In todays world of computerization, you'll want heard a lot about programming. Coding refers to a process which provides out a set of instructions to execute a particular task. Presently, programming is long beyond computer systems to various software systems, one particular program system is Communication Devices, which protects mobile phone exchanges like PBX (Private Branch eXchange), ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), Networking Devices like switches, router and terminal devices like ISDN mobile phone, modems, cell phones, etc. Programming these devices is quite challenging in their own way as they entail challenging requirements like real time handling, multi-device handling, tremendous features, friendly GUI, and so on. We in this device have chosen smartphone - a cellular phone variant as an example to spell it out the coding aspects associated with its functioning.
In this unit, we will discuss in regards to what a Smartphone is and also its features that has made it so popular. We will also discuss about the Smartphone os's. You will find the need for an operating system in Smartphones and the characteristics these os's support. You may easily relate lots of the concepts to the cellular phone that you or your acquaintances might be using.
Mobile phone consumption has increased manifold within the last decade. , A cellular phone (also known as as cellular phone, mobile phone or hand phone) can be an electronic device which helps two-way telecommunications over the mobile network of platform stations, or cell sites. An over-all classification of mobile phones based on features are: The first is Feature cell phones, or low end mobile phones, which offer basic services like making and acquiring calls, radio (FM) services, and sending or receiving Short Concept Services (SMS). The other makes sense phones, that offer more complex technology, like link with the internet (www), sending Multi-media Communication Services (MMS), accessing Bluetooth and infrared applications, participating in audio and training video files, providing Gps navigation functions etc, . Bluetooth is a wireless technology used to switch data by connecting devices within brief distance. Infrared is a radio technology used to exchange data by linking two electronic devices.
A Smartphone is a remarkable invention; this is a mobile phone with an increase of offerings that fits in your pocket and lets you communicate from all over the world. The principal difference between cell phones and Smartphones is usually that the Smartphones have complete operating software, which provides a standardized software and system for application designers.
Smartphones are like laptop computers or miniature computer systems, and can perform a variety of functions. As the Smartphones have operating software and a typical user interface, the users be capable of add applications and upgrade features and services on their cell phones.
Let us observe how Smartphones progressed. Today, with technological advancement, the non-public Computer (PC) is a part of everyday activity as a production, entertainment, and communication device. Like notebooks the non-public Digital Helper (PDA) were introduced as traveling with a laptop devices with less storage area capacity. These PDAs, also known as handheld pcs or palmtops, are electronic digital organizer or planner that may easily promote any information with the computer. It really is basically a high end organizer telephone.
The idea of Smartphone is obtained from the PDAs and mobile phones. First, PDAs were developed to gain access to Internet while mobile phones were meant to receive calls, send communications, etc, Then your Smartphone was invented which had the ability to fit more efficiency into a smaller device. Smartphones are a mixture of the functionalities of mobile phone as well as the features of PDA.
Like most innovations, Smartphones are designed on a chain of prior technological improvements of semiconductor miniaturization, electric battery technology, screen devices, touch panels, and the invention of mobile phone and cellular technology. We are touching upon the top features of Smartphone at length in the subsequent sections.
Self Diagnosis Questions
A cellular phone is an electronic device which facilitates two-way telecommunications over the _____________ of base stations, or cell sites.
Smartphones offer basic services like making and getting phone calls. (True/False)?
PDA means __________________.
Smartphone Features
Smartphone is a mixture of both cellular phone and portable computer, into an individual device. Smartphone is an individual device that allows users to store information (for example, e-mail) and install programs, along with the use as a mobile phone. We can say a Smartphone is a cellular phone with some PDA functions built-into these devices or vice versa.
The features proposed by the Smartphones are the main factor that has managed to get so prominent in today's day. Let us now discuss these features:
Software: Smartphones are handled by making use of software to control basic functions like address booklet, messaging, and looking stored data. The program in a Smartphone has advanced functions that allow you to set-up and modify MS Office documents and download applications. Most of the Smartphones support full included e-mail capabilities with the functionality of the complete Personal Organizer with e book or binder, formulated with a calendar, address e book, scheduler, and other such functions.
Operating system: Smartphones comes with an operating system that helps various applications. It also helps to maintain the software and hardware used in these phones. The Symbian, Home windows mobile, and Android are a few examples of the operating systems found in Smartphones.
