesting to see how well the phone will perform under direct sunlight, how its battery will be affected, as well as its camera quality through the windscreen.
Recording for the app is reportedly going to be compressed to an average of “30MB per minute” with a maximum recording time of 24 hours.
9to5 Google says the app is “impressively well thought out” and appears to be ready for launch, potentially as soon as June.
It’s rumoured the new feature may be available to other phones outside the Pixel family as long as they support Google’s Personal Safety app.
