New 'CMRA' Band for Apple Watch Features Dual 2MP and 8MP Cameras

[MacRumors]

Glide recently announced a new Apple Watch band that includes both a 2MP front-facing camera, as well as an 8MP outward-facing one, with the ability to capture crisp images and HD videos "in a tap." Called the "CMRA," users simply have to tap a button built into the band to snap a photo or long-press to begin recording a video, and on one charge the CMRA can take "hundreds of photos," or about 30 minutes of video (via Re/code).

The sole button housed on the band also switches it between the two cameras with a double-tap. Any pictures or videos taken with the band are seamlessly integrated with Apple's stock Photos app, so it's easy to store, edit, and share moments captured on the CMRA. Glide says that the cameras on its band include tilt-balancing, lens correction, noise reduction, and pixel optimization features to provide enhanced shots on the fly. In terms of storage, the CMRA has 8GB of onboard flash memory.

The band's video conferencing feature uses Glide's iPhone and Apple Watch chat app to let users talk in real time, or send recorded video messages to one another. When the Apple Watch app launched last year, it set itself up as a companion to the iPhone app, notifying users of live Glides, missed messages, and let users watch videos right on their wrists. With CMRA, now users can begin recording those videos without needing to grab an iPhone.

For charging, pre-orders of the device will come with a custom dual-charging dock that charges both the Apple Watch and CMRA together, and the dock itself includes a battery pack so it can recharge the two devices twice during travel. Speaking with Re/code, Glide CEO Ari Roisman explained that the company is offering up pre-orders months in advance (CMRA is predicted to launch in Spring 2017) to test the waters and see how much interest the product gathers online.

As for why it is taking orders so early, Roisman offers up the standard answer for small companies looking to do hardware: It needs to know how many to build, and the best way to do that is to sell them publicly before the first units roll off the manufacturing lines.

"The camera is only valuable when it is out and ready to take a photo or video," says Glide CEO Ari Roisman. "Our phones live in our pockets."

For those interested, the CMRA can be pre-ordered from Glide's website at an early bird price of $149.00 in both 38mm and 42mm. The device is expected to sell at $249.00 once it launches, and the company will mark it down to $199.00 for later pre-orders.

Article Link: New 'CMRA' Band for Apple Watch Features Dual 2MP and 8MP Cameras

 

[muadibe]

If Apple were ever to add a camera to the watch, I would never buy one again. Useless on the watch. Nothing but a novelty.

 

[xDKP]

Damn that one ugly band ... and for what? To be a creepy spy-shooting dude?

 

[2457282]

Apple is still searching for a direction on the watch. with its first release it was about everything except pictures. with the second release it has focused more on fitness and still no picture. i don't see picture taking on the watch as something that Apple will move towards. There are things that a watch is handy for - Apple pay is a perfect example (perfect except in the USA where vendors are resisting). Fitness tracking is another example. I actually like the maps integration that gives me haptic cues for turns. but for photos, you need to get the phone out. It will always have a better camera and you always have it with you.

Maybe if Apple puts a cell chip and makes it completely independent of the phone, this would make sense. But until then, I am not sure about this.

 

[H3LL5P4WN]

It'd be so easy to shoot thrill ride videos with these.

 

[Jme Saunders]

I have to say, like the product or not. Even if you don't like the band generally:

They didn't do half a bad job, considering.

 

[Max Portakabin]

Beyond hideous.

 

[Jme Saunders]

Beyond hideous.

Damn that one ugly band ... and for what? To be a creepy spy-shooting dude?

... ok, I think I might be alone in having no taste. I didn't think they did a bad job considering!

 

[NT1440]

Oh my god, did no one learn from the original Samsung watch? nobody wants to look up your nose when video chatting with you.


I seriously question the tech community sometimes. I see a ton of products that appear to be based on "because we can" rather than "why the hell would I ever want to?"

 

[MMan5797]

My question is what apps could even take advantage of a third party camera

 

[BeyondtheTech]

I was going to jump the gun when I saw the "Pre-Order" button, but then got this. So, caveat emptor:

We’ll process your payment immediately. You are participating in a crowdfunding campaign for a new product in the final stages of development. If you order today, your CMRA will be scheduled for shipment in Spring 2017. You can request a refund at any time during the CMRA pre-order campaign, which ends no later than December 2, 2016. By ordering you agree to our Terms and Conditions.