Managing phone calls: The user can take care of multiple cell phone calls (conference telephone calls) and concurrent cell phone calls on the Smartphone by making use of User Interface (UI). Aside from changing the ring tones based on callers or communities, the mobile phone allows you to record the telephone calls in digital format and save these to your personal computer.
Access to internet: With all the intro of Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), Smartphone helps its users to gain access to Internet at higher speed using the 3G technology (It really is a third generation cellular technology that helps advanced multimedia access, global roaming, and broadband communication). Thereby the device helps you to browse your favorite websites, receive and send e-mails, and download game titles faster as you'll undertake it on your desktop personal computers. It also helps users to automatically reformat the HTML (Hyper Wording Markup Vocabulary) internet pages for screen on small display. HTML is a markup words that is employed to structure words, graphics, and noises in a website through various tags.
The device can also access Web2. 0 content. Web 2 2. 0 is related to web applications that provide interoperability, information posting, and user-friendly design
Advance Gps navigation features: The Gps device (Global Placement System) feature within the Smartphone helps users to get driving directions, point of interest in the locality, or search businesses by using the device. The Smartphone users can buy current location by hooking up to portable GPS device or integrating a Gps device receiver to the device.
QWERTY keyboard: Using a Smartphone, you can get a computer keyboard like the one which you use with your computer. You can use a physical key pad to type on or an impression screen as an iPhone which is operated by software. An iPhone is a smartphone (product of Apple) which provides all the top features of a smartphone such as, access to the internet, touch controls, and so on.
Multimedia features: Smartphones are also featured with built-in digital camera and a audio recorder. Aside from taking still pictures, you can also record videos. These features allow you to share the Multi Advertising Text messages (MMS) with other Smartphones via email, Bluetooth or infrared with or minus the help of additional software.
Touch Screen: A Typical PDA has an impression screen, which can be an electronic visual screen or insight device for joining data. These days most of the Smartphones have this feature allowing an individual to easily choose various features of the phone. Where where you can go through the use of the touch screen is in the ATMs (Automated Teller Machine), as the majority of the ATMs have an impression screen. ATM is a telecommunication device that provides financial assist with the clients of the lender. ATM is also known as a Cashpoint. .
An computerized teller machine (ATM), also called automatic banking machine (ABM), Cash Machine, or Cashpoint, is a computerised telecommunications device that delivers the clients of an financial institution with usage of financial deals in a public space without the need for a cashier, real human clerk or lender teller.
Wireless Connection: Many Smartphones include Wireless Wide-Area Sites. Latest Smartphones have Bluetooth wireless connectivity. It could be used to hook up keyboards, headsets, GPS and many other accessories. Superior PDAs have Wi-Fi or WLAN (Wireless Local-Area Sites) connectivity, which may be used to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots or cordless networks.
Messages: The Smartphone offers service to send and receive not only text messages but also multi mass media messages. It helps to receive and send communications through e-mails. It even provides access to the web based messaging services such as, Yahoo messenger.
Resolution and display screen size: The Smartphone offers a high resolution display and a major display screen size that allows you to carry out different functions easily. Some Smartphones provide touch screen service for better view and easy functioning of these devices.
Memory: That is an important feature as it is very necessary to support various features such as operating system or screen quality. As a end user, recollection means the display memory safe-keeping chip where you can store all files and applications. The Memory (Random Access Recollection) is the physical location in the chip where the operating system and other applications run. The Memory size for a Smartphone can be in the order of 10MB to 20MB. Aside from the Ram, users can truly add flash memory for stocking their data like contact details, sounds, video taking etc. Flash Ram in a Smartphone is either inbuilt or can be installed as an add-on. The storage area size of the Smartphone will depend on upon the maker. For example, Apple iPhone 3GS Smartphone has a flash ram of 16GB that may be extendable up to 32GB.
Synchronization facility: A significant function of Smartphones is, synchronizing data with a computer. Most of the Smartphones come with the facility to synchronize to a Computer. This feature allows retaining the latest contact information stored on software like Microsoft View.
Thus, we can say that in contrast to the regular cell phone, a Smartphone offers advanced features as it combines the features of a mobile phone and a PDA.
Self Analysis Questions:
A Smartphone is a blend of both ___________ and handheld computer systems into an individual device.
GPS means _____________.
An important function of Smartphone is _______________ data with a Personal computer.
