How to Use an A1200 As a Webcam

The Motorola A1200 is a mobile phone that has a built in digital camera and video recorder. With the right software you can transform your mobile phone into a webcam, that allows you create video chats between your friends and family members. This way you don't have to carry around an extra gadget that can get lost or stolen.

• 1

  Choose a program that will allow you to utilize your A1200's built-in camera as a working webcam.  Some options to consider are MobileHomeCam, SmartCam, and WebCamera.  As of 2010, SmartCam and MobileHomeCam are open source softwares that are available for free, WebCamera costs $9.99.

• 2

  Download MobileHomeCam from its web page (see Resources).  You will need to download an application for both your mobile phone as well as for your PC. Once installed on your PC, launch the desktop MobileHomeCam application and register a username and a password by filling up the input fields provided. Then run the mobile client in the mobile program and log in with your registered username and password.  Once your phone and computer are synchronized, you will be able to get frame-by frame-recordings from your camera to your PC. You will be able to share still photos and set up a video stream with your friends.

• 3

  Get SmartCam (see Resources). This program only needs to be run on your PC. Once you have done this, connect your A1200 and your PC to one another via the Bluetooth connection. You can also use Wi-fi, if available. On your phone, run SmartCam and select a working access point or Wi-Fi hot spot.  Once done, you will be able to view the video feed from your Motorola A1200 directly on your PC.

• 4

  Purchase WebCamera (see Resources).  Install the program on both your PC and on your Motorola.  Establish a connection between your A1200 and your desktop computer by USB connection, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.  On the WebCamera application on your phone press "Menu," go to "Settings," and mark the "Auto detect IP flag."  On your PC type choose "WebCamera" as your preferred source video device.  Once the connection is done, simply press "Start" on the phone then you should immediately see your phone's video streaming onto your PC.