Mobile Phone Features

General features

Mobile phones are designed to work on cellular networks and contain a standard set of services that allow phones of different types and in different countries to communicate with each other. However, they can also support other features added by various manufacturers over the years:

• roaming which permits the same phone to be used in multiple countries, providing that the operators of both countries have a roaming agreement.
• send and receive data and faxes (if a computer is attached), access WAP services, and provide full Internet access using technologies such as GPRS.
• applications like a clock, alarm, calendar and calculator and a few games.
• Sending and receiving pictures and videos through MMS, and for short distances with e.g. Bluetooth.
• GPS receivers integrated or connected (i.e. using Bluetooth) to cell phones, primarily to aid in dispatching emergency responders and road tow truck services. This feature is generally referred to as E911.
• Push to talk, available on some mobile phones, is a feature that allows the user to be heard only while the talk button is held, similar to a walkie-talkie.
• features aimed toward personalisation, such as user defined and downloadable ring tones and logos, and interchangeable covers, which have helped in the uptake by the teenage market. Mobile phone content advertising has become massively popular but has also drawn a great deal of criticism. Usually one can choose between a ring tone, a vibrating alert, or a combination of both.

As a result of all these features packed into a tiny device, mobile phones have recently gained reputations for their poor ergonomics. Their small size, plethora of features and modes, and attempts at stylish design may make them difficult and confusing to use.

Other Features

• Multi-mode and multi-band mobile phones
• Data communications
• Cameras