The new Nikon Coolpix S800c camera - the US shipments of which will begin next month - is a Wi-Fi-connected camera which boasts the inclusion of Android OS version 2.3 `Gingerbread,' as well as 4.5GB storage capacity for apps.

Despite the fact that the Coolpix S800c is not the first camera to be built around Google's increasingly popular Android operating system, the new camera differs from the existing offerings in that it has been built from ground up with Android.

Nikon is seemingly hopeful of the fact that Android will make the Wi-Fi ability useful on the new Coolpix 800s, as the user will have the added advantage of loading the camera up with photo-centric Android apps, like Instagram.

In addition, even though the Nikon Coolpix S800c lacks the `cellular connectivity' advantage which is available on smartphones, it apparently is equipped with all the `smart' features of the present-day devices. Moreover, the camera also has the `convenience of use' benefit of an Android smartphone, largely because Android 2.3 version is easily understandable to nearly all smartphone users.

Other than Wi-Fi and Android, the Nikon Coolpix 800s - which will likely be priced at around $350 - has most of the other features of a point-and-shoot camera, like a 10x optical zoom; touchcreen controls; on-board GPS; the ability to shoot 1080p video; and a 16-megapixel, backside-illuminated CMOS sensor.