Interesting Facts About Cell Phones

Cell phone (telefone celular) is a wireless, portable, long-range, electronic telephone, which during travel can seamlessly change antenna connections, from one radio reception cell to another radio reception cell, without dropping or losing the ongoing call.

Besides the standard voice function of a telephone, latest cell phones (telefone celular) have features such as SMS for text messages, MMS for multimedia messages, radio, games, internet connectivity for email, browsing, blogging, music (MP3) playback, memo recording, built-in cameras and camcorders, ringtones, personal organizers, Push-to-Talk (PTT), Bluetooth and infrared connectivity, call registers, streaming video, downloading video, video call, and also serve as wireless modems for PCs that can be connected to the Internet.

The power in a cell phone (telefone celular) is obtained from rechargeable batteries, which can be recharged from the mains, a USB port or a cigarette lighter port in an automobile. Nickel Metal Hydride were the most common types of batteries, which due to the "memory effect" (the user can recharge only when the entire battery is drained off) were replaced by Lithium-Ion batteries, which did not suffer from any memory effect.

Cell phones (telefone celular) came into existence because of the invention of hexagonal cells in 1947, for the base stations by Bell Labs engineers at AT&T. This was further developed during the 1960s by Bell Labs. During a call, the channel frequency could not be changed automatically from one cell (base station coverage area) to another cell (base station coverage area) as the person traveled from the area of one cell to the area of another cell. Amos Joel of Bell Labs invented a breakthrough invention and called it as the `call handoff` by which the channel frequency could be changed automatically from one cell to another cell, during the same call, as the mobile user traveled from one cell to another cell. Due to their heavy construction, these phones were used mainly in automobiles.

The first practical cell phone in a non-vehicle setting, and which could be handheld, was invented by Martin Cooper, the General Manager (Communications Division) of Motorola, who made the world`s first handheld cell phone (telefone celular) call on April 3, 1973.

The technology by which the cell phone (telefone celular) works depends on the mobile phone operator; however, all of them use electromagnetic radio waves, which are in touch with a cell site (base station). The base station is composed of several antennas which are mounted on a pole, tower, or building. Cell sites are spread at a distance of 5 to 8 miles (approx. 8 to 13 km) from each other. The low power transceiver from the cell phone transmits the voice and data to the nearest cell site. During movement, the cell phone will "handoff" the information to other cell site. Mobile phone operators use many technologies to maintain the smooth stream of digitized data from the cell phone to the cell site and vice versa.

The wireless telephone technologies are grouped under heads known as generations, starting from zero generation or 0G. The current generation going on is 4G; however, there are old cell phones (telefone celular) that still operate on 1G, 2G, and 3G technologies. The wireless telephone technologies used in each generation are as given below:

0G: PTT, MTS, IMTS, AMTS, OLT, MTD, Autotel/PALM, ARP

1G: NMT, AMPS/TACS/ETACS, Hicap, CDPD, Mobitex, DataTac

2G: GSM, iDEN, D-AMPS, IS-95/cdmaOne, PDC, CSD, PHS, GPRS, HSCSD, WiDEN, CDMA2000 1xRTT/IS-2000, EDGE (EGPRS)

3G: W-CDMA, UMTS (3GSM), FOMA, TD-CDMA/UMTS-TDD, 1xEV-DO/IS-856, TD-SCDMA, GAN (UMA), HSPA, HSDPA, HSUPA, HSPA+, HSOPA

4G : UMB, UMTS Revision 8 (LTE), WiMAX

Frequency bands: SMR, Cellular, PCS

The impact of cell phone (telefone celular) usage on human health has been of considerable worldwide concern. Research studies in Copenhagen, from the Danish Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, the National Cancer Institute, and the Institute of Cancer Research, do not establish any link between cancer and cell phone usage. However, an intergovernmental agency IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) forming part of the World Health Organization of the United Nations, undertook a study of 4,500 users and found a statistically significant link between cell phone usage and tumor frequency. Further research is going on.

