LG appears to be planning the launch of a smartwatch with a camera as has been suggested by a patent filed by the company. LetsGoDigital reported about a patent that was filed with the USTPO(United States Trademark and Patent Office) by LG titled ‘smartwatch and method for controlling same’. The patent shows various applications through which the camera could be incorporated into the smartwatch.
The patent also “mobile terminal” features which implies cellular connectivity. The patent seems to be presenting multiple solutions for designing a smartwatch that is small so it could be worn on the wrist. The patent also explains why it is difficult for the smartwatch to have a camera.
LG seems to be struggling with the position of the camera on the smartwatch. The camera seems to be unable to be included on the dial if the watch because of its small size. The patent suggests the placement of the camera on the band. Considering the convenience of users to be able to use the camera properly without having to turn the wrist awkwardly, the diagrams suggest an adjustable wristband, a metal link version of the band where one of the links has the camera, and a camera with a spring clip that can be attached anywhere on the band.
The patent also implies a few of the uses for the camera on a watch including scanning QR codes, taking pictures of food to calculate calories.
LG’s last venture into the smartwatch production didn’t quite add up and wasn’t received well in the tech market. The W7 Hybrid got cold reception due to its overpriced and oversized attributes coupled with poor battery life, outdated chipset, and frustrating UI. This new smartwatch might be LG’s attempt to appease the loss.