Characteristics of Mobile Devices
Mobile devices have similar characteristics. Among them are:
Wi-Fi or cellular access to the internet or a Bluetooth connection to another device. A battery that powers the device for several hours. A physical or on-screen keyboard for entering information. The size and weight allow it to be carried in one hand and manipulated with the other hand. Touchscreen interface in almost all cases. A virtual assistant, such as Siri, Cortana, or Google Assistant. The ability to download data, such as apps or books, from the internet or another device. Wireless operation.
Smartphones Are Everywhere
Smartphones have taken our society by storm. If you don’t have one, you may want one. Examples include the iPhone and Android phones, including the Google Pixel line. Smartphones are advanced versions of traditional cellphones in that they have the same features as cellphones, such as the ability to make and receive phone calls, text messages, and voicemail. However, they can also be used to browse the internet, send and receive emails, participate in social media, and shop online. Most mobile devices can also download apps from the internet using a cellular or Wi-Fi connection to expand their capabilities in a number of ways.
Tablets
Tablets are portable, like laptops, but they provide a different experience. Instead of running traditional laptop and desktop computer applications, they run apps designed specifically for tablets. The experience is similar to using a laptop computer but not the same. Tablets come in all sizes, from slightly larger than a smartphone to the size of a small laptop. Although you can buy a separate keyboard accessory, tablets come with virtual on-screen keyboards for typing and inputting information. They use touchscreen interfaces, and the familiar mouse is replaced with a tap from a finger or stylus. There are many tablet manufacturers. Popular tablets include Microsoft Surface Go, Samsung Galaxy Tablet, Fire HD 10, Lenovo Tab M10, and Apple iPad.
E-Readers
You can also read digital books on tablets that have an ebook app installed. For example, Apple’s iPad ships with iBooks and supports downloadable apps to read Nook, Kindle, and Kobo digital books.
Wearables
Smartwatches and fitness trackers are among the newest additions to the mobile device landscape. Many of these wearables are powered by the same or similar mobile operating systems as phones and tablets, and they’re capable of running their own apps.
Other Mobile Devices
Some portable music players have access to the internet and can download apps to enhance their value to their owners. For example, the Apple iPod touch is an iPhone without the phone. In all other respects, it offers the same experience. Sony’s high-end Walkman is a luxurious audio player with Android streaming apps. PDAs, the business person’s best friend for years, fell out of favor with the introduction of smartphones, but some are being reimagined with Wi-Fi access and rugged designs that make them useful to the military and people who work outdoors.
