Computers

How to use your smartphone’s camera as a laptop webcam

It’s time to level up your webcam game!

Published

August 22, 2021

Kenrick Buduan

We’ve all been there, especially with most of us working remotely at home. You prepared and even dressed well for a Zoom meeting, only to be disappointed by the grainy image when it’s your turn to present. Your laptop’s webcam could be the one to blame — but fret not, there are remedies for that.

Most webcams built into laptops have grainy images because they are of low-resolution types. Going into settings, you’ll realize that most laptop webcams have resolutions of 2MP or less built-in, which is a magnitude worse than your average smartphone selfie camera. There’s only so much that you can do to improve the grainy situation due to the hardware limitation.

Sure, you can buy a dedicated webcam. However, quality dedicated webcams can be costly. Not to mention, they can be hard to find considering the pandemic. Luckily, you don’t have to spend in order to up your webcam game — you can use your smartphone as a webcam instead! For this, you’ll need your smartphone (of course), an app, and a lot of patience.

There are three note-worthy app options for turning your smartphone into a portable webcam. Here are those:

XSplit VCam and Connect Webcam: free, but with caveats

One of the more reputable options out there is XSplit VCam and Connect Webcam. Both are free-to-download software from the reputable maker XSplit. You need to download and install both to get up and running: XSplit VCam is for the desktop, while XSplit Connect Webcam is for mobile. Both the desktop software and mobile app have a nice, no-frills interface which would really get you up and running in minutes.

An option to sign in to XSplit displays upon opening the desktop software, but you can skip this easily. The mobile app presents you with the view of your smartphone’s camera instantly, and there’s an indicator of whether you’re connected with your PC.

To get started, you just need to connect your smartphone and your PC to the same Wi-Fi network and choose your smartphone from the list of cameras. That’s it, basically.

The video quality is good for the most part. You will really notice the “upgrade” from your PC webcam if you’re long used to it. After all, the app streams your video in HD resolution.

However, take note that you may encounter occasional lags and hiccups from time to time. So if you want a more stable connection, make sure to connect your smartphone via USB.

Like they say, every good thing comes with a price. It’s the same here on XSplit VCam: you have to cough up for a recurring fee of US$ 70/year to remove the watermark it puts on your video stream. The one-time, lifetime fee costs US$ 230. So, those who are averse to paying up should look elsewhere.

Finally, a major caveat: XSplit VCam is only available for Windows. Fortunately, a macOS version is now in beta. Both Android and iOS support the Connect Webcam app, so you’ve got no problem there.

Download XSplit Vcam here.

DroidCam: light but packed with features

DroidCam is another great option to turn your smartphone into a portable webcam. Just like the XSplit VCam, you download the mobile and desktop apps for it to work. Unlike it, though, it is much lighter in file size and doesn’t require any sign-ins. It’s easy to get around the app’s interface — there are only a few buttons to click for you to get going.

To get started, you must connect your phone to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC. Then, you have to enter your smartphone’s IP address and also make sure that the DroidCam port address is one and the same as your smartphone. If all goes well, you’ll see the video feed from your smartphone camera.

Take note, though, that the app doesn’t let you switch cameras once you established a connection with your smartphone. To switch cameras, you have to disconnect first then choose the camera-like icon in the upper right corner of the mobile app.

For a more reliable video feed, you can opt for a USB connection. Here, the process is as simple as selecting your smartphone from a dropdown menu. Once you’ve set it up completely, you will now see your smartphone’s video feed.

There’s also a paid DroidCamX Pro for those who want more features. Pro features include the option for HD mode, which is a bummer since the default resolution maxes out at 480p, though that resolution is still perfectly fine for most.

Some video adjustments such as brightness adjustment and rotation are also pro features. Buying the pro version also removes the ads on mobile apps. Luckily, you only have to pay a one-time fee to access these pro features.

What’s not so great is the lack of macOS support. The desktop app is only available for Windows and Linux. Meanwhile, the mobile app is available for both Android and iOS.

