Microsoft Teams for iPad now works with external USB-C cameras and webcams
Microsoft Teams for iPad now supports external USB-C cameras for enhanced videoconferencing with sharper images, adjustable angles and other perks.
According to the Windows maker, virtually any webcam with USB-C connectivity should work in Teams for iPad. Just plug a compatible camera into the iPad’s USB-C port and the updated Teams app will automatically recognize and use it.
You may wonder why anyone would need an external camera to conduct video calls on their iPad. Well, that’s because the built-in ultrawide front camera is restricted to 12 megapixels and lacks the dynamic range of many external cameras.
More importantly, the FaceTime camera on your iPad is fixed in place, whereas you can place webcams anywhere you like and easily adjust their angle during videoconferencing sessions (besides, only recent iPads have a landscape camera that doesn’t force you to look sideways).
Microsoft Teams for iPad gains external camera support
“Whether you’re hosting a meeting in a well-lit conference room or leading a presentation from your home office, an external camera can significantly enhance the quality and professionalism of your video feed,” explains the company.
For best appearance, you should use a tripod or a mount for stability and optimal framing. Microsoft also advises using “ring lights for a polished look.” Business professionals in particular will like this update because they can now bring their iPad to meetings and connect it to a dedicated camera in the conference room.
You can plug an external camera either before or during a Teams meeting. However, there are no built-in controls to switch between the built-in FaceTime camera and the external one. Instead, you must unplug the external camera from the device to switch back to the default iPad camera.
For those wondering—yes, Teams also works with Center Stage, Apple’s feature for the built-in ultrawide camera that leverages automatic cropping and zooming in order to keep you centered as you’re walking around the room.
iPadOS 17 brought external camera support
Teams leverages support for external USB-C cameras, webcams, and mirrorless cameras with webcam modes built into iPadOS 17. External cameras even work when connected through USB-C hubs and devices like Elgato’s Cam Link 4K.
Apple’s FaceTime app supports external cameras, but third-party developers need to use Apple’s official API to add external camera support. However, popular apps like Zoom, Twitch, and YouTube have yet to be updated with this functionality.
Source link: https://www.idownloadblog.com/2024/12/11/microsoft-teams-ipad-external-camera-support/
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