In order to provide the capacity needed for increasing multimedia traffic, third generation cellular networks will be needed. In 3G networks, services are more flexible than they have been previously. Considering mobile image communication, Neuvo sees that the main applications will be more around still imaging than video telephony. There are already services with very high potential, like photoservers on the Internet. Both camera ad display technology evolution is very promising, and give reason to expect much from the next few years.
Challenges exist, however.
For a phone manufacturer, the cost, size and power consumption of camera modules and high-quality displays are an important issue. Also, the volume production capability of optics is a point to consider. The global volume for digital still cameras was 10,8 million units last year. A plausible scenario is that in four years' time, half of all phones manufactured will have an in-built camera. With our estimates for this years phone volumes, that would already mean a volume of almost 300 million units.