For a few months now, there’s been talk of an Apple Watch with a built-in camera. However, more recent reports claim that Apple ultimately scrapped the idea. Well, while Apple might have ditched the idea, it looks like another company, HMD (the folks behind many recent Nokia-branded phones), is gearing up to launch a smartwatch that does include a built-in camera.
The leak comes from tech tipster @smashx_60 on X/Twitter). The post includes details on the tech specs of two potential new Wear OS-powered HMD wearables: the RUBBER 1 and RUBBER 1S.
HMD’s upcoming smartwatches: RUBBER 1 with camera; RUBBER 1S more affordable
Let’s start with the RUBBER 1, the real star of the show. This HMD smartwatch is said to boast a 2MP camera. You probably won’t get the sharpest and most detailed photos with that sensor. However, it remains to be seen what related features the company has in mind for the sensor.
This wearable is also expected to feature a decent 1.85-inch OLED screen (which means bright, vibrant colors). There’s also a 400 mAh battery to keep things running. Plus, it will likely come with standard health-tracking goodies like heart rate and blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring. If you like to swim, the watch is rumored to have 5 ATM waterproofing, so it can handle depths up to 50 meters.
Then there is the HMD RUBBER 1S, a smaller model. If you’re not keen on a camera or prefer something a bit more budget-friendly, this model is for you. It’s expected to come with a slightly smaller 1.07-inch OLED display and a 290 mAh battery. It still retains the useful heart rate and SpO2 tracking and the 5 ATM waterproofing, though.
Gemini-related possibilities
Integrating a camera into a modern smartwatch opens up a myriad of possibilities. The report mentions that HMD’s upcoming wearables will run Wear OS, with all that entails. Google has already confirmed that it will bring its Gemini AI assistant to watches as well. The camera sensor would be ideal for taking advantage of Gemini Live’s multimodal capabilities directly from your wrist. You’d no longer have to take your smartphone out of your pocket to get information about things around you, for example.
If the leak is true, we will receive a smartwatch with a camera at the end. However, it will not come from who we initially expected. HMD seems ready to jump in and make it happen. While it’s rumored these watches might initially be aimed at kids, the idea of a camera on your wrist definitely sparks curiosity for all ages.
