Talk and shoot

Most new mobile phones in the market include camera technology, which becomes increasingly sophisticated and integrated by the day

With 10-hour workdays and constant traffic, life in Dubai can get pretty hectic and everyone could use a little stress-free time. Luckily manufacturers around the globe are helping to streamline our lives by combining multiple devices into one convenient product.

Gone are the days when a camera was simply a camera, an MP3 player was an MP3 player and a mobile phone was a mobile phone.

"Consumers have varied needs and preferences. They request their mobile devices to match a wider range of needs than in the past.

"Consumers are no longer just product purchasers - they are partners in creating personalised mobile experiences that add value and pleasure to their daily lives," says Zsolt Menesi, Director, Experience Multimedia, Nokia Middle East and Africa.

Almost all mobile phones now include camera technology. In fact the Sony Ericsson K800i camera phone looks more like a camera than an actual phone.

Increasing popularity
With estimated sales for 2008 of more than 1 billion units worldwide, there is no sign of this trend slowing down.

"I couldn't live without my phone, it has everything, a camera, an MP3 player, internet connection, it's so convenient. I don't have to carry a phone and camera around with me, if I see something interesting on my travels, I can just snap away using my phone," says Lois Taylor, a flight attendant from Sydney, Australia.

Mobile phone cameras are popular with tourists, common among friends on social occasions, they are cheap in comparison to digital cameras and are extremely accessible, adding to the appeal.

"The two biggest advantages of having a high quality camera in your device are that it is always with you, and that it is a connected device, which means you are able to share it immediately, via MMS, Bluetooth, e-mail or uploading it on the internet," says Menesi.

"Nevertheless, on some occasions when people plan to go on a vacation, they would take their digital camera with them, but on daily basis, a camera phone is very suitable for consumers because it's affordable, and people can always have and share memories of their lives by easily sending the picture to friends or family who may live far away or overseas," says Menesi.

Spenser Earl, an accountant from the UK, agrees, "Camera phones are great, when you are out and about with your mates, you can get some okay shots. They're more a convenience than anything though.

"I still prefer to take my holiday pictures or photos of special occasions with my camera. I know the quality will be much higher, plus I can edit them on my PC which is a big advantage."

Manufactures are introducing new technology and are constantly raising the bar in order to accommodate the high demand by consumers.

"Imaging has become a key phone feature, as Nokia devices are increasingly being equipped with high performance cameras, DVD-quality recording and wider screens, to experience the best imaging and video experiences.

"Currently consumers are becoming more tech savvy and want mobile devices, that are full of cutting edge technology. Consumers enjoy sharing photos and videos with family, friends and colleagues quickly and easily via blogging, e-mail or Bluetooth wireless technology while retaining full image quality.

"Multimedia messaging combine image, video, text, and audio clip and send as MMS to a compatible phone or PC," says Menesi.

Mobile camera phones have become such a phenomenon that the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London is presenting 'All Tomorrow's Pictures,' a major exhibition of camera phone photos to highlight the popularity of the mobile phone camera.

For more information about the exhibition visit their website www.ica.org.uk/tomorrow