I have always being talking and hoping that someday, camera companies will look into this niche of an Open Platform where app developments for these units are done by independent developers. At last, Olympus is listening.
At Photokina, Olympus is showing off an open platform camera module aim at allowing developers to develop applications for this platform. This is still very much a proto-type that will see more development.
At the front of the rather boxy design a Micro Four Thirds lens mount allows you to attach a large selection of lenses from Olympus, Panasonic and third party lens makers. On top you’ll find a shutter button and flash hot-shoe but there is no screen. The concept is based on on open platform and Olympus is developing an SDK to allow developers to build smartphone apps to control the module. There is still some uncertainty about potential use cases and the company is also conducting a study with developers and the public to find out what features and design characteristics potential users would want.
You can head to this Open Platform Community Website to find out more.