Android software may be making its way into cameras, opines Extreme Tech. Rumors suggest that Samsung, which is heavily invested in alternative operating systems like Tizen, is looking into the feasibility of using Android to power its future digital cameras. Other camera manufacturers could follow, bringing the best parts of the smartphone camera to “real” camera hardware, says Extreme Tech.
Hackable operating systems like CHDK for Canon cameras have existed for digital cameras, but a standardized and cross-manufacturer OS has yet to be adopted.
The Canon Hack Development Kit (CHDK) allows custom control of many Canon compact cameras, enabling users to add features like shooting in RAW, USB-cable remote shutter-release, motion-detection triggered photography, customizable high-speed continuous (burst) Tv, Av, ISO, and Focus bracketing (increasing depth of field), 1 Gig video-size limit removed in earlier cameras, Shutter, Aperture, and shutter speeds of 64″ to 1/10,000″ and higher.
With Android, you would have an open operating system that can easily be tinkered with and would be similar across manufacturers. Pending hardware support, you could easily share your photos and stream your videos to the internet using a cellular connection and an accompanying Android application. You would further be able to add functionality to the camera by adding apps, including augmented reality games, camera tutorials, and social network integration.
A custom interface (like Samsung’s TouchWiz on smartphones), could provide Samsung with a unique interface but maintain a standardized platform to implement HDR, panoramic image stitching, and other features. Camera 2.0 research from Stanford is capable of turning an N900 smartphone into a powerful camera, but has remained a lab study.
Great photography apps are available on the Android Market, making photos more creative.
Wireless Webcams could be easier to use and offer improved extensibility with Android. Samsung is in a good position to make it happen, since they develop their own chips, Android phones and cameras — and neither the iPhone nor Windows Mobile could touch it.
