Mobile Phone Glossary
1G
First-Generation system which was analogue, circuit-switched and is now so basic it is no longer active.
2G
Second-Generation systems are still in use and use digital encoding, and offer SMS, Data and Fax services. Also offering high bit rate voice and limited data communications.
2.5G
An extension to the 2G system with extra features including enhanced data rates (EDGE) and packet-switched connection.
3G
Third-Generation system is the latest system and has the highest data rates of all the generation systems, meaning you can access fast internet, use video calling and video streaming and access great gaming.
Analogue
Was the first network system for mobile phones, analogue is less secure and may suffer more interference than digital networks.
Amps
Is Advanced Mobile Phone Systems operating in 1G.
AAC
Advanced Audio Coding is a music format that offers higher sound quality than MP3 but takes up the same amount of memory.
Auto-Focus
– Is when the camera lens y automatically focuses on the objects you are taking a photo of, so making your photos sharper and clearer without having to do it yourself.
Bluetooth
Offers short-range wireless communications between compatible devices for transferring data files such as photo or music files.
Bps
Bits per second meaning the amount of data transferred per second.
Coverage
An area that is covered by your service provider for example 02 or vodaphone that allows you to make or receive calls in.
Content provider
Is a company that provides services such as gaming, web surfing and music to network operators and the mobile phone user.
Digital
Digital is a way of encoding information. Digital networks are replacing analogue networks as they have secure transmission, better sound quality and can handle data directly.
Digital Zoom
When a digital camera phone enhances part of a picture, this is done by cropping part of the picture then making the rest full size.
Duel Band
Is when a mobile phone works on two networks 900MHZ and 1800MHZ. When just one or the other was used the radio waves became congested so now new mobiles are dual band.
Download
Downloading is when you transfer files such as games or music from the internet to your mobile phone.
EDGE
A possible alternative to 3G, it has enhanced speed for faster data transfers on the GSM network and where there is no 3G coverage.
FCT
Fixed Cellular Terminal is a device that allows other devices such as PBX telephone systems to connect to the GSM network, which can allow free calls to work or other offices or mobiles for example depending on tariff.
Face Recognition
When taking a photo on a digital camera it will automatically focus on people's faces, so if they or you are moving it will make the picture clearer.
GB
Gigabyte is a measurement of memory, 1 gigabyte is the same as 1024 megabytes (MB).
GPS
Stands for Global Positioning System, it works out your location using satellites and can tell u exactly where you are, show maps of your location or find out where the nearest shop is.
GPRS
General Packed Radio Services was the first high speed data service on digital mobiles. It is radio technology for GSM networks and makes it possible to charge by amount of data instead of just connection time and offers continuous connection to the network
Swype text input
Swype gives you an easier and faster way to input text on to any screen. Using a continuous finger motion across the keyboard. You can achieve up to 50 words per minute using Swype.
