The cell phone and the radio broadcast operate on the same basic principles. Not only do they both use radio waves to send sound, but also both can operate at different frequencies.
Cell phones that conform to the most popular standard for mobile phones, Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication, use frequencies within 5 different frequency bands measured in Megahertz: 850 MHz,900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz and 2100 MHz. A phone that works in one frequency band unfortunately cannot operate in another frequency band next to it unless added as a specific extra frequency band. To overcome this problem Dual, Tri, and Quad GSM Phones have been developed that utilize two, three or four frequencies respectively. Quad-band phones work as broadly as possible, in over 200 countries worldwide.
Cell phones have come a long way both in design and function since they were first introduced in 1983. Since that time, literally thousands of models of cell phones have hit the streets. Some have become highly sophisticated devices by virtue of acquiring more complex features. The much sought after iPhone 3G, which can take a picture, play a video, or run one of the 35,000 applications available from the Apple Store is drastically different from the prototypic Motorola analog phone, DynaTAC, designed strictly for voice. These advances in cell phone technology beg the question, "What is a smart phone?"
Even the experts don't agree on what phone should be labeled a "smart" phone. Although there is no general consensus on the topic, we know that smart phones differ from ordinary mobile phones in two basic ways: how they are made and what they can do. Other definitions put different stresses on these two factors. Some experts say a smart phone is a cell phone which offers advanced capabilities, often with PC-like computer functionality. The technical experts insist that a smart phone must run on an operating system which can provide a standard interface and platform for people who develop applications. Yet for others, a smart phone is simply a phone with advanced features like e-mail, internet and e-book reader capabilities, and/or a built-in full keyboard or external USB keyboard and VGA, the display screen. Simply put, "Smart phones are computers you talk to".
There is a growing global demand for smart phones or "advanced mobile devices". The market for smart phones is rapidly growing because there is a belief these days that your information must accompany you wherever you go. This information can live on your phone (all the better because it is easily accessible), on your office or home computer or even on the internet. As such a smart phone is essentially a miniature computer that can function as a phone supporting an earlier prediction, "The phone will be your PC". The demand for smart phones in future to employ powerful processors, to have plenty memory, large display screens, and open operating systems will grow faster than regular cell phones.
Current smart phones on the market utilize one of many operating systems (OS), and are amenable to take on new applications (e.g. for enhanced data processing, connectivity or entertainment). This is different from normal cell phones. The applications on a smart phone can be developed by the maker of the advanced mobile device, by the network carrier or by an independent applications developer. The Symbian OS is the dominant operating system on the smart phone market. However, other name brand OS such as iPhone OS, Microsoft Windows Mobile, and Google's Android mobile are giving Symbian OS a run for its money.
Each smart phone is different because they are endowed with different features. But most smart phones support email capabilities with the functionality of a personal organizer. The features may also include a miniature keyboard, a touch screen, a built-in camera, a built-in GPS system, and the ability to read business documents in a variety of formats such as PDF and Microsoft Office. Some smart phones incorporate media software for playing music, browsing photos, and viewing video clips, internet browsers, or even just secure access to company mail such as provided by Blackberry. A majority of smart phones have one feature in common, namely, the ability to store as many contact list of names as the memory allows. This is in contrast to regular phones where the number of contacts that can be stored is limited.
Currently, out of the 1 billion camera phones shipped in 2008, smart phones make up the high-end of the market. This represents about 10% of the total cell phone market or about 100 million units. In addition to the iPhone, smart phones include name brands such as the RIM Blackberry, the Nokia N-series, and Palm Pre to name a few. It must be noted that regular cell phones are getting ever smarter, though, and it's only a matter of time before all phones have some of the advanced levels of functionality associated with today's smart phones.
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Dr. Valerian Nakaar, an expert in science and technology. His popular blog on hub marketing for the elite consumer offers advice on cutting edge technology and tips for online marketing.
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