How to use an Android device as a webcam/spycam

Do you have a little problem with your webcam which will take you sometime to fix? Do you need to place a camera somewhere and still be able to see what's going on? If your answer is 'yes' to any of these questions, then we are about to get an easier and cheaper way just by using your Android device. We will be using IP Webcam (for the spycam) and Droidcam (for the webcam but you will need the desktop client for a better experience) and an old Android device. All the apps are available on Playstore so click in the links in red, download and let's get started. We will begin with the IP Webcam. But before we begin, factory reser the device in order for it to run at its best (that's if you're using an old and abandoned device).

• IP webcam: I have tried numerous apps meant for wireless live camera feed from Android devices but this emerged the best. With its ability give live video feed, allow take pictures from the Android (using a modern desktop browser) and even stream right into a media player like vlc almost flawlessly makes me conclude that it's the best for the job. Before we start with the real 'things, let's do some quick settings. First, install the application from the Play Store. Once the application is installed, launch it, and you’ll be dumped right into the configuration panel. We are going to leave the defaults alone—once you have tested the camera you can begin tweaking settings to meet your needs if necessary. Of the few settings we are going to tweak, the first is to scroll down and check Stream on device boot, we want our security camera to turn back on in the event that the Android device crashes and restarts. Once you've tweaked the basic settings, you can now position you cam so we can start. You can also tether WiFi from your device to enable the connection.

HOW TO USE IP WEBCAM

1. Scroll to the bottom of the configuration panel and click Start server.
2. Launch a modern browser on your PC and type the IP address you see on your phone's screen when the app is opened in your address bar go.
3. When the IP webcam page opens, on the panel as shown here, select Flash, Browser, Java (require Java plugin to work) , Javascript, Fullscreen. When any of them is pressed, your live feed screen should automatically launch.
   
4. If you want to record the live feeds, scroll down, type the name you want to save the recording as and click the record button.
5. You can useto take and save still photos as well.
6. To access other viewing methods such as VLC and others, Click on Other viewing methods and select your preferred method from the drop down.
   

• Droidcam: This app works far better if you want to use your Android device as a Webcam. All you need to do is download the app from the store and also download the desktop client from the official site and you are good to go. This will not involve much since we will only be using it as a Webcam. Before installing the desktop client, close all running applications first.

1. After installing the app on your android and also doing same for the desktop client, open them both. 
2. Now type the IP address you see on you Android into the space provided Device ip for that of the desktop client. And also fill in the space for DroidCam Port too.
   
3. Now check the boxes you prefer and also select your preferred Video Quality and click Start.
4. Open Skype and on the quick access bar, click on Tools, then go to options. On the new window that will open, click on Video settings next Select webcam and click on the drop down bar and select Droidcam Source 3 ( for a higher resolution) or Droidcam Source Mini (240p) ( for lower resolution)
5. Now Restart Skype and you should be able to use your android device as a wireless webcam now.

Your views are equally important. Drop them in the comment box.

Author : Tipsandgist360

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