This post is brought to you in collaboration with our friends at Wristcam.
Dick Tracy comics gave its tough-guy detective a two-way-radio wristwatch in the 1940s, presaging today’s Apple Watch and other smartwatches. Now Wristcam is turning your Apple Watch into a walkie-talkie-style communicator.
Wristcam, the first (and only) smart-band camera for Apple Watch to receive the “Made for Apple Watch” designation, today announces its live video messaging capability is available on the App Store. And Cult of Mac readers can get a special discount on this unique Apple Watch accessory now through July 30, 2021. Just use our link to get $30 off a Wristcam.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
Are you ready to be Dick Tracy?
The new functionality lets Wristcam users send and receive short “live or later” video messages with iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches. Received messages are available until they’re watched. After they’re watched, the ephemeral messages disappear in 24 hours. Saving and forwarding live-messenger video will be a future feature, the company said.
Debuted in December 2020 after years of development, Wristcam pioneered the combination of Apple Watch accessibility with on-the-go photo and video shooting — without an iPhone. But live video messaging is something new.
A little less iPhone dependency
Now the temptation to leave your iPhone at home, in the car, in your bag, on the picnic table — not constantly in your pocket — can become reality. With Wristcam, you can capture spontaneous moments without being behind a screen.
And beyond that, it’s just plain cool.
“This is the first product I’ve worked on that really makes me feel like a kid again,” Wristcam CEO Ari Roisman told Cult of Mac during a demo of the product.
In any case, about one-in-three iPhone users wear an Apple Watch. Giving it dual cameras for photo and video sharing and live video messaging could make Wristcam a valued accessory for millions of people.
What’s more, Wristcam turns your Apple Watch into an underwater camera good for snorkeling or surfing. Even cooler, Wristcam’s microphone works under water, so you can film your swim with dolphins in the Florida keys while hearing their clicks and sounds.
Wristcam features
Two cameras
Wristcam packs two Sony cameras into a durable silicone band for your Apple Watch. The band is average width and just over an inch thick around the camera assembly. It weighs 22 grams, or just over three-quarters of an ounce.
The front-facing, 8-megapixel camera captures a wide field (16:9 aspect ratio) 4K photos, making fleeting moments easier to catch. It, like the 2-megapixel self-facing camera, can take high-resolution pics and 1080p video.
Interchangeable bands
Wristcam’s modular band design makes swapping band styles and colors quick and easy. Colors are black and gray at present. Sizes correspond with Apple Watch sizes.
Watch app
Using Wristcam’s app, on your Apple Watch you can see what each camera sees, snap photos, record videos, review those captured moments and share them with friends.
Hands-free
Leveraging Siri voice technology, users are able to take photos and videos completely hands-free.
Quick-capture button
Wristcam includes a quick-capture button, making it easy to use. Press it once to snap a photo. Hold it down a little longer to shoot a video. Double-tap it to switch cameras.
Live-or-later photo and video sharing, chat
Wristcam’s “live or later” video walkie-talkie experience lets you video chat in real time with friends and family, on Apple Watch or iPhone. You can share photos and videos immediately from your wrist, or edit and share later from your iPhone.
Other specs
Battery and storage: Wristcam claims all-day battery life with moderate-to-heavy use. The 8GB of built-in memory holds more than an hour of video or thousands of photos.
Water resistance: IP68. Tested to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
Magnetic charging: A USB charging cable connects and rapidly charges Wristcam.
Where to buy: Wristcam (with $30 discount through July 30, 2021) or from Amazon