Download DroidCam here.

Works well for macOS and iPhone: Reincubate Camo

If you’ve noticed by now, those two apps don’t offer an app for macOS. This is where Reincubate Camo comes in the picture. Reincubate Camo has a macOS client and a good one too. It offers an extensive set of features for controlling the appearance of your video feed. Plus, it works well on major videoconferencing apps.

That said, this app is should be your go-to if you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem. The app has tons of settings to control your video feed and tweak everything that comes from an iPhone. The mobile app is only available for iOS — iPads included.

Windows users, fortunately, can take advantage of the desktop app. Overall, Reincubate Camo should be the perfect solution for a portable webcam especially if you have an iPhone (or an iPad).

By default, the app settles for 720p HD resolution. However, you can also pay a bit more to unlock 1080p video feeds, which should help with making you look sharper and detailed on video calls. Paying for the pro version of the app also removes the watermark, and gives you extra controls too.

Download Reincubate Camo here.

Other alternatives: using a spare camera, or using the mobile app

Have a spare camera lying around? You can use your camera as a portable webcam, depending on your camera’s manufacturer. Canon and Sony both offer a solution so users can utilize their DSLRs and mirrorless cameras as portable webcams. All you have to do is to download their own software into your PC and follow the given instructions.

If you have a camera that is supported, it might be much better to actually use it as a portable webcam than your smartphone. After all, the quality of most dedicated cameras is still better than smartphones. Some cameras even support up to 4K streaming, which is a big boost for Zoom call quality.

One of the best and easiest ways to upgrade your webcam game is to use your videoconferencing’s mobile apps instead. Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and more are readily downloadable on Android and iOS and offer almost the same set of features found on the desktop app.

You just download the apps, sign in, and viola. However, this setup may not work for some who want all their work apps on the desktop. People have varying workflows, after all.

In the end, leveling up your webcam game is also a matter of finding what works best for you. There are apps to make your smartphone a portable webcam, apps that let you use your DSLR or mirrorless camera, or just mobile videoconferencing apps.

Just remember that you don’t have to suffer from poor video call quality anymore — an important point to stress out especially today when video calls are now just facts of life.

Related Topics:DroidCam X Reincubate Camo webcam XSplit VCam

Computers

Apple unveils new iMac with M6 chip

M6 brings faster AI performance

Published

October 27, 2026

GadgetMatch

Apple has unveiled its new iMac powered by the M6 chip, bringing faster performance, enhanced on-device AI capabilities, and improved connectivity to its all-in-one desktop computer.

Announced on October 27, the new iMac retains its slim design and 24-inch display while introducing hardware upgrades for everyday productivity, creative workflows, and AI-powered applications.

Apple claims the M6-powered iMac delivers up to 18 times faster performance than the most popular Intel-based iMac. It also offers up to five times faster on-device AI performance than the previous-generation M4 model.

The new iMac comes in seven colors: blue, green, pink, yellow, purple, orange, and silver.

M6 brings faster performance and AI capabilities

The new iMac features Apple’s M6 chip, with configurations offering either a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU or a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU.

The 12-core CPU delivers improved performance for everyday applications, multitasking, and demanding workloads. Meanwhile, the GPU now features Neural Accelerators in every core to accelerate AI processing and graphics-intensive tasks.

Apple claims the new iMac delivers up to twice the graphics performance of the M4 model. Users can expect improvements in photo editing, video production, and gaming, including titles that use ray tracing.

The M6 also features a Dual 16-core Neural Engine, which delivers up to twice the AI computing performance of the previous generation. Combined with memory bandwidth of up to 170GB/s, the chip can handle demanding on-device AI workloads, including running large language models.

Apple highlights several performance improvements over previous generations:

Up to 2.5 times faster performance in Microsoft Excel compared to the M1 iMac.
Up to 3.3 times faster graphics performance in applications such as Affinity compared to the M1 iMac.
Up to 12 times faster on-device AI prompt processing in LM Studio compared to the M1 iMac.
Up to twice the gaming performance with ray tracing compared to the M4 iMac.

