(Weymouth, MA) July 13, 2011 . . . InfoTrends has just released its 2011 U.S. Image Sharing Forecast. This report projects that the number of camera phone photos shared online will nearly double from just over 11 billion images in 2010 to nearly 22 billion in 2015. Already, more camera phone images are shared on social networking sites than by other Web sites and e-mail combined, and this is expected to continue through the forecast period. By 2013, more digital camera images are also expected to be shared on social networking sites than the other methods combined as well.

Improved image quality, ease-of-use, built-in connectivity, and affordable handsets and data plans make smartphones the ideal sharing device. Likewise, the rapid growth of social networks makes it easy to connect and exchange information and media with friends and family regardless of location.

“Consumers are viewing and sharing their photos in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago, and the ability to share photos straight from the picture-taking device has become essential. Digital imaging vendors and service providers must adapt to these changes and provide consumers with a simple and convenient way to transfer their photos from their capture device to other viewing and sharing channels,” stated Alan Bullock, an Associate Director at InfoTrends.

InfoTrends’ Image Sharing Forecast provides estimates for the number of U.S. digital still camera (DSC) and camera phone (CP) owners who are sharing images, as well as the number of images shared, between 2010 and 2015. Estimates are broken out by capture device (DSC and CP) and age groups (15 to 19, 20 to 24, 25 to 34, 35 to 44, 45 to 54, and 55 to 79 years old).

This forecast is part of InfoTrends’ extensive Personal Photo Activity Forecast, which observes the number of U.S. consumers engaged in picture taking, photo editing, image sharing and viewing, photo storing and managing, as well as printing.

For more information or to purchase the 2011 Image Sharing Forecast, visit our online store or contact Robyn Wuori at +1 781 616 2103 or [email protected].

InfoTrends, a Questex company, is the leading worldwide market research and strategic consulting firm for the digital imaging and document solutions industry. We provide research, analysis, forecasts, and advice to help clients understand market trends, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to grow their businesses. Additional information about InfoTrends is available on the Web at www.infotrends.com.

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