The Memoto camera is a new, wearable 5MP camera that is roughly the size of a post stamp and is designed to capture an image every 30 seconds. It packs in GPS and an accelerometer, which appropriately orients the images depending on just how you wear the camera. One you connect the camera to your computer, it uploads the images to Memoto’s servers and organizes them for your search and browsing access via iOS/Android apps or a web browser.
The Memoto camera will retail for $279 when it finally hits store shelves next year.
Memoto Camera Key Features
- Automatic photo capture every 30 seconds
- 5 megapixel resolution images
- Log of GPS positions and timestamps
- Built-in rechargeable battery which lasts up to two days
- LED battery life indicator
- 2 full days of constant photographing (4000 pictures) space on memory
- Built-in accelerometer ensures that pictures are correctly oriented regardless of how the camera is worn
- Micro-USB port for charging and connecting to computer
- Stainless steel clip to connect the camera to your clothes
- 36x36x9 millimeters small
Memoto Software Key Features
- Automatic uploading of the photos to Memoto’s servers by connecting the camera with your computer
- Encrypted storage for an indefinite number of photos (1 year subscription)
- Easy access of your photos through smartphone apps and browser
- Apps for Android and iPhone
- Private and social layer – all pictures are in private mode only, until you choose to share them with your friends
- All photos are stored and organized for you. None are deleted, but the best one are more visible.
- Browse through your memories moment by moment. Tap to relive a moment.
- Search for events in your history. Share with the ones you trust.
The Memoto camera hit its goal of $50,000 in under 5 hours on Kickstart and is now pushing the $250,000 mark – with 36 days to go.
More ambitious than the camera itself is the software and web-based infrastructure that Memoto plans to offer with the camera. Kickstarter backers get the first year of service included for free; however, there doesn’t yet appear to be a figure for what this subscription will cost once the cameras hit retail other than “affordable”. If it turns out to really be more than $30 or $40 per year, that might be a tough sell to the casual consumer.
My privacy law radar started going off as I read more about the Memoto camera, which they address on their Kickstarter page:
All pictures you transfer to Memoto’s cloud service are stored encrypted. The pictures are only visible to you: only you can see them and only you can change them. If you want to share a picture or a moment with someone you trust you have to make an active choice. The software contains no automatic share features, no hidden buttons, no “share-by-default”. You only share your content when you want to.
Legally, you may photograph what you want, as long as you don’t obviously infringe someone else’s integrity or violate an official photo ban. If someone asks you not to use your Memoto camera – then please don’t. If someone doesn’t explicitly ask you, but you have reason to believe that the place or the context is inappropriate for photographing – then please don’t.
That’s a good first response; however, it still makes me a little uneasy to think about all the times and places you might forget to turn it off when it should be off.
What’s your take on the Memoto wearable camera? Would you wear one of these all day, everyday? Or, maybe on special occasions or vacations? What’s the right price for the subscription to Memoto’s photo hosting?
Just don’t get your camera mixed up with someone else’s!
selectable 5, 10, 15 and 30 seconds will be more useful