Google Could Revolutionise Dash Cams As We Know Them With This New Update

A dash cam in cars is an accessory that has been gaining popularity in recent years. While it may be omnipresent in a few global markets, the technology is only just beginning to pop up in India; but there’s an issue. A basic entry-level device starts from anywhere between Rs 3,500 - Rs 4,000 and has no cap on the upper limit. But there might be some good news as Google is working on a smartphone feature that will essentially turn your smartphone into a dash cam, allowing it to record video (and audio optionally) while driving.

The information got leaked by an alleged mistake that made the function available to a few users before an actual roll out. The new feature called ‘Dashcam’ was seen under the ‘Personal Safety’ section. Even though it wasn’t a completely finished product, images show a clear step-by-step explanation for every functionality.  

Useability

Yeah, using your phone as a dash cam might have two or more constraints, but Google has a solution for almost all of them. For instance, the feature automatically starts recording when you connect to the vehicle’s bluetooth and it can be done manually as well. The recorded video is compressed to save space, averaging 30MB per minute, and the maximum length of recording will be 24 hours.

You won’t really have to worry about storage because it’ll automatically do away with the recorded footage after three days, until and unless you save them yourself. If you’re worried that you won’t be able to operate your phone while it is recording, well, don’t; because your phone will still be fully usable. You can have your map display for navigation, while it records from the other side, and you can even keep your phone locked to conserve battery.

Few concerns

Even though it is under development currently, it seems like Google really thought everything through. But still, we have a few concerns of our own. First up is the issue of where exactly you will place the phone so that it gets a clear, unobstructed view for recording.

Placing it at the centre, where all usual dash cams are, might hinder driver visibility given that smartphones are considerably bigger than a standard dash cam. A possible dedicated accessory to hold the phone in a convenient location might solve this issue, but then comes the danger of using the phone while driving.

In the centre, the device will, in most cases, be out of the driver’s immediate reach. So additional effort and concentration will be required to reach and access it while driving. That makes it all the more dangerous, considering it isn’t like we haven’t got enough distraction with touch-sensitive controls, huge touchscreen systems and whatnot in these new-age vehicles.

Moreover, what’s the purpose of this feature when you want to leave your car considering that you need your phone with you, right?  In these cases, an actual dash cam offers better usability, considering dash cams are very much required when your car is parked. Also, considering that most cars get Android Auto, it’s highly likely this feature might not be even used at all. 

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But these few solvable concerns apart, this function will really be a game changer, especially for people who don’t want to shell out a huge sum of money for a dash cam. But it still remains a mystery as to when this function will be rolled out, or whether it will ever be rolled out in the first place, given there has been no announcement from Google.