Tech Talks: Evolution of the Cell Phone

According to our hosts, Aabriti Shrestha and Alaina Hellenberg, one of the first wireless communication devices similar to the cell phone was the CB Radio.  Truckers still use these today in order to communicate and “walkie talkies” are used as well by many.  The phone entered our vehicles in the form of a “box” with cords.

The cellular generation then moved to the “brick phone”, a large and clunky phone manufactured by Motorola. This was a phenomenon as “we can take this wherever we go with no wires or cords.”  This is what our hosts feel really kicked off the cellular revolution.

The evolution of the cell phone moved into smaller phones with features such as slider phones and flip phones.  With these phones moving the technology along, screens were introduced on the phones.  Now users could see what they were typing which lead to the introduction of texting.  The phones no longer had only buttons like original cell phones.

Smart phones became the next step in the evolution in the cellular phone evolution.  Apple was one large company that helped lead this movement, but Samsung, Microsoft and other companies also help revolutionize this new technology.  Apple utilized their iPod and iPod touch technology to move into the cell phone market.  Now Apple is approaching their 7th generation of the iPhone.  “Smart phones are like having a computer in your pocket.”  You can not only talk on your phone, but text, access the internet, play games and take pictures while on the go.

Function of today’s cell phones meet the needs of their users for photography, business and more.  It is important that you purchase the right phone for your needs!

Size is another arena of competition among cell phone producers.  The size of the “iPhone 6+ is humongous and almost as big as an iPad Mini”.  Where are they going from here?  Are they trying to beat out the competition with where they are going?  Are companies going to ‘one up” with technology or just the size of the cell phone?  Another question that is explored is around the size being driven by competition or by customer demand.  A ‘general’ phone user only need a small phone with basic services, while a business person may need a larger phone in order to conduct business operations.  Know what your uses are in order to find the phone that fits you.

“With these companies it is go big or go home. How can we make this phone better and faster!”

Tech Talks is produced by students at the Innovation Center in the St. Vrain Valley School District in Longmont. You can hear it on Friday mornings at 8.25am.

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