Sony releases GPS unit for tracking image locations

Device tracks where your images are taken

2 August 2006 14:37 GMT / By Amber Maitland

Sifting through digital images upon returning from your holidays has always been a bit of a chore, especially if you’ve been on a road trip or longer journey and can’t remember where that lovely shot of old village was taken.

Sony has just simplified your life with a GPS unit that adds location information to images captured with new Sony cameras.

The GPS-CS1 records position data that can then be processed by Picture Motion Browser software, which is supplied from August with all new Sony digital cameras, including video recorders, and displayed as pinpoints on an online map.

The GPS-CS1 is a portable GPS that weighs just 55g and lasts for up to 10 hours of continuous use.

There’s no connection needed between the camera and the GPS unit, which can be kept in a bag as long as it’s face up for the antenna to work.

The device records location data every 15 seconds, and can hold up to 31MB of data, which is enough for 1 month of tracking and recording for 12 hours a day.

Images are then matched with the location information after the data has been downloaded to a PC; JPEG images with location information will then appear in the Picture Motion Browser with a small compass.

Some older Sony models supplied with Cyber-shot Viewer software can be upgraded with supplied GPS-CS1 software.

Pocket-lint is awaiting UK pricing and information on whether the GPS will be compatible with non-Sony cameras; the device will be available for about $150 in the US.