Page 220 - CITS - Electronic Mechanic - TT - 2024

ELECTRONICS MECHANIC - CITS

Compare a mobile phone to a smartphone:

Mobile phone Smartphone
Making phone calls Yes Yes

Send texts Yes Yes

Browsing the Internet No Yes
Download apps No Yes

Keyboard Usually physical Usually virtual

Camera Average (if present) Mediocre to excellent
Here’s a brief overview of the introduction and evolution of smartphones:

Early Days (1990s-2000s): The concept of a smartphone began to take shape with devices like IBM’s Simon
Personal Communicator in 1994, which combined the functionality of a mobile phone with features like email, fax,
and a touch screen. However, these early devices were bulky and lacked widespread adoption.
BlackBerry and Palm (2000s): The early 2000s saw the rise of BlackBerry and Palm devices, which offered
features such as email, web browsing, and basic productivity tools. BlackBerry, in particular, gained popularity
among professionals for its secure email capabilities and physical keyboards.
Apple iPhone (2007): The introduction of the iPhone by Apple in 2007 marked a significant milestone in the
smartphone industry. The iPhone combined a sleek design with a multi-touch interface, a robust app ecosystem
(via the App Store), and features like Safari web browser, iPod functionality, and email. It set a new standard for
smartphones and paved the way for modern touchscreen devices.
Android (2008): Google’s Android operating system, launched in 2008, provided an open-source platform for
smartphones, allowing for customization and innovation by various manufacturers. Android quickly gained traction
and became a major competitor to Apple’s iOS.
Subsequent Developments: Over the years, smartphones have continued to evolve with advancements in
hardware, software, and connectivity. Features such as high-resolution cameras, biometric authentication (such
as fingerprint and facial recognition), augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI) assistants (like Siri and
Google Assistant), and 5G connectivity have become standard in modern smartphones.
Current Trends: In recent years, smartphone manufacturers have focused on improving battery life, enhancing
camera capabilities (including multiple lenses and computational photography), integrating foldable and flexible
display technologies, and promoting sustainability through recycling programs and eco-friendly materials.

205

CITS : E & H - Electronics Mechanic - Lesson 130 - 145