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mobile phones - jargon buster
3GThird generation (3G) is the latest phone technology and allows high speed data content transfer. This can mean up to 50 times more data transmitted per minute than with ordinary phones. Video and pictures can be viewed quickly with this technology.
BluetoothA type of wireless transmission with relatively short range at present (10 - 100 metres). This can be a wireless connection between your telephone, computer, printer or other compatible device
Bluetooth HeadsetA device that sits on or around the ear and allows you to wirelessly connect to your mobile phone with handsfree receiving of calls.
Card SlotExpand the memory of the phone by slotting in a memory card.
CarkitCarkits enable you to use your phone in the car safely and legally, and usually enable handsfree operation and charging of your phone's battery.
Digital zoomEach pixel is enlarged to increase the size of the subject, but picture quality is very much reduced.
GPRSGeneral Packet Radio System for Mobile Communications. This is the mobile phone system network for Europe and most of Asia.
GPSGlobal Positioning Satellite. This technology needs a GPS receiver to calculate from the orbiting satellites your exact location on Earth.
Integral CamerasAllow you to take, send (in the form MMS) and store digital pictures.
MMSMultimedia Messaging Service. A messaging format that allows the transmission of images, sound, video clips and text.
Mobile TVThis technology is seen as the future of the phone and is becoming the complete multimedia gadget. Sky has launched TV which is beamed to your phone for a monthly fee/subscrition. The service includes Sky News,Sports, factual programs and Sky Music and Entertainment.
MP3 PlayerListen to MP3 encoded tracks at near CD quality. An MP3 track can also be used as a ringtone on some phones.
Optical zoomThe image is enlarged by the use of lenses, unlike digital zoom which reduces the picture quality.
Pixels/MegapixelsThe larger the quoted number of pixels the better the quality of the images taken by the camera.
PolyphonicVery high quality full-range sound.
PTTPush-to-Talk this is a technology that connects you to work groups and friends with supreme ease.
Quad BandAllows you to make and receive calls Worldwide, with some exceptions.
QWERTY keyboardA keyboard with the same letter layout as a computer keyboard.
Refresh RateThe ability of the screen to keep up, ensuring smooth playback. 15 frames (fps) per second at least is recommended.
Satellite NavigationTurn-by-turn instructions and on-screen directions on your phone. Can be linked to your phone via Bluetooth or the GPS receiver and navigational software already integrated into your phone.
SatNavAlso see Satellite Navigation. Never get lost again with this technology! It uses a GPS receiver and software to interpret and pinpoint your exact location in the world.
Screen ResolutionThe higher the quoted number of pixels the better the screen. A screen with high resolution will display your pictures and video more clearly.
SD SlotA secure digital memory card can be inserted to store images and data from your phone.
Service ProviderThis is the company that handles your mobile calls. At present the five main Service Providers are: Orange, T-Mobile, O2, Vodaphone and '3'. Other service providers include Virgin Mobile, Tesco, Argos and the Carphone Warehouse.
SmartphoneA phone that can organize your life as well as make and receive calls. Smartphones can make and send e-mails, maintain a diary, to do lists and are able to store lots of data and have many other features.
SMSShort Messaging Service. Commonly known as 'Text messaging'.
Tri-bandAllows you to make and receive calls in Europe and USA.
Video captureThis is the ability to film moving video footage, in the form of video clips. These can either be stored on the phone or sent in the form of MMS.
WAPWireless Application Protocol. Special Web pages made for small screens on mobiles and PDA's.
WiFiWireless transmission of data and images with a good range.
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