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BBG Communications
1658 Gailes Boulevard, San Diego, CA, 92154
Phone: 1.619.661.6661

What are Smartphones

2009-03-18

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Smartphones are types of mobile phones that offer advanced capabilities than typical mobile phones. While it is often the case that smartphones have PC-like functionality, there is no industry standard definition of a smartphone. For some, a smartphone is a phone that runs complete operating system software that provides a standardized interface and platform for application developers. Other define a smartphone simply as a phone carrying advanced features like e-mail and Internet capabilities, and/or a full keyboard.

So far, there is no agreement yet in the industry about what a smartphone actually is, with definitions constantly evolving over time. Perhaps one that gives direction is what David Wood, EVP at Symbian, said: "Smart phones differ from ordinary mobile phones in two fundamental ways: how they are built and what they can do."

Most devices that are currently considered as smartphones use an identifiable and open operating system, often with the ability to add applications (e.g. for enhanced data processing, connectivity or entertainment) compared to regular phones which only support sandboxed applications (like Java games). These smartphone applications are either developed by the manufacturer of the device, by the network operator or by any other third-party software developer, since the operating system is open.

Feature-wise, most smartphones support full featured email capabilities with functions of a complete personal organizer. Other features might include an additional interface such as a miniature QWERTY keyboard, a touch screen or a D-pad, a built-in camera, contact management, an accelerometer, and built-in navigation hardware and software. It may also have the ability to read business documents in a variety of formats such as PDF and Microsoft Office, media software for playing music, browsing photos and viewing video clips, internet browsers or even just secure access to company mail, in which the BlackBerry is known for. One common feature of majority smartphones is their ability to store higher numbers of contacts as the available memory, usually external, permits, compated to regular mobile phones.