These improvements make the iMac a more capable desktop for professionals, students, and creators who need additional computing power without moving to a separate desktop tower.

A desktop built for AI

Apple is positioning the new iMac as a platform for its expanding AI ecosystem.

Running macOS 27, the desktop supports Apple Intelligence features and Siri AI, Apple’s next-generation assistant. Users can ask questions, search for information across their messages and emails, and perform actions across supported applications.

Siri AI is also integrated into Spotlight, allowing users to search for information and ask follow-up questions. Visual Intelligence lets users interact with content on their screen, whether it’s a chart in a spreadsheet or an image in a browser.

Other AI-powered features extend to everyday applications. Safari can automatically organize tabs into topics and notify users about website changes, including product restocks and price drops. Users can also create Shortcuts automations by describing what they want to accomplish.

For creative professionals, Apple Intelligence adds tools for photo editing and other productivity tasks. The iMac also supports third-party AI applications optimized for Apple silicon, including LM Studio and Topaz Studio.

Apple says these capabilities allow users to run supported AI workloads locally, helping preserve privacy by processing certain tasks directly on the device.

Siri AI is available in beta in macOS 27.2, with language and regional availability restrictions applying to some Apple Intelligence features.

24-inch 4.5K Retina display

The new iMac retains its 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, which offers a resolution of 4,480 x 2,520 pixels and 500 nits of brightness.

The display supports the P3 wide color gamut and more than one billion colors, making it suitable for photo editing, video production, and everyday entertainment.

Apple also offers an optional nano-texture display finish on supported configurations to reduce reflections and glare in challenging lighting conditions.

For video calls, the iMac features a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera with Desk View. Its three-microphone array and six-speaker sound system deliver an integrated audiovisual setup without requiring additional peripherals.

The speakers feature force-cancelling woofers and tweeters, with support for Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.

Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, and faster storage

Connectivity receives an upgrade with Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

The higher-end configuration can also be equipped with 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, offering up to 2.5 times faster wired connectivity than the previous generation.

Apple claims the new iMac delivers up to twice the SSD read and write performance of its predecessor, helping applications launch faster and large files load more quickly.

Port availability depends on the configuration. The higher-end model includes four Thunderbolt 4 ports, allowing users to connect external storage, docks, and other accessories.

The iMac also supports up to two external 6K displays, providing additional screen space for demanding workflows.

Apple continues to bundle color-matched accessories with the desktop. Depending on the configuration, these include a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and either a Magic Mouse or Magic Trackpad. The accessories feature USB-C charging ports.

macOS 27 and sustainability

The new iMac runs macOS 27, which brings refinements to the Liquid Glass interface, system performance, and search.

Users can adjust the transparency of Liquid Glass through a new setting, choosing an appearance that ranges from clearer to more tinted. Apple has also refined app icons and other interface elements.

The iMac continues Apple’s sustainability efforts. Its stand uses 100 percent recycled aluminum, while its magnets use 100 percent recycled rare earth elements. Apple-designed printed circuit boards also use 100 percent recycled gold plating and tin solder.

Apple says the new iMac is manufactured using renewable electricity across its supply chain. The company continues working toward its goal of becoming carbon neutral across its entire footprint by 2030.

iMac with M6 pricing and availability

In the United States, the new iMac with M6 starts at US$1,499 for the configuration with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU. Education pricing starts at US$1,449.

The higher-end configuration, featuring a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, starts at US$1,699, with education pricing starting at US$1,599.

Pre-orders in the United States and 34 other countries and regions begin on October 28, 2026. Availability starts November 6.

In the Philippines, the new iMac with M6 starts at PHP 109,990 for the 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration. Eligible students and educators can purchase it for PHP 105,990.

The higher-end configuration with a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU starts at PHP 124,990, with education pricing at PHP 117,990.

