Technology continues to improve cellular phone function

There was a time when all a fully functional cell phone did was send and receive calls. Then someone added an application and the cellular phone function wars were underway. The gap between cellular phone function and computer functionality is narrowing by the minute.

Expanding functionality is a boon for vendors. When a new feature begins to take hold in the market, cell phone users ditch their old models. Faster than expected growth in cell phone sales during the second quarter of 2004 was attributed to the color display and built-in camera functionality of newer phone models.

What developments are on the horizon in cellular functionality? One is Voice over IP or VOIP. Some people predict 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.

Near field communication is another looming technology. NFC would allow cell phones to communicate quickly and wirelessly with nearby electronic devices such as computers and televisions. NFC functionality could make it possible for people to use cell phones to purchase consumer goods and services.

Will the growing number of added functions eventually distract from actual functionality cell phone it self? It’s possible. The new Nokia N-Gage phone/game deck is far less a phone and much more a Gameboy that happens to have a built-in phone. If the trend continues, a cell phone that features “improved phone functionality” might be harder and harder to find.

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Also See: prepaid cell phones.

About The Author:

Wendy Whittaker is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-cell-phones.com. A cellular phone industry resource featuring articles, comparisons and reviews of cellular phone and service plans.

	Cell Phone Functionality
Technology continues to improve cellular phone function