Cell phones, cellular phones or mobile phones, are basically telecommunication devices. With exception of satellite phones, most cell phones use wireless radio wave transmission technology to connect to the network of the service provider. Through the use of cell sites, cell phones can connect to each other through a standard telephone network. With the same technology, cell phones can transfer more than just voice data. Modern cell phones have the capabilities to send out text messages, images, videos, and connect to the internet. When cell phones came out about two decades ago, they were exclusive to the upper class. Both the phone unit and the service were very expensive. In less than 20 years since mobile phones were manufactured for the consumer market, mobile phones have evolved to something more of a necessity, much like a wallet or the keys to the house. Cell phones were used by business executives to stay connected all the time, but nowadays, it is not uncommon to find young adults or even kids holding a cell phone. Statistics currently show that cell phones outnumber installed landlines. Functions and features are continuously being added to cell phones to try to match the different social and fashion trends of the general consumers. Customizability seems to be one of the first features installed on cell phones. The face plate or casing of the phone is customizable according to the personality of the owner. Both the manufacturer and third party companies produce these face plates. The face plates can boast anything from simple styles in different colors to more elaborate designs. Alert tones are also customizable. The first-generation phones only used beeps and monotones. Nowadays, the units accept polyphonic tones and audio formats such as MID, WAV and MP3. Aside from the basic phone features, cell phones have functions such as cameras and video capabilities, internet browsers, games, organizers, reminders, radios, music players, and more. Some phones are even manufactured to be hybrid computer units. |
