Evolution of Mobile Phone Technology - Research Paper Example

 EVOLUTION OF MOBILE PHONE TECHNOLOGY Introduction: Mobile phone technology has advanced tremendously within the past ten years. It has now become an essential commodity rather than being the technology of only the privileged class. Its success can be understood by viewing its growth rate and the advancements it has made that has attracted people in many ways and has made their lives easier. The technology got its boost in the middle of the 90s decade. It was the time when the ratio of the mobile phones compared to the mainline telephones rose from 1:34 in 1991 to 1:8 in 1995. The 2000 worldwide statistics showed that there were approximately two mobile phones for less than one landline connection. In 2003, the mobile phones subscription over took the mainline subscription for the first time. In 2004 there were 1,194 million subscriptions of landline phones as compared to 1,748 million of the mobile phones. This showed that both mobile and landline subscriptions continued to increase although the mobile subscriptions showed an increase at a faster rate. In many countries mobile phones are used as a “compliment to the traditional use of telephony” whereas in most developing countries they are used as a substitute to the fixed lines. Many people also substitute mobiles for economic reasons1 (Castells, pg. 7, 2007). In this paper I aim to discuss the evolution of mobile phones and how it has affected our society (especially teens) in recent years. I would like to talk about the advances (technology wise) that mobile phones have seen in the last few years as well as how new mobile phone technologies are changing society and how it may continue to do so in the coming years. I also intend to include a broad timeline of the mobile technology inventions. I shall begin with a view on the development in the field of mobile technology. Timeline: The first ever mobile phone was invented by Martin Cooper in 1973. Cooper was a scientist working at Motorola. He invented a portable mobile phone2 (Hamill and Lasen, pg.22, 2005). The 80s: Mobile technology got its boost in 1980s. The United States saw an advent of the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS), Narrowband Advanced Mobile Phone System (NAMPS), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). These systems made mobile telephone quite popular as they allowed increased capacity. During the same time period Europe saw an advent of the Nordic Mobile Telephone (NTM) which became very successful as it automated the calling process and introduced the international roaming. This system became popular in Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway. This system was standardized which allowed the users to use the same phone in the whole region (Ling, pg.8, 2004). The late 1980s saw the development of GSM in Europe. This system was digitally based and dominated the telephone market globally. This system had the benefits of international roaming, backward compatibility with other systems, different national tariffs systems, had the capability to send and receive a number of data based services such as Wireless Aligned Protocol (WAP) and Short Message System (SMS). Some other features included Caller ID, call wait and voice mail (Ling, pg. 9, 2004). The 1990s: In 1990 first ever lithium battery that could be recharged was produced ((EPSRC, 2007). The 90s decade saw an increased use of GSM mobile service. First SMS was sent in December 1992 from a PC to a mobile phone3 (Michael and Salter, pg. 18, 2006). At the same time the mobile companies started reducing the size of their sets making them compact and easy to carry. Mobile functions included features such as WAP, SMS, call logs, appointment records and contacts. At the same time the terminal became advance with features such as colored screens, games, downloading ringtones and logos and changing covers. Battery capacity improved and advanced features such as cordless microphones, earphones and cameras came in demand. In 1997 WAP developed. This system allowed internet like facilities within the GSM system. However due to its limited usefulness the system gave way to the introduction of higher speed General Packet Radio Service (GPRS). The system allowed broader access to WAP capable terminals (Ling, pg. 9, 2004). In 1999 the mobile technology created history with the exchange of emails and the use of World Wide Web through mobile phones (EPSRC, 2007). 