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(Walnut Creek, California) - As camera phone technology advances, more and more people are embracing the technology for everyday camera use. However, one challenge is that there is no reliable way to take a quality-framed picture with a camera phone. Many camera phones cannot take a fully formed shot because the lens is positioned in such away the camera cannot be aimed without being held. Now a new tripod accessory called the CELLPOD has been designed to allow people to use camera phones as they would any other cameras.

The CELLPOD is a small yet sturdy tripod that easily attaches to any standard cell phone camera. The CELLPOD swivels in different directions for proper photo framing and uses the same standard attachments that people use to hold their cell phone to their belts. CELLPOD weighs just two ounces and fits easily in the palm of a hand. It is small enough to be stored in a pocket, purse, briefcase or backpack.

"We've all seen the camera phone user with the outstretched arm attempting to take an awkwardly close self-photo," says Greg Joy of Joy Innovations, makers of the CELLPOD. "This new product solves that problem. As camera phones slowly start taking the place of traditional cameras, a uniquely designed tripod is an excellent tool."

A Snapshot of the Camera Phone Market:
It's estimated that camera phone sales in North America will top the 9 million mark by the end 2005. That number is expected to jump to 25 million in 2006 and as high as 84 million in 2007. Because cameras are coming out with larger and larger mega-pixel quality, this increased resolution will allow camera phones to begin taking over the disposable and small digital camera market. In 2003, digital cameras surpassed 35mm film cameras. In 2004, camera phones surpassed digital cameras. According to Fuji, currently only 4% of the cell phones in the US are camera phones. However, in Japan, that percentage is 80% and industry experts expect similar growth here as well. A national camera-phone survey commissioned by online photo service Snapfish shows that 56 percent of those surveyed think camera-phones will replace digital and film cameras within the next two decades.

Joy Innovations' initial product offering was the Picture Yourself Tripod & Timer released in 2003. The Picture Yourself allowed disposable camera users a way to take steady, timed-release photos much like more expensive cameras. www.joyinnovations.com

The CELLPOD sells for $24.95 and is available online at www.joyinnovations.com