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The recent advance of mobile technology has turn cellular phones into magic boxes. The use of mobile phones are no longer limited to telephone calling or instant text messaging as the newer models are able to function as cameras, MP3 players, TV and radio sets.
The case of camera phones shows the new trend clearly. The 0.3 million pixel models which have held the majority of the market for the last year are loosing their ground to the latest 2 million pixel camera phones. Even 3 million pixel models are scheduled to hit the market during the year.
Last month, Samsung introduced the SPH-V4400, a 2 million pixel camcorder phone with the appearance and the capability of a camcorder. With the new "TV-out" function users can now check out their video clips and pictures through the TV screen.
With other new products such as DMB (digital multimedia broadcasting) phones, Samsung is planning to maintain the top spot in the mobile phone market during the second half of the year. LG is also looking forward to stretch its market share with its new ¡®World Phone¡¯, the mobile phone one can use world wide supported by both CDMA (code division multiple access) and the European GSM (Global System for Mobile communication).
Pantech&Curitel is already providing Samsung and LG tough competition by introducing its S4, a 2 million pixel camera/MP3 phone equipped with optical zoom for the very first time. Unlike digital zoom, which only enlarges the image shown on the screen, the lens actually move back and forth when zooming in and out. SK Teletech, the company that introduced the first 3 million pixel camera phone in Korea is also preparing new products such as "Itena" camera phones.
(Baek Seung-jae, whitesj@chosun.com )
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