Cell phone (telefone celular) usage and driving is a common worldwide phenomenon. Some jurisdictions have banned usage of hand-held phones during driving, but allowed the hands-free fashion of cell phone usage while driving. However, studies have found out that the distraction is caused by the conversation itself; hence, both hand-held and hands-free cell phones contribute towards road traffic accidents. Further studies on cell phone usage and driving are going on.

Nokia Corporation is currently the world`s largest manufacturer of cell phones (telefone celular). Other notable cell phone manufacturers, in alphabetical order, are 3G, Audiovox (now UT Starcom), Benefon, BenQ-Siemens, Fujitsu, High Tech Computer Corporation (HTC), Kyocera, LG Mobile, Motorola, NEC, Panasonic (Matsushita Electric), Pantech Curitel, Philips, Research In Motion, Sagem, Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp, Siemens, Sierra Wireless, SK Teletech, Sony Ericsson, T&A Alcatel, Toshiba, and Verizon.

Author: Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for http://www.polomercantil.com.br. This article can also be accessed in portuguese language from page http://www.polomercantil.com.br/celular.php

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Need To Unlock Your Cell Phone? Here Are Your Options

If you have a GSM phone, chances are its locked to your current provider. This prevents you from using your phone with any other GSM provider, forcing you to have to buy a new phone should you chose to switch providers. But as of 2006, you can now legally get your phone unlocked. What does that mean? It means that for a small fee, you can either use a software package or an unlock code to permanently unlock your phone for use on any GSM network in the world.

Sites such as unlockmotorolas.com can instantly unlock all Motorola, Blackberry and Treo phones through either an unlock code or unlock software. The easiest way to unlock your phone is using an unlock code. You simply have to send them your IMEI number (a 15 digit code -International Mobile Equipment Identity), and they will email you back your unlock code. Unlockmotorolas.com have a code turnaround time of anywhere from a few hours to 24 hours. Instructions on how to use the code are included, but all it consists of is simply inserting your new simcard, and when prompted to "enter subsidy code", you just punch in the 8 digit unlock code you received.

You can also unlock your cell phone using remote unlock software. This can be a little more tricky, but also cost less and can be performed instantly. The data cable that came with the phone will be required. If you can handle installing software and a few drivers, then this may be the option for you. Sites like unlockmotorolas.com have unlock software for most Motorola, Blackberry and Treo phones. However unlock software cannot unlock all models, so make sure to check if your phone is supported. Once you pay you will instantly be able to download your software. After you install the software and drivers, it's simply a matter of following the instructions, and a few clicks later your phone is unlocked.

Finally you can also chose to send in your phone to a company and have them unlock it, and they will mail you back your phone. Although that method can be slower and costs more due to all the shipping fees, so it's not really recommended. You may be lucky enough to have an unlocker in your area, so you can just bring him the phone in person and he can do it for you in a few minutes.

Once unlocked, you will have the benefit of being able to use your phone with any GSM provider in the world. This also comes in useful if you travel abroad, as you can pick up a simcard from a local company and save a ton on calls. You also greatly increase the resale value of the phone once unlocked. It's definitely a worthwhile investment.

Author: Bob Orlando is the owner of http://unlockmotorolas.com. A website that specializes in unlocking Motorola, Blackberry and Treo cell phones.. You can find more information at http://unlockmotorolas.com

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Apple: Managing To Dominate The Mp3 Player Market With The iPod

In the realm of MP3 players, Apple (producer of Macintosh computers and related technology) is the definite dominator when it comes to having the most highly-purchased products among the other manufacturers. One of the main reasons for this – simple as it may seem – is basically out of customer loyalty to the originator of this portable audio device. It was the first of its kind on the market and still remains today, the brand of choice.

Apple actually released the iPod in 2001 as a portable audio device that was strictly compatible with Macintosh technology. Working in unison with Apple’s iTunes, Mac users were able to create, maintain and utilize countless numbers of sound files in their music and audio libraries. However, due the growing popularity among its customers, many Windows users were feeling left out and wanted to be able to take advantage of this great new way of listening to and downloading music and other audio as well. So, in 2002, Apple produced a new form of iPod that was compatible with both Macintosh and Windows interfaces. And later in 2003, they gave the Window’s world a compatible version of iTunes as well. This made the audio playing and storing consumer market very happy.

