
Smartwatches with cameras are about to make a comeback according to this new leak
A new leak has shown off some of the apparent specs for the first HMD smartwatches, the RUBBER 1 and the RUBBER 1S, including a surprising addition that would mark them as unique amongst even the best smartwatches.
A recent post on X from Tipster @smashx_60 has revealed some of the specs for the upcoming HMD RUBBER 1 and the RUBBER 1S. According to the post, the RUBBER 1 will feature a 1.85-inch OLED display powered by a 400mAh battery, a Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC connection, as well as 5ATM water resistance alongside USB charging. Meanwhile, the RUBBER 1S will be lower-specced, with a 1.07-inch display, a 290mAh battery and only a 5.0 Bluetooth connection.
However, the big addition mentioned in the post is that the RUBBER 1 will reportedly feature a 2MP camera built into the device. We don't have any indication of what the camera's exact function will be, but video calls and other functional uses seem a more sensible use than trying to take photos with such a small sensor.
We have seen this kind of wearable before, namely from Samsung. In the mid-2010's Samsung released several wearable devices under the Samsung Galaxy Gear name, of which a few, like the Galaxy Gear and Galaxy Gear 2, featured an in-built camera. However, Samsung eventually dropped the feature and adapted the Gear Series into the Galaxy Watch line-up that we know today.
The reasons that Samsung dropped the hardware are varied, but remain valid concerns that HMD needs to take into account. For instance, the cameras were notoriously hard to build around, and often ruined the seamless look of the watch. For instance, we noted that the Galaxy Gear's camera looked like a 'wart about to burst.' There are also a lot of privacy concerns about a camera being placed in such a small, innocuous device. Eventually, Samsung decided to focus more on fitness and replaced the built-in camera with a remote camera feature that connects to your phone.
HMD, aiming to bring back the camera, does seem to fit its usual MO, namely, advocating for older ideas from a prior, quirkier era of technology. It's a novel choice, and might even draw in some customers who are looking for something a little bit different. Unfortunately, we have to take this leak with a large heaping of salt, as there has been no official word on this product existing until now.
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Hypebeast
3 hours ago
- Hypebeast
Hercules' DJControl Mix Ultra is a Mobile DJ Controller for ... Mobiles
In 2025, there isn't much you can't be or do if you wanted to (thanks, technology) – and if becoming aDJ's been on your list, it's never been easier. Enter the Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra: a truly compact mobileDJ controllerthat's made for, well, mobiles. Designed to work seamlessly with smartphones and small tablets, it's the latest addition to Hercules' lineup – and it delivers a ton of features at an accessible price. Weighing in at just 1.9-pounds and measuring 12.4-inches by 6.9-inches, the Mix Ultra is a super portable and lightweight DJ controller that slips easily into most standard backpacks. It's powered by a 1,000 mAh rechargeable battery that can deliver up to 10 hours of use on a single charge, and can recharge to full in one hour. The2025 CES Innovation Award-winning device connects to your phone over Bluetooth LE – the 'low energy' version of Bluetooth that maintains connectivity without using too much power – allowing users to enjoy a cable-free session for longer. It uses your phone as its audio source, letting you load up tracks you have saved on your device or play from popular streaming platforms, and comes with a splitter cable in the box that lets you connect both headphones and speakers to it – splitting the audio channels this way allows you to hear what you're mixing (in your headphones) separately to the master output (from the speakers), although its worth noting that it achieves this by creating two mono tracks. For beginners and hobbyists, at who the Mix Ultra is aimed at, this shouldn't be a big issue, and it's safe to say Hercules isn't trying to target more experienced DJs – or audio purists – with its latest product. The Mix Ultra features eight effects pads that allows users to hot cue, creates loops, play audio 'FX' among other things. One of these pads, 'Neural Mix', lets you isolate a track's stems (its individual elements, like the vocals or bassline) to use these in your own mixes, opening up a world of creativity when it comes to DJ'ing. Another pad provides pitch control, and there's even a sampler pad that allows you to add your own samples, but also comes ready with a few included for you to use. The controller has a tri-band EQ for the low, mid and high frequencies – the same kind of EQ you'd find on most basic DJ mixers – with rubber knobs that turn smoothly. And, for transport, it includes an easily removable protective travel cover that doubles-up as a phone holder once removed: you simply place the Mix Ultra on top of it, like a tray, and a handy slot for your phone takes form toward the rear. It's compatible with both iOS and Android devices and there is a companion app, 'djay', for both platforms – it's free and you can download it on theApple App StoreandGoogle Play Store. While the Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra is a far cry from the industry standard ($3,000 to 4,000 USD) controllers you'll find in clubs worldwide, it's also a fraction of the price. It packs several features that make it ideal for those just starting to explore the hobby, and fun enough for more experienced DJs who just want to play around with some beats. The Hercules DJControl Mix Ultra is available nowvia Herculespriced at £149.99 GBP / $219.99 USD.


