If the mere presence of the camera is a problem, even though it's not recording, then you're already violating HIPAA by having a Watch with microphones that can record a private conversation.
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Apple Has Explored Adding Positionable Cameras to Apple Watch Bands
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If the mere presence of the camera is a problem, even though it's not recording, then you're already violating HIPAA by having a Watch with microphones that can record a private conversation.
Incorporating it right into the band is not a good plan. It needs to be integrated into the display unit, up top, 90 degrees pointing towards the scene when the arm is laid flat. The band will need to be modified slightly to ensure a clear view. And for FaceTime time, integrated right into the tony bezel. It’s possible to make it look clean.
And for all the claims of privacy breaches, there’s already hundreds of tiny cameras that can be purchased and worn without anyone noticing them. It’s really a non issue. Perverts will always find a way to be perverts. Perverts already have the tools. Perverts shouldn’t stop cameras being integrated into watches to increase the usefulness of the device for customers who want to take memorable snaps on the go when away from their phone.
You really need an answer to this?
1: Wear a different freakin’ watch.
2: Don’t wear a watch
3: If implented as shown, wear different band.
I am in agreement. This is the right way to do this. If the goal is to not require an iPhone, the watch needs to take photos. Putting it on the removable band keeps the device “clean” for privacy conscious use.
It’s that simple. I hope Apple finds a way to make this great.
A bendable camera is definitely not out of the realm of possibility. A data cable for a basic camera is already flexible. Embedding it inside a watch band would be trivial, and having the camera sit at the end of the loop makes perfect sense. I can see this happening pretty soon, but probably not for series 5. More likely for Series 6.
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No one's using their Watches as a camera yet, so thus far it's not a core functionality. Even when it comes out, it will only be a subset of users that will acquire the special bands, and thus it still won't be core functionality.
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How can it be 'core functionality' when it hasn't even arrived yet? I think the core functionality so far is the fitness aspect of the watch, and the ability to show time and notifications. Since the inception of the Apple Watch those have been the main pillars of features, and thus I'd consider them 'core functionality'.
No one's using their Watches as a camera yet, so thus far it's not a core functionality. Even when it comes out, it will only be a subset of users that will acquire the special bands, and thus it still won't be core functionality.
Innovate my ass...
Group FaceTime chat with 32 people on a small screen FTW!!
Perhaps you did not know that there is an electrical connection point where the wrist strap connects to the Apple Watch body.
Now if they make this and don't call it the "Apple Watch You" I am going to be very disappointed.
This would be handy when you're being arrested. The police say "hands up!" and software in your watch detects your upstretched arm motion and automatically turns on the watchband camera. The authorities haul you off to jail for stealing that nifty watchband, but at least you'll have evidence if they mistreat you during your apprehension.
I think it makes more sense to build a camera into the frame, but I can see why they would consider this implementation. Appease to the privacy crowd and sell a separate $200 watch band. Smart business move, they’ve been talking about smart bands for years now.
This could also let you choose from a range of camera models (cheap to fancy), and upgrade your camera and watch separately over time.
Right. But Apple recently pulled support for connecting third party bands to that port. That doesn't mean they wouldn't reserve it for themselves, or roll out guidelines for third party use, but that does complicate matters and opens the port up to be hacked by others. If accessories were going to be created for the Watch, self powered, separate devices which communicate via radio seems the most likely to fit with Apple's M.O. with other devices.
Except when has Apple ever allowed that? Not saying that couldn't happen, but Apple won't even support the first gen Pencil on the new iPad Pros, even though they easily could. I kept waiting for an external camera module to be created for the original iPad which did not have a camera, but it never came. Sort of hard to believe unless Apple actively prevented third parties from doing it, since it would have been so easy to implement. Adding a camera to the iPad 2 definitely was a reason to upgrade. Heck there's not a single Apple product for which the improved camera technology isn't hyped as a reason to upgrade. In fact, how easy would it be to add a higher quality, specialized camera to an iPhone, yet nobody's doing that. The camera devices that do exist connect wirelessly.
I'd be completely down with a Facetime camera on my Apple Watch. I answer incoming Facetime calls on my watch sometimes.
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The difference is minor, but people don't pay much attention if it is a watch on the wrist. On the other hand, holding a phone on the hand...