Pre-Orders. Beginning November 2, 2016, Glide will be running a pre-order campaign for CMRA (the “CMRA Pre-order Campaign”). The CMRA Pre-order Campaign will end when it reaches One Million Dollars, or December 2, 2016, whichever comes first (the “CMRA Pre-order Campaign End Date”). In pre-ordering a CMRA directly from Glide, including after the CMRA Pre-order Campaign End Date, you understand that you are contributing (that is, making a donation) to a campaign for a product in development and has not yet been manufactured, and that you are not making a purchase (a “Pre-Order“). Glide reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject a Pre-Order. If Glide accepts a Pre-Order, you may be charged immediately for the Pre-Order, and your reward under the Pre-Order will be the number of CMRA products you pre-ordered. Our estimated shipping date for your CMRA will be noted on the order page of our online store, but we may be in contact with you nearer the time of estimated shipping to update you about any delays. Notwithstanding the foregoing, you acknowledge that Glide alone, in its sole discretion, will determine whether it is able to fulfill your reward. If Glide determines that it is unable to fulfill your reward, then: (a) it will use commercially reasonable efforts to explore if there are reasonable alternative rewards it can provide, but there is no assurance that these will be possible; and (b) both you and Glide agree that this Agreement (including, but not limited to, the Controlling Law and Dispute Resolution provisions below at Sections ‎‎21 and ‎‎22) will still apply. If you cancel your Pre-Order before the CMRA Pre-Order Campaign End Date, Glide will refund you the amount paid for the Pre-Order. But for Pre-Orders you cancel after that date, you will not be entitled to any refund. Once we ship your CMRA, the Refund Policy will apply. Please contact support@getcmra.com for all inquiries about Pre-Orders.

To be absolutely clear: if you make a Pre-Order, Glide cannot, and does not, promise that you will receive a CMRA.​

While a $150 pre-order price is great for a $250 product (that includes a $60 charging stand), that's still a $150 gamble for a product that may not ever see the light of day, or if even if it does, there's no guarantee it will arrive before "Spring 2017."

I've been on a couple dozen Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns, and almost NONE of them arrived on time, even with the ones who claimed "we're in the final stages of production," and a few, of course, never did make it to production. I've been lucky and got a few refunds for the failed ones, but not all. However, they're making it very clear in the above text copied here not to expect anything if it fails. The wording alone will make your credit card company side with the merchant, in the event of a chargeback request, and the elapsed timeframe of up to six months from now, or more, would also make your chargeback request ineligible. Are you really saving $100 (less if you're accruing interest on that CC you charged it on)?

Lastly, the Series 2 Apple Watch just got released, so that's good timing. However, if it likely slips past the estimated "Spring 2017" release date and goes a few more months, it could run into the release date of a Series 3 Apple Watch, which might be incompatible with this product, or could also include an integrated camera that would Sherlock this product.

I'm not saying to not support them. They may very well be ready for mass production soon and just need the last round of funding. I just hope you set the proper expectations know the consequences when you place that "pre-order."

 

[Kajje]

8GB? We need at least 32GB.

 

[Sunny1990]

Fugly band,spoiled the look of watch

 

[Suprdave71]

I think it's cool, albeit inherently creepy. How does it connect to the watch, though? Bluetooth?

 

[Sunny1990]

AND ONE MORE THING

 

[pika2000]

Considering Samsung tried the camera on a smartwatch thing and they dropped it tells me that it's just not what people wants for a smartwatch.
I like the marketing video though.

 

[5105973]

The still pics from awkward angles will be bad enough. I can't imagine how much motion sickness the video will induce unless you hold your wrist very still and at some awkward angles. There doesn't seem to be any OIS to help stabilize motion jitters.

But if you have been waiting for something awkward looking to match the lumpy silicone Apple battery case, here it is!

 

[Tycho24]

Creepers everywhere rejoice!

Not quite Google Glass redux, but pretty bad...

 

[BaccaBossMC]

It looks like someone sneezed when drafting the prototype, then their boss was like, 'Yeah, that's good enough, only people without a sense of fashion will buy one".

 

[Mac 128]

Apple is still searching for a direction on the watch. with its first release it was about everything except pictures. with the second release it has focused more on fitness and still no picture. i don't see picture taking on the watch as something that Apple will move towards. There are things that a watch is handy for - Apple pay is a perfect example (perfect except in the USA where vendors are resisting). Fitness tracking is another example. I actually like the maps integration that gives me haptic cues for turns. but for photos, you need to get the phone out. It will always have a better camera and you always have it with you.

Maybe if Apple puts a cell chip and makes it completely independent of the phone, this would make sense. But until then, I am not sure about this.

Well for starters, Apple is likely moving toward independent cell connectivity. There were multiple rumors about it. And you don't even need your phone to use the watch independently now -- wifi connections make it almost entirely usable without the phone. I personally use it exclusively without the phone.

Second, you make a laundry list of reasons the watch is more convenient, then build a case why it wouldn't be the case for the camera.

Do you know how many pictures I've missed because I was digging for my phone? And that's just pulling it out of my pocket, turning it on and accessing the camera. Imagine if your phone is in another room of your house and you want to get a picture before the moment passes? Or in your purse or backpack -- you know because the phone is no longer needed to be at hand because the whole point of the watch is to make phone functions more convenient.

