8-meg camera phones Samsung in the offing

Samsung's all new sensors clock in at the same size of their three-meg versions but pack more than twice the goodness.
Megapixel collectors rejoice: Samsung has announced an all new CMOS sensor that packs in eight of the buggers into the same size as their current three-meg versions.

The potential implications are massive. We could soon be taking snaps on our mobile with a sensor that outstrips a slew of low-end point and shoot peepers, while maintaining the slim bod' we've come to expect from our cellular gizmos. The dream of full on camera cell convergence could soon be a reality.

The truth, however, is somewhat short. If these sensors do find their way into a phone near you anytime soon, don't expect the pictures to be any good.

For a start, images would be insanely grainy and you're going to need a decent lens to boot. Forget finding one of these an Ultra Edition.

Still, don't be surprised if in the next twelve months the race towards 8-meg mobiles gathers pace. Like blades on a razor, the public just can't get enough of more megapixels.