HMD Smartwatch: Camera Before Apple?
- While Apple reportedly scrapped plans for an Apple Watch with a built-in camera, HMD, the company behind Nokia phones, is preparing to launch a smartwatch featuring a camera.
- The RUBBER 1 smartwatch is expected to feature a 2MP camera.
- The HMD RUBBER 1S is a smaller, more budget-friendly choice.
HMD is set to disrupt the smartwatch space with a camera-equipped Wear OS device, a move Apple reportedly abandoned. The upcoming RUBBER 1, detailed in recent leaks, will sport a 2MP camera alongside a vibrant 1.85-inch OLED screen, plus health tracking. A more affordable RUBBER 1S is also expected. This innovative approach positions HMD to gain a competitive edge, particularly with Google’s Gemini AI integration. Imagine capturing moments and accessing AI features directly from your wrist. News Directory 3 has the scoop on this developing story. Discover what’s next for wearable technology.
HMD to Launch Wear OS Smartwatch with Camera; Apple Abandons Similar Plans
While Apple reportedly scrapped plans for an Apple Watch with a built-in camera, HMD, the company behind Nokia phones, is preparing to launch a smartwatch featuring a camera. Leaks from @smashx_60 on X/Twitter detail two potential new Wear OS-powered HMD wearables: the RUBBER 1 and RUBBER 1S.
The RUBBER 1 smartwatch is expected to feature a 2MP camera. While image quality may not be top-tier, the camera opens possibilities for new features. The RUBBER 1 is also rumored to have a 1.85-inch OLED screen, a 400 mAh battery, standard health-tracking features, and 5 ATM waterproofing.
The HMD RUBBER 1S is a smaller, more budget-friendly choice. It is expected to have a 1.07-inch OLED display and a 290 mAh battery, while retaining heart rate and blood oxygen (SpO2) tracking, along with 5 ATM waterproofing.
The integration of a camera into a Wear OS smartwatch could unlock new potential, especially with GoogleS Gemini AI assistant coming to wearables. The camera could enable Gemini Live’s multimodal capabilities directly from the wrist.
What’s next
If the rumors prove accurate, HMD may soon release a smartwatch with a camera, possibly aimed at younger users, but with features that could appeal to a broad audience.