Nikon prepping Android-based Coolpix S800 with GPS, Wi-Fi?
updated 10:19 am EDT, Wed August 8, 2012
Company may be first to bring smartphone OS to camera
Nikon may be the first company to release a point-and-shoot camera powered by a smartphone OS, with a formal announcement expected at Photokina. A filing with the Indonesian Communication Agency points to an unannounced Coolpix, labeled the S800c, that is claimed to be powered by Android 2.3, according to details posted by NikonRumors.
The camera is said to integrate a 25-250mm lens, a 3.5-inch OLED display, GPS receiver and Wi-Fi connectivity. Social sharing features are expected, while all Google Play apps allegedly will be supported.
An Android camera has been viewed as an inevitability, however none of the major players in the camera market have shipped such a device. Polaroid in January previewed its SC1630, demonstrating how Android could be used for a point-and-shoot that provides phone functionality as a secondary feature, but the camera has yet to arrive and its fate remains unclear. Separate rumors suggest Samsung is also eyeing the niche.
Further details surrounding the Coolpix S800c have yet to surface ahead of an official unveiling, though August 22 is mentioned as a potential announcement date.
