What is Camera Phone

This chapter reviews user studies to look at the early era (roughly 2001 to 2007) of camera phone and MMS (multimedia messaging services) use. It then considers the role played by one of the main regional and global industry actors (Nokia) in shaping the technology and then responding to user trends and innovation. The studies reviewed show that early camera phone users embraced this technology as a significantly enhanced form of the portable analog camera, as opposed to being more enthralled with photo messaging as industry players like Nokia had hoped. The chapter concludes by arguing that technological innovation and use are impacted by many factors besides industrial design and marketing.