CMRA is an Apple Watch Camera Band No One Asked for or Needs
I’ve been wearing an Apple Watch daily since the original device landed a little more 18 months ago. And not once have I ever wished for a built-in camera. But a new startup, Glide, is making that a reality with its just announce CMRA strap.
Really?
Is it just me, or does that look kind of bulky?
The strap offers two cameras, a 2-megapixel selfie option and an 8-megapixel version that allows users to capture what’s happening around them. CMRA is powered by its own battery that’s good enough for 30 minutes of video or “hundreds” of photos.
Thanks to a built-in microphone, the band an also capture video. But why? Speaking with Recode, Glide’s CEO seems to think that no one ever remembers to take their phones out.
“The camera is only valuable when it is out and ready to take a photo or video,” said Glide CEO Ari Roisman. “Our phones live in our pockets.”
I don’t exactly agree.
There’s a good reason why Apple decided to not include a camera on the Series 2 watch.
Any camera would pale in comparison to what is found on the iPhone. And just logistically trying to frame photos or FaceTime on the laughably small watch screen doesn’t make a lot of sense. I’m not interested in showing off my double chin and nose hair or trying to hold up my wrist for more than a few seconds. In it’s current form, the Apple Watch does a few things very well. Taking photos and videos isn’t and shouldn’t be one of those things.
When I need to do that, I’ll just use my phone. And I doubt I’m the only one.
Preorder now, if you must
Yes, the strap sports its own battery and needs to be charged.
You can preorder CMRA now directly from the company’s site for $149 for a limited time. There are four different colors to select from – white, black, gray and blue. There is a version available for the 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch. It works with all Apple Watch models.
Before it lands sometime in the spring of 2017, the price will jump to $199. It is expected to retail for $249.
A dock that can charge both the band and your Apple Watch is included for no charge.