Then eventually, other companies like Sony and Samsung began producing MP3 players as well but have never reached the level of success that Apple has with their iPods. And moreover, it doesn’t look like those competitors ever will. Statistics show that Apple and their iPod actually dominate the MP3 player market with a 70% selling advantage over other manufacturers of these types of portable MP3 audio devices. And when it comes to hard-drive based MP3 players, they’ve got a whopping 90% lead over the competition.

The main reasons consumers complain about the non-Apple brands of MP3 players is that not only are the competitor versions too expensive, but they are strongly lacking in form. They just don’t have the ease of operation in terms of user-interfacing and also don’t include a lot of the convenient and ‘cool’ features that the Apple iPod does either. Generally speaking, the iPod emphatically outperforms the other manufacture’s brands of portable audio devices by a mile (or more).

And with the addition of Intel into the Apple product line as a whole, the iPod is only going to continue to be improved upon causing it not only to remain the favorite, but also further expand its appeal throughout the music-loving universe.

Author: Gray Rollins writes for http://www.totalmp3player.com - a site that provides iPod Guides. Also learn where you can get wholesale ipods at http://www.totalmp3player.com/wholesale and http://www.salehooreview.com

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Don't be Confused by Wireless Home Security Systems

With all of the different home security system services out there, it can be hard to tell if you should have a wireless home security system, hardwired system, or a gadget that has been newly placed on the market. The goal is to stay one step ahead of any potential predators while keeping an affordable means of home security and choosing from masses of options. Recently, the best in home security has seemed to be the wireless home security system. Protecting your home from potential harm is a priority, but when you purchase a wireless home security system, you should know that there is more to the system than just the name.

The wireless home security system is primarily chosen because of its neat appearance and lack of wires. It is convenient to every abode in every situation. However, which system you choose will depend on how much security you need and what your budget entails. The best in home security wireless systems, and the most frequently used are the wireless security cameras, the wireless alarms, and the wireless motion detector systems.

The wireless cameras are a small and practical way to monitor your home security without an alarm. The cameras can be used for surveillance and the leaders in home security typically make them such as Ademco, DSC, and GE. They can be used to monitor children while playing as well as catching a common thief. These cameras have the option to record so that you may check the tapes later using a simple VCR or they can broadcast live. The wireless security cameras are generally considered the best in home security and when they are combined with other wireless devices, they are found to be almost foolproof.

The wireless alarms are the most common devices that are used. They are manual devices with a keypad that you can physically control and set. However, alarms have started to lose their credibility due to the fact that they have a tendency to go off unnecessarily causing a false sense of trust with people who have purchased them. Wireless alarms can be found anywhere from Home Depot to the Internet. Depending on what model you choose any handyman can easily install it. Visonic Powermax is a system that comes in an all-in-one pack and it also has voice activation. The Visonic model can be found on the home security store website.

The wireless motion detector system is also a common form of home security systems. The motion detectors are almost always installed into new homes, and they perform by providing a light when there is a motion that is detected. Other wireless systems may have an alarm that is attached to the motion detector, but they are harder to find. If you have other devices that are wireless that you want to use in conjunction with the motion detector such as the wireless security camera, you can move and install all of the wireless components together. If you have a hardwired system, the motion detectors do come in the wired form as well. Home security prices will vary if you go outside an already existing system.

A wireless home security system is a convenient choice because of its mobility and easy installation. There is no need to be concerned about lingering wires or expensive construction. Wireless systems do make up an entire group of elements that come together in order to create the whole. If what you are looking for is a home monitoring security system, you may not need the other devices to make sure that you feel safe in your home. Try to compile all of the information that you can in regard to the different devices that wireless has to offer so that you can make a more comprehensive choice when it comes to your home protection.

