When Apple is used annually WWDC (opens in new tab) (Worldwide Developers’ Conference) to introduce its new Continuity Camera feature for macOS Ventura was somewhat divided — those who were simply glad the days of grainy MacBook graphics were numbered and those who thought the company could have done better than that. the iPhone on the back of a Mac to make a decent webcam… No need for negativity though, because a video from Apple software engineer Karen Xing (opens in new tab)released at WWDC 2022, shows how the Continuity Camera feature for macOS Ventura will work and it looks fantastic.
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Continuity Camera: Seamless Experience
Apple is all about seamless experience and Continuity Camera is certainly no different. macOS detects users iPhone as camera and microphone, so all apps will work and developers don’t need to do anything about their apps. Apple demonstrated how seamlessly Continuity Camera worked at the WWDC 2022 keynote with a demonstration using FaceTime, and they also mentioned Zoom, Teams, and Webex, but all apps should work.
It seems that Apple has put a lot of thought into ease of use with Continuity Camera – it’s impressive that it works with an iPhone rotated in any direction. While landscape would be the traditional and most obvious choice, portrait orientation gives a zoomed-in view that some people may prefer.
iPhone holders for attaching your handset to your MacBook are manufactured by Belkin, but this accessory is not necessary for the Continuity Camera to work.
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Continuity Camera uses a drop-down menu from the Control Center, which allows users to select Portrait Mode, Studio Light, and Center Stage options – regardless of the app – which will be an absolute game changer for those who use webcams a lot.
It’s 2022, so it’s obvious that Continuity Camera works wirelessly – you need a mount on your Mac, which when you use it, just recognizes your iPhone and starts working. However, it also works over USB – good news if the battery is low or interference becomes an issue.
Continuity Camera – Desk View
With the API (Application Programming Interface) for Apple’s Desk View mode, the iPhone’s super-ultrawide lens (presumably via some seriously high-tech image bending and cropping) allows users to see things on the surface of your desk without your to move the phone.
Finally, Apps Mac lets you take photos and videos from users’ iPhones, and even relay face detection and body detection metadata — something we’re waiting to hear and test more. Shooting will be a maximum of 1920 x 1440 and 60 fps, which is quite decent.
iOS 16 with macOS 13
Apple has been very clear that Continuity requires Camera iOS 16 alongside macOS 13. This means those who are still using the iPhone 6S, 7, and the first generation SE should upgrade their iPhone if they want Continuity Camera because they are not getting the iOS 16 software update. Apple macOS 13 and iOS 16 are currently in beta, but will be fully released later in the year.
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