An embedded rear camera is included on almost all new smartphones, it has been revealed.
According to new findings from ABI Research, one-in-three devices also feature a front-facing camera, while the proportion of media tablets boasting lenses of this type is even higher.
It was shown that most people buying handhelds such as these anticipate the products will come complete with a camera, with more than one billion cameras likely to have been shipped as part of tablets and smartphones over the last 12 months.
The trend for front-facing cameras is being driven by the increasing popularity of video calling among phone users, who want to be able to see the face of the person they are speaking to.
Josh Flood, a senior analyst at ABI Research – which was established in 1990 and has offices in Europe, North America and Asia – explained new avenues are opening up for smartphones and media tablets thanks to the improvements seen in imaging technology.
These features include rapid capture mode, best picture, autofocus and advanced image captures for low light environments.
Mr Flood stated: “Mobile device cameras are becoming more than just a digital camera for taking snapshots … New services like augmented reality and gesture recognition are now easily conceivable in mobile devices.”
