The first Apple Watch camera has arrived — and the iPhone is less relevant

The outset Apple Watch camera has arrived — and the iPhone is less relevant

(Image credit: Wristcam)

Always wish your Apple Watch could have pictures and videos? And so Wristcam might but exist the camera-powered, vesture experience you lot've been waiting for. And the one that could make iPhones irrelevant.

The first camera designed for Apple Scout, Wristband is an $299, Apple-certified smart band that features a clever, in-strap component packing both world-facing and self-facing cams. Using either the band's manual controls or the watchOS app, you lot can capture content when your telephone is out of achieve.

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Of class, Wristcam'south 8MP and 2MP cameras can't compete with iPhone 12 Pro's 12MP assortment, but in the samples I've seen this product certainly makes a strong case. You won't be ditching your smartphone yet, simply when it comes to a smartwatch satisfying everyday needs like photography, Wristcam brings Apple Watch a key step closer to practical autonomy.

Just it too brings some bulk to an iconically slim smartwatch. Although the 1.2-ounce device doesn't sound heavy, the mode it protrudes seems like it could exist a nuisance while working out or sleeping. Like any of the best Apple tree Lookout man bands, though, it could be swapped easily to suit your immediate needs.

As its own self-contained organisation, Wristcam pairs to Apple Spotter via Bluetooth Low Energy in an endeavor to sustain its independent, "all 24-hour interval" battery. It as well connects to iPhone and the Wristcam companion app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

When there's an epitome or video you lot'd similar to accept, you can either use buttons on the strap or employ the viewfinder inside the Wristcam app on your Apple Watch. The interface is unproblematic enough — you swipe to switch between photo and video, and double tap to switch between the front-facing and world-facing cams. In the demo I saw, the app and latency worked smoothly.

Wristcam-captured content can be stored your Apple tree Watch, but tin also be synced with your iPhone's photograph gallery so your images and videos are readily accessible. Wristcam's app fifty-fifty has a suite of editing tools and filters, too.

In an endeavor to accost privacy concerns of a James Bail-like accessory, Wristcam features blinking status lights that indicate agile recording. But it'south not like discretion is Wristcam'southward mission. Instead, it's the ability capture life in the moment.

I'm skeptical of how many situations I'd sooner utilise Wristcam over my new iPhone 12 Pro Max, but I'm certainly interested in testing it out for comfort and practicality. I'thousand less interested in the $299 cost tag, simply considering the GoPro Hero9 Black costs $449, Wristcam could find a niche equally a viable culling for outdoorsy Apple Lookout users.

I, on the other manus, would utilize information technology to take pictures of my dog when my phone is out of reach.

Kate Kozuch is a senior writer at Tom'southward Guide covering wearables, TVs and everything smart-dwelling house related. When she's not in cyborg style, you can detect her on an exercise bicycle or channeling her inner celebrity chef. She and her robot regular army will rule the world one day, but until then, reach her at kate.kozuch@futurenet.com.