Apple says the new iMac will be available soon through the Philippine Apple Store online and Apple Authorized Resellers. Local availability dates have yet to be announced.

In Singapore, the new iMac starts at SGD 2,099 for the 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration, with education pricing at SGD 2,029.

The 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU configuration starts at SGD 2,399, with education pricing at SGD 2,259. Pre-orders in Singapore begin on October 29, with availability starting November 6.

Computers

Lenovo tech behind DreamWorks Animation hit ‘Forgotten Island’

Partnership powers modern demands of animation production

Published

October 2, 2026

GadgetMatch

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island has definitely become a big screen hit, debuting with a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score and being well received particularly by a large Filipino fanbase.

And behind the movie is DreamWorks Animation’s partnership with tech giant, Lenovo. The collaboration is helping power the former’s production slate, including the studio’s animated feature inspired by Filipino culture, mythology, and experiences.

In 2025, DreamWorks expanded its relationship with Lenovo by naming the company its preferred compute services, workstation, and solutions provider.

Such partnership brings together Lenovo workstations, high-performance infrastructure, data center technology, and services to support the demanding needs of modern animation production.

It is a collaboration that builds on years of work between the two companies. DreamWorks has used Lenovo workstations as part of workflows across the studio.

Lenovo infrastructure has also supported the large-scale computing requirements involved in creating animated worlds and characters.

Still in cinemas, Forgotten Island follows lifelong best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by Grammy and Academy Award winner H.E.R. and Filipino actress Liza Soberano.

As the two prepare to take different paths after high school, they unexpectedly find themselves transported to Nakali, a fantastical island populated by magical and mythological creatures rooted in stories from their Filipino families.

The film is written and directed by Academy Award nominee Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado and produced by Academy Award nominee Mark Swift, the filmmaking team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.

Its voice cast also includes Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, and Lea Salonga.

Computers

ROG brings out the ultra-stylish G1000 gaming desktop

Plus, here’s a couple of sleek transport options from ROG.

Published

September 29, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

Despite how much higher prices are going today, there are still so many options if you want a PC for yourself. However, only a handful of brands will offer you quite as much style doing so as ASUS. Today, ROG has revealed the new G1000 gaming desktop.

For the first time ever in a prebuilt PC, the ROG G1000 comes with a built-in AniMe Holo, a holographic fan with customizable visuals using Armoury Crate and Aura Sync. Additionally, the holographic fan is inside its own chamber, preventing it from interfering with the main system. Instead, the desktop uses the ROG Thermal Atrium, which uses three fans to channel fresh air through a 420mm AIO liquid cooler.

Now, the ROG G1000 isn’t just a pretty face. Inside, the 104L desktop comes with a Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. It also comes equipped with the ROG Astral GeForce RTX 5080, up to 128GB DDR5 memory, and 1TB SSD for storage. New purchases will also come with a gaming keyboard and mouse, a year of Microsoft 365 Basic, Office Home 2024, and an ASUS No. 1 Quality and Service warranty.

The ROG G1000 will be available from ROG Exclusive Stores and will start at PhP 399,995.

Celebrating ROG at 20

Besides the new desktop, ROG is also launching a couple of storage and transport options for your prized gaming possessions. The ROG SLASH Backpack Edition 20 is a sleek backpack that can fit an 18-inch laptop with enough room for peripherals and accessories. It also comes with a custom FIDLOCK Magnetic quick-release, black-and-translucent-gold buckle. It will be available next quarter for PhP 10,995.

Meanwhile, the ROG SLASH Hard-Case Luggage Edition 20 is designed specifically for transporting your hard-earned gaming devices. The light-but-durable aluminum frame comes with a specialized compartment for laptops, handhelds, and accessories. It also has removalbe foam dividers to better customize the case for your needs. Finally, it has 360-degree silent skate wheels for smoother rolling. The luggage will be available starting next quarter for PhP 15,995.