Sony focuses on wearable camera

Electronics giant Sony hopes to turn digital cameras into a daily necessity, much as mobile phones are to many people.

In that vein, Sony has introduced the Cyber-shot DSC-U10. Slightly smaller than a credit card, the camera can easily be slipped into pockets or worn around the neck.

Sony isn't alone in its approach. Casio recently unveiled its own thin cameras.

Naoki Sekiguchi, managing director for Sony Singapore, asserts that the new camera is part of the march toward technology people can wear.

Targeted at fashion-conscious consumers, the device is being positioned as an accessory rather than a photo-imaging tool. "The camera is set to create a new trend for digital imaging and will change the way people use digital cameras," Sekiguchi said.

Weighing just more than 4 ounces, the DSC-U10 comes equipped with an 8MB Memory Stick and a fixed focus lens. It can create movie clips of up to 15 seconds but without sound. It comes in silver, blue and pink.

The camera is expected to reach stores across Asia by August, following its debut in Japan last month. It will sell for $230 (398 Singapore dollars). Availability in the United States hasn't been set but it could be introduced after August, a company representative said.

CNETAsia's Reuben Lee reported from Singapore.