A climate of steadily increasing innovation is heating up the marketplace for devices that boost smartphones’ photographic and videography capabilities. One of the key players in this arena is Photogram, a UK-based startup that took the tech world by storm with the startup’s visionary project – the Alice Camera. After about three years of arduous development and a successful crowdfunding campaign, the Alice Camera, an AI-powered Micro Four Thirds camera designed to connect with iOS and Android smartphones, is set to go into circulation.
A Closer Look at the Alice Camera
The backbone of this creative venture, the Alice Camera, was birthed in 2020 under the thoughtful guidance of Photogram’s CEO, Vishal Kumar. The company’s concerted efforts were focused on creating a device that blends the operational powers of mirrorless cameras and smartphones, promising a user experience unheard of in the industry. Alice Camera is tailored to offer an interchangeable lens feature, a smartphone-like interface, and the bonus of AI-driven computational photography capabilities on the camera.
Photogram, an official member of the Micro Four Thirds system alliance, made sure the Alice Camera aligns with the strict standards of the said system. Equipped with a Sony 4/3″ HDR dual-native ISO CMOS sensor and a Micro Four Thirds lens mount, the Alice Camera vies for an upper hand against the competitors. What absolutely sets this device apart is its AI feature. The AI capabilities are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon and Google Edge TPU chips, which will let the camera run Photogram’s proprietary AI-driven computational photography algorithms and software-based image signal processing (ISP) pipeline directly on the camera. Over time, additional AI features are to be added to enhance the camera’s image processing performance.
Making waves with the Alice Camera’s Smartphone App
Alice Camera extends its functionalities with an exclusive smartphone app that allows full control of the camera, file management, and content sharing. The Linux-based Alice Camera OS ensures fuss-free over-the-air software updates and open-access development. Photogram gladly extends an invitation to developers and businesses who wish to create their own custom apps and algorithms on the Alice Camera platform.
Overcoming the Odds: The Journey of Alice Camera
Achieving this remarkable feat was no easy task for Photogram. The COVID-19 pandemic, global lockdowns, and subsequent chip shortage posed major hurdles. Despite the trying times and regulatory testing delays in 2023 for consumer electronics, the team’s unwavering perseverance along with the strong backing of investors and supporters brought the idea to fruition.
Key Features and Availability
Embedded within a CNC Aluminium body, the Alice Camera is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and Google Edge TPU chip. With video capabilities of 4K @ 30fps & 1080p @ 60fps and a 4/3 Sony quad-bayer HDR and dual-ISO sensor, the Alice Camera is slated to be a top choice among photographers. Micro SD card storage, USB-C charging, and a 3.5mm microphone jack make it a well-rounded device.
Pre-orders for Alice Camera are set to kick-start from July 15th, 2024, and shipping dates are earmarked correspondingly for regions across the world from July through September 2024. The journey that started with a vision to transform the mirrorless camera industry is now on the brink of reality, ready to bring users an experience that’s truly transformative. To learn more, explore the company’s website.
