Sony's latest Cybershot packs Wi-Fi for picture uploads

Sony unveiled the latest addition to its Cybershot digital still camera on Thursday. The DSC-G3 "Wi-Fi Cybershot" camera has a built-in browser, and through it users can upload pictures and video right after they are taken.

"You can connect to any public hotspot and send photos of Tom Hanks to your favorite photo-sharing site," said Sony CEO Howard Stringer in a reference to the actor who had previously taken the CES keynote stage with him. For users in the U.S. Sony has linked with AT&T to provide free access to customers via AT&T's hotspot network until Jan. 31, 2012.

Using the camera Stringer demonstrated how a shot of him and Hanks had been uploaded to Sony's electronics blog in the few minutes since the beginning of the keynote speech. He also showed the photo on one of the company's networked Bravia LCD TVs, which had been fed to the TV through its Internet connection.

Videos shot with the camera can also be uploaded to sites and, through a Sony-run home page, e-mail notifications can be sent to friends and colleagues every time a user uploads a photo or video.

The camera is available from Thursday at SonyStyle stores for US$500. International launch plans were not immediately announced.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.