 |
| The new Nikon Coolpix S800c |
The first mainstream digital camera to be powered by Google's Android system has been released by Nikon.
The Japanese company's point-and-shoot Coolpix S800c model is being marketed as a "social imaging device".Demand for compact cameras has suffered because of the rise of smartphones.
However, Nikon says its latest model offers superior picture quality thanks to the size of its lens, as well as the opportunity to install photo-editing apps and other software.
A statement from Nikon said the combination of the camera's wi-fi connectivity and new software would make it easier for users to upload their shots to social networks.
"Just like a smartphone or tablet device, the camera has the opportunity to run camera-specific photo and video applications, yet enables the various benefits of shooting with a camera," it added.
"The S800c provides access to a vast world of applications for games, productivity and personal communication/email, including Nikon's photo storage and sharing site."
The device is being marketed for $350 (£220), making it about half the price of top-end Android smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S3 and the HTC One X - but one analyst said Nikon might struggle to take advantage of the fact.
Source