Cellular Phone Functions – Is It A Camera, A TV, Or A Phone?

It wasn't long ago that the only cellular phone functions available were used to send and receive telephone calls. Then someone added an application and cellular phone functions have endless possibilities. Cell phones are equipped with so many functions now that they're nearly as functional as a computer!

Expanding cell phone functionality is great for vendors. Any new feature entices cell phone users to dump their old cell phone models for newer ones, and that means big sales in the cell phone market. Color displays and built-in camera functions of newer cell phone models are attributed with the success and growth of the cell phone functionality and growth of the second quarter of 2004.

Many more developments are expected in cell phone functions? Voice over IP or VOIP is one such development and some market researchers are predicting that VOIP functionality will eventually replace telephones and e-mail. VOIP is already being incorporated in planned “push to talk” and “two-way-walkie-talkie” features on cell phones.

NFC, or near field communication, is anticipated to allow cell phones to communicate, both quickly and wirelessly, with computers and televisions. NFC may even make it possible to use a cell phone for making purchases of consumer goods and services.

So, is cell phone functionality itself becoming a distraction to the actual use of a cell phone? It appears that way. Consider the new Nokia N-Gage phone/game deck, which is more of a Gameboy with a built-in phone. If the current trend continues, “improved phone functionality” may be standard on all phones.

Also see; prepaid cell phones.

Author Notes:

Jack Adams contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.cell-phones-n-plans.com. A cellular phone industry resource that features service plan comparisons, cellular phone reviews and articles.