Google frequently introduces updates and new features for it’s Pixel line of Android-based smartphones which helps keep them apart from the competition.

Recently, 9to5Google decompiled the latest build of the Personal Safety app to analyse its code. Such an analysis helps them get a hint about any upcoming new features.

And as per the report, it appears that Google is planning to release an update that will allow Pixel owners to use their smartphones as dashcams for their cars.

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Google Pixel dashcam feature causing concerns over limited onboard storage and overheating

To make it convenient for the users, the dashcam feature can automatically start recording whenever one connects to the car’s Bluetooth system.

While it’s quite possible the company may or may not release it, the potential arrival of the dashcam feature has certainly got Pixel owners (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10) concerned.

They are skeptical of the Pixel phones’ ability to be used as a dashcam, especially the recent Tensor-powered models, to withstand overheating in the outside environment and record video footages for long durations.

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I can’t even use Google Maps without my Pixel 6 Pro going into dark mode because it’s overheating… No way it’s gonna be able to work as a dash cam.
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Lol. It will overheat the phone and stop recording.
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This is quite understandable as users have witnessed overheating issues (1,2,3,4,5) on their devices even when being used for normal tasks.

They are concerned that leaving their smartphone on the car’s dashboard will quickly heat it up. As a result, the frequency of other problems like battery drain, constant hanging or shutting down will also increase.

And the situation will expectedly worsen in the summer season. It’s worth noting that the overheating issue is also evident on devices that don’t use Tensor SOCs, like the Pixel 5 smartphone lineup.

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There are also concerns about storage. With a base storage of 128GB without expandable storage, people are worried that dashcam recordings may quickly fill up the onboard storage, forcing them to sign up for Google One cloud storage.

Due to this, users believe that this feature is not a suitable fit for the Pixel phones and are more inclined towards purchasing seperate devices.

As noted earlier, Google hasn’t confirmed the arrival of the dashcam feature. But when it does roll out, we’ll follow up on these concerns and update this article accordingly.

Note: There are more such stories in our dedicated Google section. So make sure that you follow them as well.

Featured image source: Google Pixel 7 Pro.

PiunikaWeb started as purely an investigative tech journalism website with main focus on ‘breaking’ or ‘exclusive’ news. In no time, our stories got picked up by the likes of Forbes, Foxnews, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Engadget, The Verge, Macrumors, and many others. Want to know more about us? Head here.

Kanav Sood
740 Posts

I love technology and like to talk about the latest news in the Tech industry.

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