Recent digital market reviews

1: Digital cameras
Consumer appetite for digital cameras so far this year has grown twice as fast as expected, as buyers replace older models at cheaper prices. Global digital camera shipments are expected to grow by about 15 percent this year, double its previous forecast of 7.5 percent, reversing a trend of declining growth seen over the past four years.Cameras are becoming a kind of fashion item, a trend made popular by tiny mobile phones and Apple iPod digital music player.Similarly, the digital camera has become a personal, low priced item, whose sales are now more driven by impulse than utility, especially in the United States, Japan and Europe.This year was the first that we had a lot of color cameras, a lot of them under $200.Noting the trend toward more choices than just black or silver gadgets. I think that is resonating with consumers.At the same time, the report showed that the average number of cameras in each camera-owning home has remained flat from 2006 at 1.4. I ti is suggested consumers are replacing their cameras at a faster rate than expected.
Single-lens-reflex (SLR) cameras, favored by professionals and photography enthusiasts, will be more of a driver of the total market than previously thought as prices decline.Average prices for all digital cameras, ranging from entry level point-and-shoots to SLRs, are expected to slip about 13 percent this year to $307 from $352 in 2006.Demand for digital cameras, primarily those made by market leaders, Canon Inc, Sony Corp and Eastman Kodak, should remain strong for the critical holiday shopping season.It boosted its growth outlook through 2011, with total units shipped seen at 138 million, up from an earlier expectation of 123 million. Prices are expected to decline to about $250 on average.
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Bluetooth
Bluetooth had another successful year in 2006, and it will have continued success in 2007, led by its increasing penetration into mobile phones. However, market growth for Bluetooth products is beginning to slow, and it will see some complications arising from integration trends and new Bluetooth standards hitting the market, the high-tech market research firm says. The market for Bluetooth chips is also in flux.
The Bluetooth silicon market is beginning to see some consolidation, as larger silicon vendors add new capabilities, such as Wi-Fi and GPS, to their chip portfolios, either by internal development or acquisition.The goal is to create combined radio silicon that is being demanded by mobile phone vendors.
Growth of Bluetooth devices will increase by 34% in 2007, slowing from the recent past.
Wireless chip companies are seeking to offer integrated radio chips with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and FM.
New low power and high data rate Bluetooth standards will emerge over the next two years
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Messaging market in South america
Messaging services are becoming an important source of revenues for mobile operators and a considerable growth is likely in the messaging services market during upcoming years. This significant growth is a result of the content strategies of the carriers, promoting the messages not only as a tool of communication, but also as entertainment. The market earned revenues of $2.4 billion in 2005 and is estimated to reach $7.8 billion in 2011.
According to analysis demand of messaging services are likely fostered by the stronger competition, marketing strategies and stronger advertising campaigns, especially multimedia messaging services (MMS) due to the accessibility of enabled handsets. The main issue that is likely to drive the mobile messaging market in the future is the competitive circumstances in each country.
During their process of expansion, the two major mobile companies in Latin America continue to define the path and continuity of this market. In some countries, new companies are stabilizing, and in others, several fusions and acquisitions are taking place. Each country is experiencing different situations and thereby creating new movements in the market.
Considering these facts, not only is a stronger competition likely in the pricing issue, but high-developed marketing campaigns are likely to be stabilised to gain market share. However, in some countries, prices are lower than before and the pricing war is allowing a highly competitive market.
"High prices and low offer of attractive plans can obstruct the growth of the markets causing a lower usage of the technology," explained Crujeiras. "Moreover, despite agreements that have been consolidated between operators for these types of services, there are still restrictions for MMS."
The major opportunities are localized in offering high-quality plans for the young users. Despite this, there are still other markets to explore and different services to offer, especially in the short message service (SMS) and MMS markets, such as enterprise messaging, as well as easier communication or more appropriate applications. Operators need to have a strategy to reach other segments instantly so users can normally access services such as SMS and MMS.
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New PMP is coming？

Apple has an announcement set, and the speculation is that it’s’ going to announce a new iPod. WWW.RIHEY.CC
There’s plenty of secrecy surrounding the major announcement Apple is due to make on September 5, and the speculation is that the company is set to announce the launch of a new iPod.
At least, that’s the betting among observers who have specialist knowledge, and the general consensus is that it will be a high-end model with an interface very similar to Apple’s new iPhone.
It would certainly make sense, with the announcement coming in perfect time for the company to roll out the product in time for the holidays.
“It's time for the Christmas refresh,” Rob Enderle, president and principal analyst with Enderle Group, noted. “Apple needs a set of hot new products to try to drive fourth-quarter sales.”
Certainly it would make sense to have a full-screen iPod, allowing the iPod to join the world of the company’s devices that run the OSX operating system. Additionally, it would bring a whole new audience to the MultiTouch system, paving the way for the company to build it into Macs.
Finally, as some have noted, it would keep up the press about Apple and its image as an agent of change. That’s perhaps very important as its iTunes dominance comes under fire with the launch of new music download services, such as the one just announced by Nokia. WWW.RIHEY.CC
Source: www.digitaltrends.com
Some speculate that the new iPod will essentially operate like the iPod part of the iPhone. But, of course, for now it’s all guesswork. Still, it’s created expectations and helped the company - Apple's stock rose US$7.36, or 5.8%, in Wednesday’s trading
Apple stirred speculation this week by scheduling a product unveiling on Wednesday, September 5th. The rollout is expected to feature a number of new iPods, though other options are also possible.
Elsewhere, a number of iPhone hacks emerged, including one from a New Jersey teenager. Software-based workarounds are also bubbling, though nothing concrete has materialized.
Verizon Wireless unveiled an exclusive collection of Bob Marley ringtones, though the Marley estate quickly contested the legality of the play.
MySpace announced a major, US-based tour, one that will start in October. The tour is part of a larger live performance series.
Elsewhere, Russian cut-rate download store promised a return in the near future,a development that follows a number of favorable court decisions.
YouTube tied a major publishing deal with the MCPS-PRS Alliance in the UK, one that involves uniform licensing rates for the use of various compositions. Other deals with performance rights societies could be forthcoming, though YouTube is battling a number of lawsuits involving US-based publishers.
Nokia unveiled a digital music store, one designed to thread PC and mobile experiences. The WMA-based store currently involves a limited number of Nokia devices, and utilizes a platform developed by recently-acquired Loudeye.
Meanwhile, Terra Firma triggered a number of executive changes at EMI, a move that closely follows a finalized purchase of the label. WWW.RIHEY.CC
Also this week, Sony Connect officially indicated that it would be closing. The store, which suffered lukewarm uptake, will likely close its doors in March.
Source: http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/stories/083007week/view