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Sony's Camera Remote API allows WiFi-equipped devices to control its cameras, act as a second screen

This year's IFA has been rather eventful for Sony: the company unveiled a new handset, some interesting cameras and even a recorder that can turn you into the next Justin Bieber. But lost in the shuffle was an announcement that the Japanese outfit's also releasing its Camera Remote API, albeit in beta. Sony says the idea here is to provide developers with the ability to turn WiFi-ready devices, such as smartphones and tablets, into a companion for many of its shooters -- i.e. act as a second display or be able to shoot images / video remotely.

The Camera Remote API will be friendly with novel products including the Action Cam HDR-AS30, HDR-MV1 Music Video Recorder and both DSC-QX lens cameras, as well as older models like the NEX-6, NEX-5R and NEX-5T. This is definitely good news for current and future owners of any of the aforementioned, since the new API can certainly add much more value to Sony's cameras via the third-party app creations that are born from it.

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Sony to release API for using mobile devices as Wi-Fi remote controls for Sony cameras
Sony is releasing the "Camera Remote API beta," API (Application Program Interface) for remote operation of Sony camera with Wi-Fi-equipped smartphones and electronic tablets. The API for application developers of mobile devices is available in the "Camera Remote Apps Developer Program"(http://camera.developer.sony.com)*1 .

API specification, sample codes and related documents required for application development are available for download from the website. Using the app developed with this API, users will be able to shoot still images and movies, see real-time views of camera displays on the screens of smartphones and electronic tablets as well as operate the camera self-timer and zoom functions using mobile devices via Wi-Fi.

The following eight Sony cameras are compatible with the Camera Remote API beta:

・ Action Cam HDR-AS30, HDR-AS15*2

・ Music video recorder HDR-MV1

・ Digital still camera Cyber-shot® DSC-QX100, DSC-QX10

・ Interchangeable-lens digital camera α ® NEX-6, NEX-5R, NEX-5T compatible with PlayMemories Camera Apps*3
More models will be added to this list in the future.

Developers can utilize the API specifications and related documents in accordance with the application development guidelines listed on the developer's website, "Camera Remote Apps Developer Program".

Developed applications can be released and distributed in Google Play for Android, or App Store for iOS.

Sony will create new opportunities by integrating features of camera and mobile devices to expand the creative possibilities of shooting content using the "Camera Remote Apps Developer Program" where the "Camera Remote API beta" is being released and views regarding development issues can be exchanged.

*1: Technical support for the "Camera Remote Apps Developer Program" is available only in the U.S. and Japan. (Operation of the developer's website "Camera Remote Apps Developer Program" will be conducted by Sony Electronics, Inc.)

*2: HDR-AS15 will become compatible with "Camera Remote API beta" only after software of the main unit is updated to the latest version.

*3: Cameras compatible with PlayMemories Camera Apps will become compatible with "Camera Remote API beta" only after installation of the most recent Smart Remote Control Ver. 2.00 that will start being distributed on September 26 (local time) from the countries providing PlayMemories Camera Apps. For countries providing PlayMemories Camera Apps, see the official website (http://www.sony.net/pmca/info/).