From The Register (among other sources) I was pointed to a press release from research firm Canalys about the dramatic growth of camera phones in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). About 4.9 million camera phones were shipped in the third quarter of this year, almost as many as were shipped in the first and second quarters, according to Canalys (see below).
Canalys says shipments in the EMEA region grew 27 percent in the third quarter compared to the second. More than ten million camera phones have been shipped in the nine months, and the firm predicts that a total of more than 16 million camera phone will be shipped by the end of this year.
In 2004, Canalys forecasts shippments will double compared to 2003.
Demand outstripping supply?
Canalys analyst Rachel Lashford says the most popular camera phones might be sold out during the Christmas season, which might present opportunities for the lesser-known brands. Nokia and Sony Ericsson were the leaders at the beginning of the year, facing competition from only a few vendors, including Panasonic and Sharp (that were helped by their association with Vodafrone Live).
As the year progressed, Samsung has sold almost one million camera phones and Sagem (unknown in the U.S.) shipped almost 250,000 units.
Motorola was late to the market (surprise, surprise!) as was Siemens. Although they will push hard in the fourth quarter, the earlier entrants have the advantage of being able to ship next-generation products as well as gain from their experience, says Chris Jones, the director and senior analyst at Canalys.
Canalys expects camera phones will account for about half of all handset shipments in EMEA in 2006.
The Register's opinion
Tony Smith of The Register writes, "Of course, Canalys' numbers reflect the units the vendors have pushed out into their various sales channels, rather than over-the-counter sales. Nokia was undoubtedly holding back for the current, more lucrative Christmas quarter.
"Sales are likely to be strong, given the many 'free' phone offers retailers and networks are now dangling in front of buyers. Not to mention quite a few cameraphone upgrades being granted free of charge by networks to existing, cameraphone-less customers, all in a bid to get them sending money-spinning picture messages this festive season."
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