The smartphone has become a very popular and, in many cases, standard piece of equipment for millions of consumers. While the term "smartphone" can include a number of technological features, a few traits distinguish the smartphone from other cellphones that have been on the market for several years and only provide voice, text messaging or limited Web applications.
Historical progress
The smartphone essentially combines the personal data assistant (PDA), the cellphone and the portable music player. While each smartphone has different functions, the general idea is for the user to have the ability to communicate, run programs and carry various types of media such as pictures and music. Rather than have several devices, the smartphone is capable of allowing you to have everything on one compact device.
Software and interface
All cellphones have software, but the smartphone is equipped with an operating system, much like a standard desktop or laptop computer. This makes the device faster and able to be upgraded in the future. Rather than be restricted to a limited number of functions, the smartphone is designed to be customizable to the user. In addition, many smartphones come with a touchscreen or a slide-out keyboard that allows for easy navigation.
Apps and functions
One of the distinguishing features of the smartphone is "apps," which is short for applications. This is another word for software programs. These compact programs provide a number of functions: games, maps, entertainment guides, news and weather reports, and money management are just a few examples. The apps are produced by a host of companies, so users have ample opportunities to find just the right program for their needs. Some apps are free to download, while others have a small fee.