And the list goes on and on of potential uses, quick selfies, FaceTime, barcode scanning, face recognition, etc. There are so many practical reasons for having a camera on the watch, there's no reason not to. And certainly because there's a better camera on the iPhone which is always with you is not one of them. Nor is because it doesn't add the same kind of convenience as Apple Pay, or fitness, or turn by turn directions, or anything else the Apple Watch does, which is frankly ridiculous since many will tell you they don't need the watch at all because they have the phone! You can't have it both ways -- the watch is waiter a handy replacement for things on your phone, or it isn't. Anything in between is personal opinion and nothing more.

 

[GSPice]

Maybe it's of no consequence, but the band in the picture seems to lower the position of the watch significantly on your wrist to accommodate the angle of the nose cam. Not sure if that might mess up current or future sensor readings being in a different position than intended by Apple's design.
[doublepost=1478100812][/doublepost]Oh and for the commercial itself, the fast montage of camera technology was cool.. the first time.

 

[2457282]

Well for starters, Apple is likely moving toward independent cell connectivity. There were multiple rumors about it. And you don't even need your phone to use the watch independently now -- wifi connections make it almost entirely usable without the phone. I personally use it exclusively without the phone.

Second, you make a laundry list of reasons the watch is more convenient, then build a case why it wouldn't be the case for the camera.

Do you know how many pictures I've missed because I was digging for my phone? And that's just pulling it out of my pocket, turning it on and accessing the camera. Imagine if your phone is in another room of your house and you want to get a picture before the moment passes? Or in your purse or backpack -- you know because the phone is no longer needed to be at hand because the whole point of the watch is to make phone functions more convenient.

And the list goes on and on of potential uses, quick selfies, FaceTime, barcode scanning, face recognition, etc. There are so many practical reasons for having a camera on the watch, there's no reason not to. And certainly because there's a better camera on the iPhone which is always with you is not one of them. Nor is because it doesn't add the same kind of convenience as Apple Pay, or fitness, or turn by turn directions, or anything else the Apple Watch does, which is frankly ridiculous since many will tell you they don't need the watch at all because they have the phone! You can't have it both ways -- the watch is waiter a handy replacement for things on your phone, or it isn't. Anything in between is personal opinion and nothing more.

First, happy to engage in a discussion, so no need to get angry.

Second, you really use it the watch exclusively without the phone? That is actually very cool - something I have not done. Will have to try and see how that works.

Third, I did say that when the watch has a cell chip this would make more sense, but stand corrected that in your scenario with wifi this is still useful.

Fourth, using apple pay with the watch is faster than pulling out the phone so it is better. Getting turn cues on the watch without having to look at the watch or phone is better and safer. Fitness tracking is better because the watch has sensors that the phone does not. Taking pictures with a watch is convenient if your phone is not in reach as you stated, but objectively it is not better - lower quality, no flash. So based on this I stand by my better comment as not opinion.

Regardless of that, it will be interesting to see how many people send $400 for a watch and then another $250 (when it retails) for the added band. The article said they are offering the dual charging dock as a bonus to pre-orders, which I interpret (maybe incorrectly) that it will be another cost when it retails. Just seems that this could get expensive fast.

 

[Tycho24]

Well for starters, Apple is likely moving toward independent cell connectivity. There were multiple rumors about it. And you don't even need your phone to use the watch independently now -- wifi connections make it almost entirely usable without the phone. I personally use it exclusively without the phone.

Second, you make a laundry list of reasons the watch is more convenient, then build a case why it wouldn't be the case for the camera.

Do you know how many pictures I've missed because I was digging for my phone? And that's just pulling it out of my pocket, turning it on and accessing the camera. Imagine if your phone is in another room of your house and you want to get a picture before the moment passes? Or in your purse or backpack -- you know because the phone is no longer needed to be at hand because the whole point of the watch is to make phone functions more convenient.

And the list goes on and on of potential uses, quick selfies, FaceTime, barcode scanning, face recognition, etc. There are so many practical reasons for having a camera on the watch, there's no reason not to. And certainly because there's a better camera on the iPhone which is always with you is not one of them. Nor is because it doesn't add the same kind of convenience as Apple Pay, or fitness, or turn by turn directions, or anything else the Apple Watch does, which is frankly ridiculous since many will tell you they don't need the watch at all because they have the phone! You can't have it both ways -- the watch is waiter a handy replacement for things on your phone, or it isn't. Anything in between is personal opinion and nothing more.

FaceTime would be fun, but likely drain the battery in like 10 minutes.
I think the main issue (besides the privacy/creep factor), is the size.
Of all of Apple's products that people complain about getting "too" thin, Apple Watch ain't one of them. It is chunky.
And Apple would love to NOT have a camera hump, they just can't seem to.

 

[44267547]

There very well could be a target demographic for these, but this is certainly not for me. I have no issue using My iPhone or using the Apple Watch camera application. And this band makes the Watch look gimmicky in my opinion.

 

[Kajje]

Damn that one ugly band ... and for what? To be a creepy spy-shooting dude?

On a positive note its uglyness is not even close to its older brother, the i.am+foto,sosho™.