Author: Sam Ellis make it easy to make sense of the home security market. Learn more by reading The Home Owners Guide to Home Security. A FREE report available at http://www.home-security-center.org

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The Advancing World Of Electronics

The world of electronics has been a great help in globalist and has contributed a great deal in improving the life of an individual. The advancement of electronics has made various tasks to be carried out more easily and comfortably. One of its examples can be seen in the form of Internet and computers that connect millions of people from all over the world. Moreover in the advent of satellite channels, people have become more aware of the happenings in other countries. All these have been among various advantages of the electronic world in the life of a man. In other words, electronic world has marked a turning point in people’s life. However, the electronic development has not been stagnated here. Only there is constant development taking place in the world of technology with the passage of time.

The electronic development refers to engineering a simple design of a machine. But this is carried out by keeping in mind the requirements of a consumer. There are various points that should be taken care of while making a new product. This includes that it should be eco-friendly, minimal cost, comply all requirements of a user, PCB designs and many other issues.

There are many latest techniques in the world of electronics that have been invented. VCRs have been replaced by DVD player and DVD recorder. Moreover, there is also a trend of electronic voting. This involves usage of an electronic voter machine to cast a vote. These recorded votes are further counted by electric means only. This saves both time and effort required to be put in by an individual. It even speeds up the whole process of voting. This is especially beneficial to handicapped people who can’t walk up to a voting booth. This electronic voting technology makes use of specialized voting kiosks, optical scan voting systems and punch cards for the purpose.

Another development in the field of electronics is the use of digital signals instead of analog signals for the transfer of data and also various other purposes. Mobile phones, computers, cameras and many other products use the same technique. This technique makes available more storage space, and even lessens the wear and tear in the stored information.

Digital cameras ensure a better picture quality, more storage and even editing and transferring of the photographs on a computer. Moreover, the entertainment world has electronics as its foundation. Whether it is a radio, television, broadcasting of movies, news on channels, digital cameras, all have been a contribution of the electronics world.

Author: Copyrights protected article written by Andrew Stratton for http://www.surveillancetechnology.com/. More articles and information about the electronic and electronic products can be viewed easily altogether at this location http://www.surveillancetechnology.com/electronic-know-how.htm. Please be free to explore the website for more information on every surveillance products and their features.

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The Numerous Advantages of a GPS Tracking Device

With the speed by which technology evolves, it is not a surprise that the world has become ‘smaller’, in the sense that communicating with another person from the other side of the world has become instantaneous. Nowadays, almost everything is possible with the latest that technology has to offer, which brings numerous advantages to users around the world. One of the products of the continuous and advancing developments in technology is the GPS or Global Positioning System. GPS is global satellite navigational system which enables a GPS receiver to determine its specific location, direction and speed by measuring the distance between the receiver and three or more (out of the 24) medium Earth satellites. The GPS technology is currently being used for a multitude of military applications. Aside from its important application in the military, there is a wide array of civilian applications for the GPS technology, and numerous advantages to worldwide users. A GPS tracking device can be incorporated in mobile phones, vehicles, even a person – or any type of object – that you would like to locate. GPPS tracking devices are a definite must for people who are always on the go and those who are fond of updating themselves with the latest technological gizmos.


You can appreciate the value of the GPS technology by taking a look at the numerous advantages of a GPS tracking device. One of the most popular advantages of a GPS tracking device is when it is used as a vehicle navigator. If you are new to a place, you do not have to worry about getting lost and asking for directions if your car has a GPS tracking device. Here, you will be able to determine the exact location, calculate the distance and verify the direction that you need to take in order to arrive at a particular place. The same goes for boats which have a GPS tracking device, to make it easier to find your direction as you sail.

Another popular advantage of a GPS tracking device is when it is embedded as a feature of your mobile phones, palmtops or personal digital assistants. You can use this feature for direction-finding purposes, distance calculation and a lot more. Additionally, GPS tracking devices are used by sports enthusiasts to calculate the range that they traveled as they work out. Lastly, and this is probably one of the most important uses of a GPS tracking device – is just what the name implies – ‘to track’ or determine the location of something. Whether it is a stolen vehicle, a lost pet, monitoring the location of wild or endangered species, or for surveillance purposes – a GPS tracking device definitely provides a multitude of applications, benefits and uses to suit most of your individual needs.

Author: Jeff Dodd is an expert on GPS Tracking Device. Please drop by at http://www.gps-trackings.com for more info.

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