2000: GPRS allowed its mobile users to access internet through their mobiles. It also allowed sending emails through mobile phones. It also featured improved messaging services such as Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), tele-action services, video conferencing and conference calls4 (Seurre et al., pg. 47, 2003). At the same time the first mobile phones with cameras reached market in 2000 and became very successful. In 2001 the research in mobile technology led to the discovery of a crystalline polymer electrolyte which opened ways for research into the field of solid state batteries. In 2003 Phillips introduced light emitting polymers made by CDT into the mobile phones (EPSRC, 2007). The third generation 3G mobiles are making way for the fourth generation mobiles. 3G mobiles are based on Universal Mobile Telephony Standard (UMTS), GPRS and Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) (Hamill and Lasen, pg. 22, 2005). Smart phones, that combine the features of PDAs and cell phones include features such as mobile telephony, SMS, Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS), Cell phone positioning, navigation systems such as traffic information and geographical location, Instant Messaging, Emails, organizers, calendars, notepads, address books, music, remote access to networks, remote monitoring, mobile ticketing and mobile wallet ( Zheng and Ni, pg. 51-55, 2006). BENEFITS OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY: Mobile phones have always satisfied the needs of the people in many ways. It has helped them to communicate, stay above their peers and to stay informed. At the same time it has helped people to blend their work and private lives together. The businessmen and traders use them to make their work more profitable. In short mobile phone technology helps us to coordinate our lives, gives us sense of safety and allows us accessibility to others (Ling, pg. 4, 2004). Mobile phone is praised for being an instrument that can help in case of emergency. It helps to avoid or control emergency. A more simple benefit of the mobile is the family members often checking on other family members about their health or availability for a particular occasion. So mobile phones are considered to be friendly and family oriented devices that help people to socialize without getting out of their homes5 (Katz and Aakhus, pg. 8. 2002). Mobile Marketing: Since mobile phones have now become portable computers a number of companies are using them for marketing their brands. Several media companies such as Reuters and Bloomberg use mobile marketing for their business information. Other companies such as Disney sell their cartoon characters and products through mobile marketing (Michael and Salter, pg. 4, 2006). Allows Fast Access to Internet: Mobiles have become more user friendly with the innovation of GPRS. It helps the user to access the global market anytime and anywhere at a fast pace (Michael and Salter, pg. 4, 2006). Mobile technology is more accessible than PC or internet. It helps the users to operate the phone without learning any lengthy procedure. At the same time the technology is relatively inexpensive and largely available so one does not have to purchase heavy tools to make it functional (Ling, pg. 16, 2004). Information: Keeping up with the current affairs is another benefit that modern generation mobiles give to their users. Mobile browsing has always been recorded at its upper limit. It has been reported that approximately 13% of the mobile subscribers access news and information through mobile browsing. About 57% of the mobile users browse to access weather updates, and about 40% use it for maps and finding directions. 44% users access for sports scores and news, 44% for national news and 40% for movies and other entertainments (Michael and Salter, pg.9, 2006). Entertainment: Mobile phones have been designed to provide entertainment to the users. Features like cameras, camcorders and games are greatly appreciated in any mobile set. Through these features users are able to experience the entertainment that they once could not carry beyond the boundaries of their dwelling. At the same time personalizing your mobile phone has also been greatly considered important. Activities such as customizing the wall papers, external appearances and ringtones of your choice have greater attraction for youth (Michael and Salter, pg.3, 2006). Fashion Accessory: Mobile phones have become much of a fashion accessory these days. For that purpose sleek and stylish phone sets have become very prominent. Different colored and sometimes gold plated and diamond studded mobile sets are also used by the privileged class6 (Michael and Salter, pg. 3, 2006). DISADVANTAGES: Since people have become so much used to attending phone calls via mobile sets it sometimes become a menace. Using mobile phone for any purpose during driving has caused a number of accidents