
Windows 11 Gains Multi-App Webcam Support and Advanced Camera Features | Image Source: www.windowscentral.com
REDMOND, Wash., December 13, 2024 – ​Microsoft tackles one of the longest limitations on Windows with the latest Windows 11 updates. According to Windows Central, Windows 11 Build 26120.2702 introduces a much anticipated ​ability for webcams to operate simultaneously in several applications. This ​multi-app feature not only improves user comfort, but is also designed to improve accessibility, especially for the ​community with difficult access. The update marks a significant step forward in ​modernizing the functionality of the Windows 11 camera, a feature many users have been asking for for for years.
Traditionally, webcams on ​Windows devices ​were limited to a single application at the same time, a nuisance for users who trust video conferencing ​or continuous workflows. Microsoft’s new feature ​is ​to solve this ​problem. As Microsoft said, multi-app camera support was “developed with Hardy-of@-@ The hearing community ​must ​allow video transmission to both a sign language interpreter ​and the final audience. ​This progress ensures greater flexibility, particularly for accessibility ​tools ​and collaborative communication configurations.
New advanced camera configurations
Windows 11 Build 26120.2702 introduces an advanced ​camera configuration page, offering two new ​key options to users. According to Central Windows, these options are accessible via Settings > Bluetooth Devices > ​Cameras. From there, users can choose to change ​the camera’s specific settings, allowing them to optimize the performance and functionality of their webcam. The two notable configurations include:
- Multi-app camera: ​Allows multiple ​applications to access ​the camera stream ​simultaneously, enhancing workflows for video ​meetings, accessibility, and streaming setups.
- Basic camera: Designed for debugging purposes, this feature enables basic camera functionality, recommended as a last resort when cameras experience technical issues. ​Microsoft noted that this tool was developed in collaboration ​with their support ​agents.
Microsoft said these ​advanced configurations will simplify camera operations ​and provide greater flexibility ​to users. The new ​parameters aim ​to solve ​common technical problems and provide more robust features for energy users. Microsoft ​is also ​working on other ​media options, such as resolution settings and image speed, which are expected to occur in future ​Windows 11 developments.
Future without password: New API support for passwords
In addition to improving the camera, Windows ​11 Build ​26120.2702 takes another step towards Microsoft’s vision of a password-free future. The update includes a new ​API support for third-party password providers, allowing ​Windows to integrate perfectly ​with external ​reference managers. Microsoft has actively worked ​with ​Passkey Manager’s partners to offer this feature as part of its commitment to improve access security. According to Microsoft, these changes “raise the password security bar for all users on Windows.”
According to the announcement, WebAuthn ​API updates now support a plugin authentication template for passwords. This new model allows third-party providers to ​interact with the user experience of Windows Hello, offering users the flexibility to choose between the native ​provider of Windows Passkey or third-party ​alternatives. Messages exchanged during WebAuthn feeds are ​sent to the plugin, allowing perfect integration ​for user authentication.
“This ​template allows ​plugins to use Windows Hello as a user-checking mechanism to allow a seamless Passkey experience”
Microsoft encourages third-party developers of ​Passkey providers to integrate their services into Windows 11. Developers can explore the technical implementation through ​Microsoft API documentation, accessible through their official ​website.
Other updates on Windows 11 Builds
In addition to header features, Microsoft also released Windows 11 Build ​22635.4655, which includes minor improvements and enhancements to ​existing features. According ​to Central Windows, these updates mainly aim to improve the Start menu, Spotlight features and sharing the Windows ​experience:
- Start ​Menu: Filtering for ​recommended websites has been refined to display higher-quality content based on ​users’ ​browsing history. ​Microsoft encourages users to provide feedback to further improve ​the feature.
- Spotlight Enhancements: Both the lock screen and desktop Spotlight experiences now ​offer more interactive elements. ​Users can click or hover over images to learn more about the backgrounds, ​streamlining access to additional information.
- Windows Share: When sharing web links or content using the Windows share window, users will now see a visual preview of the shared content, improving the user experience.
These improvements reflect Microsoft’s ongoing ​efforts to improve user friendliness and customization in Windows 11. Although the changes in Build 22635.4655 are ​relatively ​minor compared to multi-app support, they ​still contribute to a softer and more intuitive user experience.
Future development and ​user adoption
Microsoft’s recent ​updates ​show that there ​is a clear focus on processing long-standing user requests, while building on their broader accessibility ​and ​security objectives. The introduction of ​a multi-app camera support ​not only solves a technical limitation, but also opens the door ​to innovative use cases, especially ​for people and professionals who depend on ​video communication. In addition, the camera’s advanced configurations provide necessary control over camera performance, addressing common problems reported by users.
Progress in password ​support indicates that ​Microsoft continued to push towards a password-free future. ​With API support ​for third-party ​password providers and updates to the WebAuthn authentication stream, ​Windows 11 users will benefit from greater flexibility and security. Microsoft’s collaboration with the credit manager’s partners guarantees users ​access to several secure authentication ​options, thereby improving the company’s position in the cybersecurity landscape.
Looking ahead, Microsoft has involved new developments ​in camera configuration, including support ​for customizable resolution and image rates. These future ​updates will probably ​be welcomed by users looking for tight control over their devices. Microsoft’s proactive approach to processing user feedback and working with developers underscores its commitment to providing a more dynamic and accessible Windows experience.
For users interested in testing new features, Microsoft ​encourages participation ​in the Windows Insider program, where the latest constructions are ​available for ​testing. As the company continues to refine ​and expand Windows 11, features such as multi-app camera support ​and key integration ​should become integrated components of the platform.