Flash card market grew 100% in 2003

The worldwide flash memory card market generated $1.7 bln in revenue in 2002, and research firm IDC estimates that it increased by more than 100% in 2003. Digital cameras have been the major catalyst for the growth of the flash memory card market, but that is expected to change as more phones come with built-in cameras. Mobile phones made up about 24% of worldwide demand for cards in 2003, according to IDC. Mobile phones with built-in cameras devices were less popular in the United States and Europe than in Asia, where a built-in camera is practically a standard feature.