and for that matter it has been made unlawful to use a phone while driving (Michael and Salter, 2006). In some cases people use them unnecessarily in public places which can become a nuisance for their fellow passengers (Ling, pg. 4, 2004). A survey conducted by Harvard University in 2002 stated that using mobiles while driving has caused approximately 2600 deaths and 330,000 injuries in a year nationwide (Katz, pg.3, 2006). Technology addiction is another disadvantage of mobile technology. Psychiatrists have reported some patients spending more than seven hours a day on activities such as SMS or chatting. The addiction is more common in teens as elderly people find it difficult to use mobile technology (Michael and Salter, pg. 9, 2006). Some people also criticize mobile phones for interfering in their private lives. Since it helps people to access others anytime, anywhere, so at times it does become a nuisance when people trying to spend quality time with their loved ones are interrupted by the buzzing of a phone. Often people have complained that mobiles phones do not let them forget work when on holidays. (Katz and Aakhus, pg. 9, 2002). Although research has confirmed that there is no health hazard caused by the use of various mobile technologies. However it has been found by the Integrated Laboratory Systems in North Carolina that radiation produced from mobile antenna does make some genetic changes under certain conditions in human blood cells. Keeping that in view mobile technology manufacturers have made a number of recommendations on how to use a mobile phone more safely such as using earphone attachment that keeps the antenna away from the body 7(Schneiderman, pg. 17, 2002). MOBILES AND TEENS: The advancement in mobile technology has definitely attracted teenagers all over the world. Teenagers hooked to computers for exchanging emails and surfing through the web can do the same through their mobile phones. It also helps them to ignore the calls of unwanted people. Teenagers prefer to call their friends on the mobile phones as it helps them to avoid talking to parents. It also gives them a sense of freedom. In many countries such as North Africa teenagers are given prepaid mobile phones to give them a feeling of independence and responsibility. Teenagers can also send a missed call to the other person which could have different meanings such as call me back or an indication that he/ she has reached the destination. Teens have been dubbed as “mobile superusers” as they continue to text messages throughout the day or night (Michael and Salter, pg.4-5, 2006). It has been studied that teens consider mobile phones as a box or diary that reminds them of some people. SMS are exchanged, stored and reread from time to time to satisfy their emotions towards someone special. Mobiles act as a tool to socialize in society and be informed about everything that is important to teens. At the same time replying or not replying to a message helps the teens to express their depth of friendship or rivalry to the other person. Texting love messages to their beloved become equally important8 (Berg et al., pg. 2, 2003). Mobile technology has also been helpful to teens who are more interested in locating the position of their friends. When a mobile phone is turned on it helps the user to locate his position within 100 meters. The network triangulate the position and works out where the user is and in some cases it also locates to position of friends if the permission has been granted by them (Michael and Salter, pg. 3, 2006). Teenagers also pretend to talk on the mobile to avoid an embarrassing situation or interaction with some unwanted person (Katz, Pg. 11, 2006). Mobile phone accessories have also attracted the youth. Since mobiles reveal ones personal statement so teenagers always make an extra effort to make the mobile look more stylish. For that matter ringtones and wallpapers of popular movies, exchanging cool jokes, SMS and MMS, camcorders and MP3s have always attracted youth (Michael and Salter, pg. 3, 2006). They love to listen to downloaded music or radio while travelling. They even love to play different games that have been downloaded or installed in their mobile sets (Michael and Salter, pg. 5, 2006). FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES: The survey carried out by Michael and Salter (pg. 11, 2006) showed the following top mobile technologies rated by the consumers. Voice SMS Alert Subscriptions Calculator Taking Pictures Mobile Gaming Using Operator Portals Mobile Search Surfing WAP sites According to Michael and Salter in their mobile sets alter (2006) people would love to have the following applications in their mobile sets: Travel