Smartphones is the term used for cellular devices that operates off a mobile operating system (OS) and performs all the basic functions of a computer. It allows the users to play songs, click pictures, record videos and navigate ways using the inbuilt GPS system. It is also equipped to perform advanced computing, run applications, access internet using 3G and 4G data networks, Wi-Fi, mobile broadband etc. A smartphone user can additionally perform the aforementioned functions:
Share files, messages, images, etc. using Bluetooth.
Work on documents and share them over other devices.
Download audio files, images, pdfs, documents, etc. from the internet.
Play games and stream movies.
Send and receive text messages and emails.
Communicate via video chat and internet calls.
Make video and audio conference calls.
Smartphone today serve as compact and wireless versions of Personal Digital Assistants who have high-resolution touch screen, multi-touch interface and QWERTY keyboard to assist you with various tasks. Prevalent operating systems consist of Google’s open-source platform Android, Microsoft’s Windows Phone, Apple’s iOS, BlackBerry’s OS and Nokia’s Symbian.
With basic apps like that of calendar, contact list, calculator, maps, clock and weather smartphones allow its users to do immediate calculations, set alarm clocks, organise their appointments and mark their important dates, find ways to reach any destination and save any number at any time with easy access to them when in need.
Other than these, news and innovative apps keep hitting the market all the time that help a smartphone user to remain productive, entertained, well-informed, organised, and socially well-connected. Smartphone apps allow the users to keep a track of almost everything including their fitness levels, water intake, nutritional intake, flows of money, and make travel arrangement, budgets, everyday plans, restaurant and cinema bookings, etc. One can access any information and make any plans and strategies anywhere at any time using these digital devices that are more than just phones with fancy features. Smartphones are not just devices to make calls or send messages but are platforms that connect its user with the world around him/her.
People browse through online shopping websites that allows them to make online purchases in the comfort of their homes. People use smartphones to make bank transactions as well. Many use it to pay bills for electricity, gas, cable, post-paid mobile network, and other utility bills. Some users make online purchases and transact money to buy goods and services or make hotel and travel bookings. In this scenario, it has become important to ensure the security of the smartphones to protect against identity theft, monetary theft or data theft. The features of fingerprint lock and voice lock has helped in keeping the data saved in smartphones safe and secure.
In this century, smartphones have become survival kit for people instead of just serving as a cellular device. It is used to even measure heart rate and control the electronic devices installed in a user’s home. They are a must have for everybody.
