It weighed nearly two pounds—today's phones weigh about 3 to 5 ounces—carried a hefty price tag just under $4,000, and offered two functions: receiving calls and making calls. (Okay, it could store some phone numbers too.)
Twenty-six years later, the advances and maturation of the mobile phone have been nothing short of astounding. First, the sheer numbers: More than 4.1 billion mobile phones currently used in the world, with some countries—Germany, Spain, the UK—boasting more phones than people. Then, the nearly overwhelming level of functionality in today's phones. Voice recognition and cameras? That was only the beginning.
 The devices in most people's pockets today are part entertainment center, part business manager. You can listen to digital music, watch videos, browse online, organize your day, shoot and edit pictures, and send friends and colleagues just about anything, including instant messages, text messages, emails, photos and links. Whew.
Not enough? Consider this: Developers have created more than 4000 program applications just for iPhone™ owners. Everything from the ridiculously silly (video of a cigarette lighter, for use at concerts) to the remarkably useful (reference material for medical students).
1) Text messaging (or SMS, short message service)
2) Mobile music
3) Downloadable pictures and images
With so many mobile phone owners enjoying music, it's imperative that no phone calls are missed. Headphones and headsets now have built-in microphones and simple switching devices so listeners are alerted during phone calls-and can easily alternate between calls and music. See Bose® mobile headsets »  Mobile phone progress is moving so quickly that it's easy to miss the invention's evolution. Today's devices are essentially miniaturized computer systems, with the most portable-friendly functions standing front and center. With plenty more to come, and fast.
It's tough to imagine Martin Cooper, generally considered the inventor of the modern cell phone, ever dreaming of all this when he made the first mobile phone call in 1973. And in case you're interested, he placed that first call to a professional rival. Who may have very well answered from a rotary dialer.
Discover Bose mobile solutions for your phone. You'll enjoy Bose audio performance for your music, and easy switching for your calls. See all Bose mobile options » |