CNET
4 hours ago
- CNET
We Love the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, and It's Back Down to $200 for a Limited Time
Working out of your phone is great for quick tasks, but tablets provide a larger screen that can be especially helpful. Need something with a bigger screen so you can get through the day? A top-rated laptop can be an excellent choice, but having one of the best tablets can provide you with more options and take up less space. We've spotted the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite for $60 off at Amazon right now. The retailer offering savings of 23% in three different colors, and with either 64GB or 128GB of memory. That means you can get it for just $200. It's a limited-time deal though, as Amazon prices tend to change quickly. While plenty of people love Apple's iPad tablets, Samsung holds its own in comparison. The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite sports a 10.4-inch display at 2K resolution, uses Dolby Atmos surround sound and even comes with the S Pen stylus included. If the 64GB option isn't enough storage for you, you can instead opt for the 128GB version for $270. You can order the Galaxy Tab S6 Lite in one of three colors: mint, chiffon pink or Oxford gray. Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. This tablet, of course, runs Samsung's flavor of Android, but you can also turn it into a computer of sorts thanks to Samsung DeX. Plug it into a monitor and you'll be able to multitask like a pro. Who needs a laptop, anyway? Not the right fit? Check out more tablet deals to compare before you buy. Why this deal matters This deal brings the Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite back down to its lowest price ever and makes it more competitive with the iPad deals going on at the moment. So when price is taken out of the equation, you can get down to the specs and see which tablet is really best for you.


Android Authority
9 hours ago
- Android Authority
I still keep a 6-year-old Android 10 phone in my back pocket — here's why
Andy Walker / Android Authority I've been feeling quite nostalgic lately, especially for old camera phones. Last month, I praised the Nokia 9 PureView for its unique camera setup that makes every shot an adventure. I've also revisited the LG G4, a phone that sparked my love for photography. However, there's one more older Android camera phone I still carry around whenever possible. In its prime, the HUAWEI P30 Pro was the best Android phone money could buy. Sure, that's just my opinion, but plenty of evidence supports it. It was durable and relatively compact compared to today's phones. It had simple yet attractive styling, fast performance, and excellent battery life. After five years as my loyal daily driver, its age started showing. The battery health was declining, and I received its last update in mid-2023. It's still stuck on Android 10, and there is no hope of new software versions or security upgrades. How important is smartphone camera zoom performance to you? 0 votes I only consider phones with great zoom performance. NaN % It's pretty high up my priority list. NaN % It's not that important to me. NaN % I don't care if a phone doesn't have a zoom camera. NaN % Andy Walker / Android Authority I had to upgrade, albeit reluctantly. The phone to fill that void was the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE. Our review of the 2024 Fan Edition phone was positive, and my experience has been equally solid. Despite the poor battery life, mediocre display, and heavy footprint, it's a capable upgrade that will be supported for years. I also have a Pixel 8, which I love for its small size and swift operation. Importantly, both devices are capable pocket cameras in their own right. I've had endless fun capturing street scenes and landscapes with the Pixel 8, while the Galaxy excels as a point-and-shoot portrait camera for family and friends. However, both phones lag behind the P30 Pro in one important aspect: zoom. A periscope camera that's as good as ever It may be half a decade older than the Samsung and Google phones I replaced it with, but the HUAWEI still outperforms both, grabbing objects much farther away and bringing them even closer to me. On paper, the 8MP 5x optical and 50x digital periscope lens seems modest and outdated, but I miss it dearly when the phone isn't within reach. This feeling was particularly evident during a recent road trip. I usually toss a few phones in my bag before heading off on adventures, and this time I brought the Galaxy, Pixel, and PureView along. After much of the visit was spent capturing ground-level subjects, I turned my view to the top of a building where a raptor was perched. I grabbed the Samsung — the only phone with a dedicated zoom lens — and zoomed. Despite its 3x optical and 30x digital zoom, the phone couldn't bring me close enough to my avian subject. It soon flew off, and I regretted leaving the P30 Pro at home. It may be half a decade older than the Samsung and Google phones I replaced it with, but the P30 Pro still out-zooms both. Spending less time with the P30 Pro has made me realize how vital periscope capabilities are for me on a smartphone, and not just for photography. Capturing tighter shots of distant, unapproachable fauna or flora increases the likelihood of getting an accurate hit in a bird or plant identification app. Using Lens or Circle to Search to identify other items is easier too when used via Google Photos on my primary phone. Longer zoom offers more utility, which is indispensable for my phone usage habits. Ryan-Thomas Shaw / Android Authority I've since learned my lesson. I keep the P30 Pro with me just in case I need it. Despite its age, it still works great as a backup phone, despite its growing issues. I haven't reset it, so all my apps and files are still stored safely on it. Its 256GB storage bank also comes in handy for offline file storage. Nevertheless, my recent experiences without the phone have taught me two valuable lessons. First, I can't imagine buying a phone in the future without a capable zoom lens. Sure, I could and probably should use my 70-300mm zoom lens on my D3400 more often, but I don't always have the comparatively bulky DSLR camera with me. Convenience comes at a price. Secondly, older hardware often surpasses modern innovation. The P30 Pro is proof of that. I wouldn't have considered upgrading if the phone still received regular updates. Now that it's no longer my daily driver, I don't care if it's running an older version of Android. But, thanks to its stellar reach, it more than earns its place among my current devices.