Sony’s KW1 Does Not Squirt Purfume It Takes Selfies

In ancient times, before smartphones were around the fight was over cell phones. At one step Motorola changed the market forever when they introduced the a pink version on 2005. This was one of the first statements that the way a cellphone looks is just as important as its features.

Now it looks like Sony is trying to take a similar route on cameras with the introduction of the KW1. The camera is not the best in the market for its size, nor is it the cheapest (pre-orders at $485 if you read Chinese).

But! it is a (hideous) fashion statement. The phone inspired by perfume bottles actually looks like a perfume bottle itself. Tech-wise it employs a 19.2-megapixel sensor and a 21-mm equivalent F2 lens and a 3.3″ OLED screen. The lens rotates so you can really look like you’re spraying scents while you are actuality taking a selfie.

Who would want such a phone? Gizmag speculates:

The CyberShot DSC-KW1 is probably best seen as Sony’s response to the Casio EX-TR35, a decidedly mediocre camera which has found a surprising level of demand among the well-heeled selfie-loving crowd in Asia. Despite a US$1,200 price-tag, that camera proved a massive hit because of its stylish design and make-up modes. Now the KW1, which is being released in China, seems to be targeting the same market

Aside from being wifi enabled which allows instant sharing, the phone also boasts “Inlaid dazzling Swarovski ® elements” and “Crystal texture camera bracket”

Pre-orders ends on September 16th and shipping is estimated to end of September.

P.S. A Quick PSA: you can only reserve two units while pre-ordering, so you may want to team up for large quantities.

[Sony KW1 |via Gizmag | thanks for the heads up,  Simon]