Reiter's Camera Phone Report

Apple seeks iPhone camera manager, camera engineers

From CNET News I see that Apple is looking for an iPhone camera manager (see below).

According to Apple's job description, the company is looking for an "iPhone Engineering Project Mgr - Camera" (EPM).  Here's what Apple says about the position:

"[The EPM will]...drive the design, development and integration of camera modules for innovative cellular products.  The EPM is the interface between our internal engineering teams and the suppliers for sensors, lenses and camera modules.

"He or she will manage vendors during the project to ensure that all vendor schedules and activities are aligned with our projects.

"In this highly cross functional role the EPM will work closely together with the HW, SW and mechanical engineering team to coordinate all aspects of the camera module design, production and integration.

"The EPM is familiar with camera module technologies especially sensors, lenses and actuators.

"The Camera EPM works together with the module vendors during camera module builds to ensure the quality of the build and implementation of test procedures in compliance with Apple’s requirements.  The EPM will drive the analysis of test results, derive corrective actions and drive the implementation.

"During the concept phase the EPM will identify and communicate design tradeoffs between mechanical and electrical features of camera modules from different vendors and facilitate and drive the selection of a best in class implementation."

Is also looks as if Apple is looking for an iPhone camera engineer or two, if you enter "iPhone" and "United States" on the employment site.

Not outstanding camera

The CNET article notes, "But while Apple is looking to hire an iPhone engineering project manager for its camera feature, less than half a percent of the 6,187 News.com readers who responded to the poll listed that as an outstanding feature." 

Note:  As of early in the morning of January 15, that poll is up to 7,101 respondents, but it's 0.5 percent for the camera listed as the main feature (see left).

That's no surprise.  As I wrote in my fairly lengthly article on January 10, the two megapixel camera in the iPhone isn't a big deal in terms of the resolution and there's no flash or optical zoom.

Somewhat backwards "revolution"

As I also wrote in that article about the iPhone's wireless imaging capabilities, the handset doesn't include video recording capabilities.  It's a capability I consider crucial for any cellular phone that incorporates a camera, and the lack of it, as I wrote, is ridiculous.

Apple is "reinventing" the cellular phone by taking a step backwards when it comes to imaging.  Perhaps the company will reconsider adding video recording before the iPhone in launched in the United States in June.

Six Apart seeks mobile applications and integration product manager

Six Apart, the company that brings you TypePad (where this weblog is hosted), Movable Type and other blogging products, is looking for a product manager for mobile applications and integration.

Based in San Francisco, Six Apart wants "an experienced product manager who can help extend our platforms into the mobile space by developing device-specific applications, working with hardware manufacturers and carriers to integrate TypePad or Movable Type with their services, and defining new features and functionality for TypePad and Movable Type related to mobile."

Hmm, that sound like something I could do, except I'm not a programmer.

Commercial message:  If you're interested in hiring people in the wireless business, especially experts in cameras phones and other wireless multimedia disciplines, why not consider advertising on "Reiter's Camera Phone Report"?

Many people from around the world -- all interested in wireless imaging -- read us every day.

Qualcomm introduces chipsets for six megapixel camera phones

Qualcomm today introduced its series 7000 Mobile Station Modem chipsets that would enable six megapixel camera phones, according to a report from Reuters.

The chipset also offers 30 frames per second for video recording and playback. In addition, the chipset offers enhanced features for location based services using Qualcomm's gpsOne technology. Stereo sound and four million triangles per second for 3D graphics acceleration are among the capabilities of the chipset.

Of course, creating a camera phone requires more than simply a chipset! Lenses, software, etc. are all part of the package, obviously. Also, you can't get these chipsets now. Some of them won't be available in sample quantities until 2006.

Snapfish looking for programmers with J2ME, BREW, WAP knowledge

Online photo processing company Snapfish wants to expand its mobile engineering team and is looking for programmers with J2ME, BREW and WAP experience.

Snapfish tells me the current mobile engineering team is relatively new, but the company wants to ramp up fast and develop a range of wireless photo applications. One position in San Francisco is listed below but there probably are additional openings, too.

The position

Primary Responsibilities
* Architect the suite of Snapfish's next generation mobile photo & video applications.
* Lead a group of junior engineers in delivering primarily J2ME products
* Work closely with the Product team in the product definition and the requirements process.
* Interact with server side team and design group and manage these relationships well.
* Be the resident expert on emerging technologies in the wireless space and be able to incorporate them in applications.
* Stay ahead of the handset race and new technologies therein.
* Be the technical arm of the business development team in cutting deals

Requirements
·* 3 - 4 years of hands-on experience in coding/launching J2ME applications.
* At least 5 years of programming experience in Java/C++
* 2+ years of BREW experience ideal
* Very strong OO design skills
* Very strong understanding of the various mobile technologies like GSM, CDMA etc.
* Hands on experience with SMS / MMS
* Has worked with NSTL in certifying applications on handsets.
* Has got extensive experience of testing applications on handsets
* Work in a highly charged and focused environment
* Fantastic communication skills.
* Ability to be the technical lead for small teams
* A huge plus will be demonstrating an application on a current handset that is your handiwork

Ideal candidate will also possess
* Experience getting J2ME apps through the various carrier testing processes (e.g. Sprint labs, etc
* Has developed for more than 1 of the major US BREW and J2ME carriers, such as Verizon and Sprint.

Making money with online photo albums

For at least two years I've been talking to online photo processing companies about the value of entering the wireless business. Finally, we're seeing it happen.

Indeed, we're seeing a lot of activity. Kodak Mobile, though Ofoto, is one of the most active companies. We're also seeing Fuji entering the business through Sprint PCS.

In addition, you'll see more activity from companies that will offer infrared and Bluetooth capabilities on their printing kiosks so that camera phone users and upload photos for printing. Take a look at Pixel Magic Imaging, that displayed its wireless capabilities during the Camera Phone Summit last week.