Alerts Parking meter payments Special offers and communication relating to marketing Season tickets Credit or debit cards Flight information Vending machine payment Retail checkout Loyalty cards Mobile Coupon Redemption (Michael and Salter, pg. 12, 2006). It is expected that mobile phones in the future will be able to do more advanced computing tasks such as multimedia processing and data logistics. It is believed that a “smart phone9” will offer a full set of applications such as optimized wireless communication facilities, computing components, business and consumer applications that will be beneficial to the consumers. The phone is expected to utilize voice over wireless LAN that will help in making long distance and roaming calls between wireless LAN and cell phone networks (Zheng and Ni, pg. 51-55, 2006). Consumer applications such as purchasing tickets, programs and magazines information will be successful in the future. At the same time mobile technology will offer its consumers to enter into multi channel strategy. Mobile technology will also work to perform supervisory functions without human intervention. It will also start up joint ventures with large firms for business purposes. It has been predicted that wireless technology will continue to dominate the future. WLAN is expected to be strong in the urban landscape and 3G (UTMS) in the rural setting. However they both will exist. 2.5G will be sufficient for B2E/B applications and will remain dominant. At the same time roaming between 2, 2.5, 3G and WLAN will be of importance in the future. It is expected that small handsets with multiple technology applications will be in use. The predicted technology trends show: Voice on 2G WAP and similar services on 2.5G MMS/ I-mode on 3G Smart phones will be designed (Lehman et al., 2004) Conclusion: To conclude mobile phone technology has changed the face of the world. It has brought the whole world in our hands and any information needed is only at a click away. Mobiles have made our life easier by allowing connectivity, accessibility and merging business and social life at the same time. However its unwanted use can sometimes cause problems for the fellow users. Nevertheless its advantages outnumber the disadvantages. Since one lives in a civilized world so it is important for everyone to seek benefit from the growing technologies in a civilized way. The future of mobile technology is bright. The technology is in the process of evolution. With new applications being introduced every year who knows what wonders mobile technology will produce in the coming years. References: Berg, S., Taylor, A.S., Harper, R. “Mobile Phones for the Next Generation: Device Designs for Teenagers.” Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, Proceedings of the SIGCHI conference on Human factors in computing systems. Pg. 2 Castells, M. “Mobile Communication and Technology.” MIT Press. MA. (2007). Pg. 7. Hamill, L., Lasen, A., “Mobile World: Past, Present and Future”, Springer, (2005). Pg. 21-22. Katz, J. “Magic in the Air: Mobile Communication and the Transformation of Social Life,” Transaction Publishers, USA. (2006). Pg. 3-11. Katz, J.A., Aakhus, M.A. “Perpetual Contact: Mobile Communication, Private Talk, Public Performance.” Cambridge University Press. (2002). Pg.8-9. Lehmann, H., Kuhn, J., Lehner, F. “The Future of Mobile Technology: Findings from a European Delphi Study”. Proceedings of the 37th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences. (2004). Retrieved on November 23, 2009 from http://www.computer.org/plugins/dl/pdf/proceedings/hicss/2004/2056/03/205630077b.pdf?template=1&loginState=1&userData=anonymous-IP%253A%253A117.102.41.201 Ling, R.S. “The Mobile Connection: The Cell Phone’s Impact on Society”. Morgan Kauffman Publishers, CA. (2004). Pg. 4-16. Micheal, A., Salter, B. “Mobile Marketing: Achieving Competitive Advantage through Wireless Technology,” Butterworth- Heinemann. UK. (2006). Pg: 3-18. “Mobile Phones Timeline”, EPSRC, Updated on August 21, 2007. Retrieved on November 21, 2009 from http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/ResearchHighlights/Timelines/MobilePhones/Timeline.htm Schneiderman, R. “Are Wireless Devices Hazardous to your Health?” Mobile Technology Question and Answer Book, AMACOM Books, USA. (2002). Pg. 17. Seurre, E., Savelli, P., Pietri, P. “GPRS Services”, GPRS for Mobile Internet, Artech House, MA. (2003). Pg. 47. Vries, I. D. “Mobile Telephony: Realizing the Dream of Ideal Communication?” in Hamill and Lasen’s Mobile World: Past, Present and Future, Springer. USA. (2005). Pg: 22. Zheng, P. Ni, L. M. “Smart Phone and Next Generation Mobile Computing”, Morgan Kaufmann, (2006). Pg. 51-55. Read More