a Smarter ‘pocket-sized’ World by Linotsi Makhakhe

OBJECTIVES: Definition of a

smartphone. Features that

make a phone ‘smart’& their advantages plus disadvantages

Effects brought

by smartphones: research done on

smartphones and their impacts.

Statistical proof of the effects of smart phones.

Final thought

What is a smartphone?By definition a smartphone is a mobile phone with added features that make it ‘smarter’. This means that apart from being able to make calls using the phone, you have features that a PDA or a computer can offer.

So what makes a phone ‘smart?’

FEATURES OF A SMARTPHONE It has a more elaborate and user-friendly

operating systems

Allows smarter ways to input data; touch screens and improved interface as well full QWERTY keyboard and a larger screen.

Word processors, spreadsheets, organizers, mailers & browsers can run on smartphones.

It is equipped with enhanced multimedia features.

A smartphone has one or two cameras.

Multiple connectivity possibilities. A smartphone uses GSM and also brings the Internet through 3G,Wi-Fi, WiMax connections and easily connects into a LAN.

USB cables or Bluetooth adapters are used in data transfer to and from computers

Nokia

Motorola

Sony Ericsson

SMARTPHONES ON THE SHELVES

iPhoneBlackberry

htc

Smartphones may cost a lot of money and occasionally cause people to lose focus which in turn increases road accidents, losing touch with the “real world”, fortunately the advantages compensate these disadvantages.They include: a) smartphones have an operating system

and local data storage. b) They have Internet access, e-mail

capabilities, scheduling and contact management software, as well as a built-in camera.

c) You can use the GPS for driving directions• social network, shop, and even use your

phone as a remote control for your HDTV or setting your residential alarm.

e)they make users save a lot of money on calls and even make free calls worldwide.

f) It also allows call recording, voicemail.g)They have the ability to read business

documents in a variety of formats such as PDF.

h)Smartphones are programmable(operating system allows the user to modify and add to its functionality)

i) Smartphones are susceptible to malware.j) Smartphones are easy to use.

Educational impact by smartphones

The reason smartphones have had such a big impact on education:

• Instantaneous access to information . • Google Android software platform have

barcode scanning allowing instant information about products and services.

• Distance learning is much easier.• There is more information at disposal.• Smartphones are much lighter to carry

around than textbooks/laptops• The are convenient.

The bar chart shows that in 2010 85% of the population used cellphones and majority of those people were under the age of 25(mostly scholars)

Impacts on Social engagement

In the above graphs, it shows that more and more people are relying on phones to communicate and have replaced home PC’s for smartphones.

Since the offer free call s its easy to keep in touch with friends

friends can take pictures of high quality and upload them at high speeds.

The GPRS allows users to travel anywhere without the hassle of knowing how to read map

The touch pad incorporated in most smartphones is easier to use and more user friendly than typing.

Smartphone cameras have also made it easier to capture unexpected events as they happen.

A well cared for smartphone can last longer than conventional phones.

In society having a smartphone can add status.

Communication in the workplace & Productivity

Office work can be brought home because of the smartphones features.

Smart phones allow videoconferencing with one equipment.

Jobs are made easier by integrating contact list, camera and mapping capabilities.

business has become more moment-to-moment, which increases efficiency.

Opens new world market to businesses.

Customers can shop anywhere anytime thus sales inflate.

More than 340 readers participated in this week’s poll, which was conducted Dec. 27 and 28.

Is smart phone technology changing how you work?Very much: 36%Somewhat: 30%Not very much: 10%Not at all: 7%I do not use a smart phone for work: 17%

The survey shows that a lot of the working class prefer to use smartphones and this has in tern increased efficiency.

Conclusion:

Smartphones are not just a luxury but a necessity regardless of the needs of the user.

Research already conducted shows that in the next years smartphones will have completely replaced laptops and desktops this is due to the fact that they are portable but are as powerful as computers.

Smartphones come in a range of prices and brands so they can suite anyone’s budget.

Since smartphones have similar capabilities as PC’s, medical field could incorporate these features and make high-tech machinery for example there could be x-ray phone better yet a phone that can do diagnosis.

In conclusion, why would anyone in their normal state not want to trade in their robust ,unattractive desktops, laptops and similar devices for these

revolutionary beauties?

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7446 Accessed on the 26 March 2011

http://www.benmeadowcroft.com/reports/impact/ Accessed on the 21March 2011

http://www.rbj.net/article.asp?size=3&aID=186181 Accessed on the 20 March 20100

Reference list:

http://www.puremobile.com/smartphones.asphttp://www.puremobile.com/smartphones.aspAccessed on the 29 March 2011

 http://www.education.com/magazine/article/smartphones-kids/ Accessed 29 March 2011

 http://sincerelyhr.com/smart-phones-in-the-workplace/ http://sincerelyhr.com/smart-phones-in-the-workplace/ Accessed on the 30 March 2011