Manufacturer HMD is about to launch two WearOS smartwatches, with one model featuring a unique feature: a built-in 2-megapixel camera. Everything indicates that the device will be oriented toward the user's face. This should finally make it possible to make video calls completely without a smartphone, from your wrist.
In the smartwatch market, a groundswell is emerging, in an incredible slow-motion movement. This revolution concerns the inexorable transformation of smartwatches, accessories connected to smartphones, into completely independent devices. In recent years, from the Apple Watch to the entire ecosystem of competing manufacturers, we have seen the launch of numerous models integrating an eSIM card.
This allows you to leave your mobile at home, especially during sports activities – without losing access (even limited) to the benefits of a permanent internet connection. It is also generally possible to make and receive calls on these devices. In addition, you can send messages to your loved ones. However, no manufacturer has ever, with one notable exception, integrated a camera on this type of device.
However, this allows you to make video calls directly from your wrist. The only previous example of such integration actually dates back to around 2010. And it wasn't for this type of use. The Samsung Galaxy Gear at the time actually offered an outward-facing camera. With the sole objective of being able to take low-resolution photos from the accessory.
HMD Global is preparing to launch the first smartwatch on the market with a camera since... 2010
It must be said that due to the limited space available, we quickly reach the limit of what current technology can pack into this type of device. Including very little space for the battery, which immediately forces us to opt for a hardware platform with performance well below that of a smartphone. Even though video conferencing requires the adjoining chip to be able to boost its performance a little.
Another problem: photo sensors remain fairly large components and are restrictive in terms of space management. But as new, more suitable technologies such as metalens – based on nanometric patterns etched onto an ultra-thin, flat substrate that acts as a lens – arrive, and the fineness of engraving crosses the 3 nm mark, the subject comes back much more seriously on the table.
This is how the leaker @smashx reveals on 𝕏 the technical specifications of the two upcoming watch models from HMD. The brand, an offshoot of the legendary Nokia, should soon release two watch models called HMD Rubber 1 and HMD Rubber 2s. The first reference is especially the one that catches our attention given its more premium features and the presence of the famous component.
We would therefore have a 1.85″ OLED screen, health sensors including one for pulse and oxygenation, NFC for contactless payment, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity… and above all a 2 Mp camera. Which seems sufficient to display your face when answering calls. For the moment, no other information on these models has surfaced. However, the technical sheet and the commercial name suggest that the big reveal of these models is actually very close. What if your next watch made you drop your smartphone?
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