HP targets India
As the convenience of digital photography rapidly replaces the classical charm of film cameras, the retail photo printing market in India is set to experience a major technological and operational shift, reports Times of India.
According to conservative estimates, the market size of the digital camera in India is expected to soar to around 22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2011. Add to this the growing mobile tele-density and the increasing use of high-end camera cellphones.
Sensing the untapped potential in the segment, HP recently announced its entrance into the retail photo-printing market in India, with the introduction of HP's Retail Photo Solutions, which include HP Photosmart Studio, HP Photosmart Express station and HP Photosmart pm1000 Microlab Printer.
US camera market jumps 20%
Repeat digital camera buyers are creating a resurgence in the US digital camera and imaging market, according to The NPD Group's consumer tracking service, reports Tekrati.com.
During the first half of 2007, digital camera sales increased 20% over 2006 in units and 9.5% in dollars. Prospects look good for healthy digital imaging equipment and accessory sales during the upcoming holiday season.
Consumers purchasing their second or greater camera represented 54% of all persons buying digital cameras for themselves, up from 46% last year. Among consumers buying their second or greater digital camera, half were keeping their existing camera for continued use along with their new camera.
Konica, Heidelberger sue over patent
Units of Japan's Konica Minolta Holdings and Germany's Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG sued US patent-licensing firm Acacia Research, asking a judge to invalidate a 1992 patent for digital-colour printing, says Bloomberg.
The two companies also seek a ruling that they don't infringe the patent, claimed by an Acacia affiliate, according to two lawsuits filed yesterday in federal court in Wilmington, Delaware.
"The patent and its claims are invalid because they fail to comply with the conditions and requirements for patentability,'' lawyers for Konica and Heidelberg say in their complaints, which ask for fees and a decision that Acacia lacks the right to sue.
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