The ability of the Apple Watch to act as a remote control for your phone mentioned in its announcement speech, so it’s been around for a while, but I’ve only used it once or twice to take group photos. Twitter user @PeterScirettapointed out, however, that you can also use it as a vlogging tool.
It’s simple: go to the Camera Remote app on your watch. This will open the camera app on your iPhone and you can switch it to video mode, set it up and record it. You do not even have to attach your watch to your phone as he does in the tweet; the remote camera will work perfectly while your watch is on your wrist.
I’ve shot videos on my phone before, and it was often an exercise in frustration to get the framework right. There was a lot of running back and forth to record short cuts to make sure the focus and framework were correct. I would definitely save myself the trouble if I remembered that my watch could do it, even though I think I would have taken fewer steps. This is a sacrifice I just have to make.
Android users also do not have to feel left out, as Wear OS devices can also act as a camera viewfinder if connected to Pixel phones. The Apple Watch trick will also work with the popular video camera app FiLMiC Pro, as Jeff mentions in his tweet. This way, you can get all the benefits that the third-party app offers, plus the remote control on your watch.
Of course, if you’re planning to create a new setting for vlogging, this is probably not the best way to go, especially if you do not already have an Apple Watch. For less than the price of Apple’s cheapest watch (the Series 3), you can rather get Apple’s Lightning-to-HDMI adapter (which also lets you power your phone so the battery does not run out), and a small camera screen. Or you can place your phone just in front of a mirror. But if you already have an Apple Watch and want to film yourself with your iPhone, this tip can only make it easier.