Taiwan market - Mobile phones with 2-megapixel cameras to surge in 2005

Max Wang, Taipei; Jessie Shen, DigiTimes.com [Tuesday 23 November 2004]


Mobile phones equipped with a 2-megapixel camera are expected to surge in the Taiwan handset market in the second half of 2005, according to sources in the Taiwan handset industry.

Several international vendors, including Nokia, Motorola, LG Electronics (LGE) and Innostream, have already scheduled 2005 launch dates, in Taiwan, for their first phone models equipped with a 2-megapixel camera, according to the sources.

Taiwan-based Arima Communication, Asustek Computer, BenQ, Cute Mobile and Quanta Computer are all developing mobile phones with a 2-megapixel camera, indicated the sources.

Among the domestic competitors, Cute Mobile will introduce its first model equipped with a 3.2-megapixel camera in early 2005, according to the company. In addition to its “Cute” brand-name business in Taiwan, the maker plans to market the phone through distribution channels in China and Southeast Asia, said the company.

Arima will launch its first 3-megapixel camera phone near the end of the second quarter next year, sources at the maker stated. The company’s spokesperson was unavailable for comment.