PALO ALTO, CA -- H-P will license its photo-enhancing technology to Flextronics for use in camera-equipped cellphones. The deal is for five years; the companies did not diclose the royalty fees or other aspects of the agreement.

According to H-P, Flextronics will license the software for camera modules that capture images at 3 MP and above,. That segment is forecast to make up five to 13% of the more than 600 million camera phones expected to be shipped next year.

It is not clear whether the deal is exclusive to Flextronics .

"Flextronics is the ideal partner to harness the capabilities of H-P's digital-imaging technology to open new markets," H-P imaging and printer group vice president Tara Bunch said in a statement. "The agreement is a breakthrough for the booming camera-phone market because it will transform photos into higher-quality images and keepsakes to share and print."

In licensing the technology, H-P's goal is that more users will print the images -- ideally using H-P printers, ink and paper stock.

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