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Worldwide Wireless Imaging Users Forecast to Reach 160 Million by 2007

(Weymouth, MA) August, 21 2002... The number of wireless imaging users worldwide is forecast to grow from 6.6 million in 2002 to over 160 million by 2007, representing a compound annual growth rate of 93%, according to a new study by InfoTrends Research Group. Japan has taken the lead in this market, with 98% of all wireless imaging users in 2002 residing in Japan. By the end of the forecast period, however, wireless imaging users will be more evenly distributed among the major regions of the world.

Wireless imaging is still in its early stages. Nevertheless, real products and services are available on the market, and are being used by consumers and businesses alike. For example:

• In Japan, over 5 million people carry cell phones with embedded digital cameras.
• In North America, insurance agents are sending images wirelessly from the field for inclusion in claims documents. Consumers have the ability to capture photos on the go with clip-on cameras, and send them via their mobile phones to friends and family.
• MMS (multimedia messaging services) is being deployed in Europe.
• Worldwide, consumers can download images and graphics to their mobile phones.

"Wireless imaging will have an impact on many segments of the digital imaging industry," said Michelle Slaughter, Director of Digital Photography Trends for InfoTrends Research Group. "Digital camera vendors must consider solutions for implementing connectivity from cameras to mobile communications devices and whether mobile image capture devices will impact sales of standalone point & shoot digital cameras. Additionally, players involved in digital photofinishing will need to confront ever-expanding opportunities for soft display, and find ways to assert themselves in the mobile imaging environment. Online photo service providers and software vendors will need to decide how and when to support the new mobile platform."

The new report is entitled 2002 Wireless Imaging Market Outlook and is available immediately. It examines the worldwide market size and market opportunities by region for Japan, Europe, North America, and Rest of World, as well as vendors developing solutions for wireless imaging.