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Third wave of phones will be an eye-opener
You may soon carry a multimedia powerhouse in your pocket, writes GREG GORDONCELLPHONES are fast on their way to becoming as important a part of people's everyday wardrobes as shoes and socks. Technology is set to turn the mobile phone into a portable multimedia powerhouse, giving users the ability to surf the Net, watch video clips or play games with distant friends - at the touch of a button. Called third-generation (3G) devices, the latest phones on designers' drawing boards are able to link to several location-based services that will allow users to access information, conduct video conferences or send images such as electronic postcards. They're a far cry from the first-generation phones that emerged in the early '80s and which were mainly analogue in nature. Second-generation models, which appeared about 10 years later with the first digital mobile networks, were more sophisticated. The fledgling cellphone industry grew exponentially in the '90s as subscriber numbers mushroomed. Today mobile phones are the preferred communication method of many, creating the world's largest consumer electronics industry. More than 100 million models were sold globally last year and there are more than two million users in South Africa. These numbers will grow as new generation cellphones make more effective use of interactive services and their multimedia capabilities are expanded. The new 3G terminals allow data and images to be shared with users who are connected via voice or video linked. These allow, for example, virtual work teams on the move to focus on common tasks and projects. Movie-goers are able to access information on films being shown at the local cinema, and to download video clips of films they might be considering seeing. Tourists can get a map or information on landmarks downloaded directly to their phones, while commuters are able to play a round of bridge with friends while travelling to work or read a personalised newspaper. Major improvements are also being made in the way cellphones connect to other electronic devices like PCs, PDAs and digital cameras. On some models, functions such as faxing are already integral to the phone. Top of page
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