Apple Watch Digital Crown Works as Remote Shutter for Camera Apps Using Music Glance

[MacRumors]

Several apps that make use of the iPhone's camera have a feature that lets the volume button be used as a trigger to snap a photo, and in those apps, the Apple Watch's Music Glance lets the Apple Watch's Digital Crown serve as a remote camera trigger.

Discovered by a reddit user this morning, the hidden trick works in any app that lets the iPhone's volume buttons be used to take a photograph. Examples include Snapchat, Camera+, and Manual, all apps where the iPhone's volume button works in the same way as a press on the on-screen photo capturing button.

To use the Apple Watch as a remote trigger, open a compatible app like Snapchat, open up the Music Glance, and turn the Digital Crown. The action will cause the camera to take a photograph, much like pressing on the iPhone's volume button would do. It also works within the Music app itself.

This seems to work because in the Music app and the Glance, the Digital Crown serves as a replacement for the iPhone's volume controls, triggering the camera functionality. Headphones with volume controls work in much the same way. It's not clear if this was an intentional feature addition or if it's a bug that was overlooked, but it's a handy way to use the Apple Watch as a shutter remote for iPhone apps that support the functionality.

Though the Apple Watch can be used as a remote trigger for compatible apps through the Music Glance, the function is not as feature rich as Apple's remote control option for the built-in camera. With the default camera, the Apple Watch can turn the iPhone on and capture a photograph.

Article Link: Apple Watch Digital Crown Works as Remote Shutter for Camera Apps Using Music Glance

 

[nfl46]

Very neat. Let me try this on my Apple Watch...oh wait, it's still processing since 4/10.

 

[larrylaffer]

That's a bug.

 

[NAYo2002]

That's a bug.

I wouldn't call it a bug. The apps are designed to take pictures with command for volume control. As the article points out, it works the same with the remote buttons on the EarPods and Bluetooth headsets. This is just a way to control music volume on the apple watch so it's working as expected.

 

[rtdunham]

Are there Apple camera apps that allow you to see the picture you're about to take (ie remote viewing) using the watch as a shutter?

 

[wesk702]

I know this has nothing to do with the article, but why is he wearing two watches? @Creator of the video, if you are here, I must know.

 

[jclo]

I know this has nothing to do with the article, but why is he wearing two watches? @Creator of the video, if you are here, I must know.

The watch on my right wrist is an activity tracking watch that I am going to be writing a review for. I'm testing it out. A watch on each wrists makes more sense than two watches on one wrist!

 

[JaJaWa]

Are there Apple camera apps that allow you to see the picture you're about to take (ie remote viewing) using the watch as a shutter?

Yeah, you can do that with the default Camera Remote app that comes pre-installed on the Watch.

 

[dotnet]

Yeah, you can do that with the default Camera Remote app that comes pre-installed on the Watch.

Plus, the Camera Remote app supports using the side button (instead of the crown) as shutter release.

 

[hlfway2anywhere]

Using the latest ios 8.4 beta this does not work. It just changes the volume.

 

[wesk702]

The watch on my right wrist is an activity tracking watch that I am going to be writing a review for. I'm testing it out. A watch on each wrists makes more sense than two watches on one wrist!

Ah ok, makes sense. Thank you, I can go to sleep now.

 

[JaJaWa]

Using the latest ios 8.4 beta this does not work. It just changes the volume.

That's a shame. Have they also disabled the volume buttons on headphone cables from doing this?

 

[ValSalva]

The camera remote function of the Apple Watch is one of its best features. Combined with a Glif and a mini-tripod it can eliminate my biggest problem which is camera shake, especially in low light.

 

[Kevsta26]

Thanks to this article for letting me know you can now take snapchats with the volume buttons. I've been waiting and trying this feature for the longest time without success. I guess it was included in a recent update?

 

[QuiteSure]

The camera remote function of the Apple Watch is one of its best features. Combined with a Glif and a mini-tripod it can eliminate my biggest problem which is camera shake, especially in low light.

This technique will allow you to start and stop video in supported apps, which unfortunately the current camera app on the Watch will not allow you to do.

 

[RowellE]

This feature was already shown on one of the Apple Watch commercials.

 

[DirtySocks85]

This feature was already shown on one of the Apple Watch commercials.

Not like this. This is for third party camera apps. RTFM

 

[sailingjason]

Two watches?

Anyone notice the person in the video is wearing two watches?

but I hope it's not a bug, seems like it could be useful

 

[C DM]

Anyone notice the person in the video is wearing two watches?

but I hope it's not a bug, seems like it could be useful

A few earlier posts already address this.

 

[acctman]

The camera remote function of the Apple Watch is one of its best features. Combined with a Glif and a mini-tripod it can eliminate my biggest problem which is camera shake, especially in low light.

i thought the 3 and 10sec time eliminated that...

 

[ValSalva]

i thought the 3 and 10sec time eliminated that...

That sure helps. I didn't mention this in my post but it's also good for control. The iPhone's camera can be triggered instantly. And the watch being a remote viewfinder for the iPhone camera is nifty

 

[AlliFlowers]

The watch on my right wrist is an activity tracking watch that I am going to be writing a review for. I'm testing it out. A watch on each wrists makes more sense than two watches on one wrist!

I was hoping you'd say one was your biological clock.

 

[NorthMcCormick]

I really hope this keeps working when 8.4 is officially released. I've been using it for snap chat and it's so handy haha!

 

[NotSafeForWork]

Plus, the Camera Remote app supports using the side button (instead of the crown) as shutter release.

Nice. Didn't know that. Thanks.

 

[JaJaWa]

I really hope this keeps working when 8.4 is officially released. I've been using it for snap chat and it's so handy haha!

If it doesn't then you could use one of the third party apps with a volume slider. Not as quick though.