Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Holding your wrist up to make a video call feels awkward, and it makes your arm tired. I don’t even like using the watch for calls, because I have to hold it close to my ear to hear it well - especially in loud environments.
Agreed, my arm got tired just watching the video.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: iLLUMI
There is one MAJOR GLARING flaw in this product.

It REQUIRES a lens cover that physically blocks the lens when not in use.

If they don't, I may film a commercial for them where a guy with the wristcam goes into a bathroom... when another guy standing next to him at a urinal notices the lens and suddenly grabs him, rips the watch off of him, and beats him for trying to film his 'junk'. Guys are very sensitive about things like this, and ANY watch with a visible camera will set up this very possible situation.

WRISTCAM, NO KIDDING... PUT A PHYSICAL COVER OVER THE LENS WHEN NOT IN USE!

You've read it here first. Just wait til you hear the news report of something like this happening.
 
  • Haha
Reactions: iLLUMI
Dick-Tracy-Wrist-Radio.jpg
That is exactly what I was thinking! (But would occur only to those of a certain generation . . . )
 
  • Like
Reactions: SFjohn and kirbyrun
Why… why would you want to make a video call from your wrist?
To be the coolest kid on the block, I’m guessing. I don’t see any practical uses for this - that is, one where it’s a big win over just using your phone. With this, you have to keep your arm (1) up in an awkward position (yes, it’s fine for 30 seconds, but try keeping your arm like that for ten minutes), and, (2) nearly completely immobilized - otherwise the video on the other end looks like a roller coaster ride. It’s great for a 15 second call, but then what’s the benefit for seeing the other person for that little time?

Maybe someone has a use case for it, but I’m having trouble seeing one.
 
After a couple of years usage, I’m moving away from my Apple Watch. I can’t stand the constant interference in my day to day life.

When I was out riding, I got calls, messages, notifications. Drove me insane!

When I’m trying to focus on work and slurry of notifications comes in. The vibration on my wrist made the hairs on my back stand up.

The only time I use it now is when I go running, or when I sleep as the silent alarm function is great.

Otherwise it now has all notifications off, all messaging disabled and the rest of my time it’s my Zenith or Heuer.

The fad is over for me. Video calls on our wrists are just another intrusion we don’t need in our lives.
I never bought an AW for this exact reason. But the same applies to phones. I have mine on do not disturb 24/7.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Stryder541
I have one. I tried it out. It is ridiculously bulky. I put it back in its box. Not sure where the box is now.
 
Man in two years this gets even smaller? That would be so nice for going walking! BUT and here is something, do they say this works over CELL? Cause an Watch with cellular, with this just a little smaller for walks would be legit...
 
Lohl to this. Also known as the “staring up your nose, beneath your double-chin, or resting next to your winkie because you set your hand in your lap” cam. Who’s idiotic idea was this? Oh, the manufacturer’s. Apple could have done this a long time ago. There’s a reason they chose not to.
 
  • Like
Reactions: iLLUMI
After a couple of years usage, I’m moving away from my Apple Watch. I can’t stand the constant interference in my day to day life.

When I was out riding, I got calls, messages, notifications. Drove me insane!

When I’m trying to focus on work and slurry of notifications comes in. The vibration on my wrist made the hairs on my back stand up.

The only time I use it now is when I go running, or when I sleep as the silent alarm function is great.

Otherwise it now has all notifications off, all messaging disabled and the rest of my time it’s my Zenith or Heuer.

The fad is over for me. Video calls on our wrists are just another intrusion we don’t need in our lives.
No one is going to defend video calls on a watch but the point of the watch is that you don't have to use your phone as much to get notifications. That means you must have turned off your phone notifications too which makes little sense either. Apple added do not disturb, sleep, personal and work modes so that you won't get overwhelmed with messages when doing any of those things.

I only get annoyed at my Watch when I look at it and realize that I'l have to pull out my phone to properly handle the incoming notifications. Otherwise, it's much less distracting than the phone for me.
 
Something like this debuted years ago for a ‘Kickstarter project’ and it totally failed. Consumers aren’t interested in a purchase with this type of accessory, simply because it’s ugly, not really practical and totally out of price range at $300.00.

I can appreciate the concept of what it’s trying to execute, but the price point is just way out of line.
 
  • Like
Reactions: fwmireault
So many reasons this won't succeed.
- Annoying to hold your wrist up for a call more than 20 seconds, let alone in the position to make yourself visible
- Privacy issues with a hidden camera in places like bathrooms
- Why use a tiny screen and speaker when every Apple Watch user has a nicer bigger interface in their pocket
- No one wants to triple the bulk of their current Apple Watch
- You can only use it with other people who have made the same terrible purchase, no FaceTime
- It doesn't solve anything. You can already call from the watch and if you really want to see the person you have an iPhone in your pocket.

It's a novelty. Don't waste your money. I feel bad for the people who spent their time/money/energy putting this product together but I'd feel worse for anyone they convinced to buy it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: iLLUMI
One can only hope that some day soon they are able to integrate a camera into the actual watch.
 
After a couple of years usage, I’m moving away from my Apple Watch. I can’t stand the constant interference in my day to day life.

When I was out riding, I got calls, messages, notifications. Drove me insane!

When I’m trying to focus on work and slurry of notifications comes in. The vibration on my wrist made the hairs on my back stand up.

The only time I use it now is when I go running, or when I sleep as the silent alarm function is great.

Otherwise it now has all notifications off, all messaging disabled and the rest of my time it’s my Zenith or Heuer.

The fad is over for me. Video calls on our wrists are just another intrusion we don’t need in our lives.

Well, people want everything, and then they hate everything.
 
One can only hope that some day soon they are able to integrate a camera into the actual watch.
Nope.

If Apple wanted to, they would have already integrated a Camera into the watch. The Apple Watch launched in April 2015, and seven years later, and they still have not even been hinting towards doing anything like this. The reason is, it just totally invades on privacy and would open up Apple to backlash due to ‘misuse’, it would go against what Apple stands for with privacy.

I actually don’t believe a camera is a piece of functionality that a consumer wants in a smart watch, where Apples focus is health related features and ultimately becoming independent of the iPhone.
 
Last edited:
So it will take a couple seconds to actually connect and send video just to have a tiny video of the other person from pretty much the worst angle possible. And that body position gets uncomfortable super quick. I love that it's technically possible, pretty sure the watch is not designed for that in terms of battery and heat.

I guess for super short 5 second things like seeing who's at the front door looking at the intercom camera or a "bye, love ya!" thing, it makes sense to see it on the watch. Having the camera on the watch though... not sure.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.