Image: Apple / USPTO
A patent that Apple applied for back in 2016 has been brought back into the spotlight, suggesting the company looked into integrating a camera into its smartwatch. Apple’s approach was to put it at the end of the Watch’s strap, allowing you to twist and turn the camera to take any photo you need it to without having to contort your wrist into awkward positions.
Frame photos better by extending the strap | Image: Apple / USPTO
One of the diagrams in the patent suggests that the camera can swivel to serve as both the rear and selfie camera | Image: Apple / USPTO
One example show is pulling the strap upward to take a photo of what’s in front of your, another is folding it back on itself for a selfie. One of the diagrams shows that the camera can be swiveled to take photos on either side of the band. A reference in the patent also suggests that the band can have two cameras in “opposing optical directions.” Photos can be taken by “pinching the watch band” or using voice controls. To protect the camera when it isn’t in use, you can tuck it into the Watch band.
When the camera isn't going to be used, it can be tucked away in the strap | Image: Apple / USPTO
Apple isn’t the first company to explore the idea of having a camera in a smartwatch. Samsung did it with the Galaxy Gear. Nubia tried it with the Alpha smartwatch. Also, patents don’t necessarily translate into actual products, especially one that’s been filed almost three years ago. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely off the table. Just don’t expect it to happen soon (or again, ever).
Source: The Verge