HMD Set to Launch First Wear OS Smartwatch with Built-In Camera: What You Should Know
HMD, the company known for Nokia-branded devices, is reportedly preparing to launch its first Wear OS smartwatch—possibly the first of its kind to feature a built-in camera. The new wearable may be aimed at younger users, with specs suggesting both connectivity and child-friendly functionality.
HMD Ventures Into Wear OS with a Camera-Equipped Smartwatch
HMD Global, which recently shifted its strategy away from Nokia-branded smartphones, is now turning heads in the wearable tech market. According to recent leaks, the company is working on two new smartwatches powered by Google’s Wear OS—Rubber 1 and Rubber 1S. What sets them apart? One of them may feature a built-in camera, a first for a Wear OS-powered device.
Wearables with cameras are not entirely new, but none have so far shipped with Google’s Wear OS. If confirmed, HMD’s Rubber 1 could be the first smartwatch with a camera to offer full access to Google services and the Play Store, allowing developers to build camera-compatible Wear OS apps.
Target Audience: A Watch for the Next Generation?
Tech tipster @smashx_60 first reported the development, stating that the HMD Rubber 1 will sport a 2MP front-facing camera, suggesting a possible focus on kids and young users. Smartwatches like the imoo Z1 have already found success in the children’s market, especially for offering video calling and safety tracking features.
With the integration of a camera and possible support for cellular connectivity, the Rubber 1 could serve as a communication tool for children—allowing parents to stay connected without handing over a smartphone.
What We Know So Far: Leaked Specifications
Though HMD has yet to make an official announcement, the leaked specs paint a detailed picture:
🔧 HMD Rubber 1 (High-End Model)
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2MP front-facing camera
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1.85-inch OLED display
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Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi, NFC
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Heart rate and SpO₂ sensors
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5ATM water resistance
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400mAh battery with USB-C and Qi wireless charging
🔧 HMD Rubber 1S (Lite Variant)
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1.07-inch OLED display
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No camera
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Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi
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Heart rate and SpO₂ sensors
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5ATM water resistance
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290mAh battery with USB-C and Qi wireless charging
These specifications suggest a balance of fitness tracking, smart features, and child-safe design. Both models also include standard wellness features like heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, hinting that HMD is positioning the devices beyond just kid-centric use.
Is This the Future of Wear OS?
While Google has pushed Wear OS updates in recent years, the platform has largely lacked innovation in hardware features like cameras. If the Rubber 1 launches with a camera, it may set a precedent for a new generation of feature-rich smartwatches built on Google’s ecosystem.
Currently, smartwatches with cameras are mainly found in closed ecosystems—often lacking app compatibility or Google services. By combining a camera with Wear OS, HMD could tap into new use cases for developers and expand Wear OS's potential.
What’s Next?
HMD has not yet revealed an official launch date or confirmed the market availability of the Rubber 1 series. It’s also unclear whether these watches will debut globally or in select regions such as India, where demand for child-focused wearables is growing.
Until then, tech enthusiasts and developers alike will be watching closely to see how HMD's entry into the Wear OS space reshapes the smartwatch landscape.
Stay tuned to CatsTech for the latest updates on HMD’s smartwatch lineup and other breaking stories from the world of wearables.