18 Personal Content Experience: Managing Digital Life in the Mobile Age general computation. As a consequence, an external device (often a desktop or laptop computer) is needed for more complex content management tasks, such as updating and archiving content, and com- posing collections. An exception in this category is the wide range of devices by 5 Archos that are tailored for storing and enjoying different types of 6 media (audio, images, and video). Similarly, the latest Apple iPod models are multimedia devices handling various types of content. They are versatile devices, yet not upgradeable as far as features are concerned. Next, we will briefl y present some typical devices in this category. 2.2.1.1 Digital Cameras The transition from fi lm-based photography to digital photography took place practically overnight. It is easy to spot digital cameras by the dozen in festivities, holidays, and even everyday events. Traditional fi lm cameras are quickly becoming curiosities. Today, only die-hard enthusiasts and late adopters stick to fi lm. More and more people now carry digital cameras and shoot anything, anywhere, since individual images cost practically nothing. Others carry cameras only on special occasions, such as weddings. At the time of writing this, digital cameras are becoming standard features in mobile phones, which greatly increase the availability of always-with, always-on imaging. Many cameras and phones also feature video recording. 2.2.1.2 Digital Video Cameras These devices store the captured video stream either onto a solid state memory card, on an internal hard drive, or directly on a DVD. Most modern digital still cameras double as modest video cameras (and vice versa), reducing the need to carry two separate devices and blurring the line between these two device classes. 2.2.1.3 MP3 Players Portable music players are quickly becoming commodity items all over the globe. They typically support several compression formats but the iconic abbreviation ‘MP3’ has been widely adopted to refer to portable digital music fi les in general. While there are variations on the storage technology (fl ash cards, hard disks), connections, and battery and UI solutions, the main function in all kinds of mobile players is identical: 5 http://www.archos.com/ 6 http://www.apple.com/ipod/ipod.html