Once there were mobile phones. You could telephone people, or send them text messages: then you could take photos… then came the “smartphones” These are multi-function mobile phone handsets with a whole new range of features. Not just a phone and camera, but also a web-browser and touchscreen display allowing a whole range of services to be accessed with a swipe and touch of the fingers. Smartphones are powered by advanced operating systems and potential smartphones users need to consider the pros and cons not only of the phone manufacturer but of the operating system powering it. The most popular operating systems are currently iPhoneOS, Blackberry, and Google’s Android , though there are number of other operating systems available.
User can get a range of applications for their smartphones. Called apps, these add functionality such as a calendar, games, links to Facebook, Movies or TV Guides, Favourite stores. Apps can be downloaded online from the operating system store – there are hundreds of thousands of apps for the Apple iPhone and almost as many for the Android.
If those upgrading from an “ordinary” mobile are keen to use a wide range of functions and applications ( we can assume that knowledgeable and really “techie” people have been early adopters and already have one) then they should look carefully among the widely growing market. Prices and services available vary widely, and you should be careful about jumping into an expensive long-term contract for the lure of a “free” phone. Nothing is free and you will pay for the cost over the period. If the idea of hundreds of apps and technical specifications make you want to lie down in a darkened room, then there are simpler options. If you are only likely to use a few functions and unlikely to want to play games and need large downloads, consider a cheaper pay as you go option.