First images of the Android running Nikon S800c surface

The scope of Android is expanding at a vast rate and no longer is it being limited to just mobile phones and tablets; this open source operating system is used on other devices such as televisions as well as media players, too. The inclusion of Android in different forms of technology is that it expands the capabilities of the device. Earlier this month, rumours about an Android based Nikon camera, the S800c had surfaced. However, at the time, there were no images of the camera to visually please us. As per a report by Nikon Rumors, this all appears to have changed to quite a large degree as the website has now obtained images of the first camera from Nikon to run on the Android OS.

The first image of the S800c surfaces

In related report by BGR, the tech related website states, “Purported press images of Nikon’s upcoming Android-powered camera, the Coolpix S800c, hit the Web on Monday. The images were published by Nikon Rumors, and they don’t reveal any additional information. They do seem to confirm earlier reports that the camera will be equipped with a 3.5-inch OLED display and run Android 2.3 Gingerbread, however. Along with a 25-250mm zoom lens on the backside, the Coolpix S800c will feature built-in GPS for geo-tagging, Wi-Fi for easy uploading and access to the Google Play store.”

From the images, we can see that it has an overall curved appearance and the rear of the camera looks a lot like a smartphone.

Here is a look at some of the highlighted features of the Nikon S800c:

• 25-250 mm lens
• 3.5-inch OLED screen
• The camera runs all Google Play apps
• The camera will probably run Android 2.3
• Built-in GPS
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• Possible announcement: August 22, 2012

A profile view of the camera

By launching an Android based camera, Nikon will certainly be working towards bridging the gap between a smartphone and a camera. With Google Play on board, the possibilities will certainly be endless and one will have the luxury of a range of photo editing apps on the camera itself. This will significantly reduce the need for casual photographers to edit their images in post processing softwares such as Photoshop.

The scope for Android has not just limited itself to the above mentioned devices, but is also being incorporated in car stereo systems as well as rear view mirrors. Earlier this year, Engadget reported that though these technologies are prototypes, they are close to completion on the stereo system running Android 2.2 aka Froyo. While the Android interface on the double-DIN audio system is close to completion, they are also experimenting with putting Android on a rear-view mirror. However, they state that they have put it on the mirror merely as a learning experience, for the time being. But, by 2013, they hope to have a finalized mirror with a simplified interface that is appropriate for drivers.

Do share your thoughts on the growth of Android as an OS and the scope it is gaining. Let us also know your thoughts on the upcoming Nikon Android point and shoot camera in the comments below.