As mobile phones take on an increasing number of roles analysts have been questioning whether a multifunctional device can really challenge the purpose built MP3 players and digital cameras.
IMS Research has been looking into the issues and have concluded that phones are far more likely to impact the MP3 player market, currently dominated by the iPod, than the digital camera market.
As mobile phones become more capable and have higher memory they will start to take more and more market share from the likes of the iPod. Consumers tend to upgrade a mobile phone every 12 to 18 months and they will find their new phone has more and more high end features. As long as the manufacturers can make the menus clear and easy to use the success of these devices should be high.
Digital cameras are not carried round on a daily basis so users are not worried about carrying more than one device. Additionally there are barriers to overcome such as the quality of the lens and the fact that an internal optical zoom cannot be fitted easily.
Apple are yet to unveil an iPod phone but if the likes of Sony Ericsson start to take significant market share we are sure that the iPhone will be released quickly.