Activity 1:
Examine few Smartphones and examine the various features it provides.
Mobile/Smartphone Operating System
As you know that operating-system is one of the important features of a mobile/Smartphone, let us now illustrate this feature. .
In basic an OPERATING-SYSTEM(Operating-system) identifies an application that really helps to run several other programs over a computer. In addition, it manages the software and hardware of the system.
The most important software in virtually any Smartphone is its operating-system. It is also known as mobile program.
Need for mobile operating system
The mobile operating system powers cellular devices like cell phones, Smartphones, PDAs, and Tablet Personal computers (a radio PC equipped with an impression screen and a digital pen). It manages the mobile device hardware, storage area, and software resources. It regulates the performing, and the capabilities of an mobile device. The feature set in place, security, stability, and the ease of use are not the one criteria that produce a mobile system good or bad, but also the overall flexibility of the mobile system to integrate with diverse set of devices and software systems.
A mobile operating system controls from handling the insight obtained from touch screen, keyboard, or some exterior device to controlling the recollection and the entire functioning of these devices. It also handles the communication and the interplay between your mobile device and other appropriate hardware such as, computers, tv sets, or printers.
Operating system manages and controls all the features and functionalities of the mobile device. Therefore, a Smartphone is a mixture of the hardware and the operating-system, which determines what capabilities it can or cannot support.
As the operating-system handles the hardware and software resources of Smartphones, it is accountable for identifying the functions and features available on these devices. Smartphone is a combo of mobile technology that is the mobile phone and PDA, which are based on the computer applications
All Smartphones are embedded with an operating system which allows the procedure of software applications. As well as the concept features like calls and messaging, you can send e-mails, manage your personal and office documents, and visit websites for looking information, play online flash games, and read information. In addition, it allows showing and downloading of documents and applications.
If a Smartphone is to allow multiple applications to run simultaneously, it will need to have an operating system that helps the writing of control and storage resources among multiple applications. On top of that, the operating-system must allow users to change between the productive applications.
Characteristics of a smartphone operating system
Even though the functionality associated with an operating system found in computer systems and Smartphones are same, certain characteristics of your Smartphone operating system are different from those people used in computer systems. The characteristics that a Smartphone operating-system should comprise are the following:
Resource-limited hardware: Smartphones can support various applications. It should also provide center to access Internet. But to meet these requirements, Smartphones have limited storage area and processing power when compared to the desktop Personal computers and Laptops. Thus, the operating system must be cautious in using hardware resources especially recollection. It should not only utilize less storage area but also contain architecture that provides support for applications to limit their use of memory space. It should in addition have the ability to take care of low-memory situations gracefully.
Robustness: A end user needs a mobile operating system to be sturdy. This means it should be strong and unlikely to fail or crash. The device should never only be designed to avoid crash, but must also provide support functions and procedures. These support functions and insurance policies permit the device to handle application problems and out-of-memory situations, without hampering the functionalities of the Smartphone.
User user interface for limited customer hardware: The operating-system should put into action a interface environment that is reliable and intuitive to use, regardless of the smaller screen and limited customer input functions of the Smartphone. Furthermore, the screen sizes and insight capabilities change between different models of Smartphones, so the User Interface structures should be adaptable, such that it can be customized for the many user interface objects.
Library support: Smartphone operating systems should contain middleware libraries and frameworks with APIs that implement and abstract the functionality of the top features of the Smartphone. The reason is to provide efficient consistency and also to ease the program development. Middleware catalogue and framework is a software level that works as a mediatory between your program and the system's operating-system. The middleware framework consists of a set of components that links the application with the underlying OS. Types of Smartphone middleware include libraries and frameworks for email, Text message, MMS, Bluetooth, cryptography, multimedia system, User Interface features, and GSM or GPRS, which provide more support for Smartphone features.
Popular mobile operating systems
Some of the favorite mobile operating systems are:
Symbian
Android
BlackBerry Working System
Windows mobile
Java enabled
Garnet Working System
Linux
Symbian: Symbian operating system is the most popular operating system found in most Smartphones and mobile phones today. The traditions of Symbian Operating-system begins with some of the first handheld devices. This operating system began its existence in 1988 as SIBO (an acronym for '16-little bit organizer'). SIBO ran on computers produced by Psion Pcs, which developed operating system to perform on small footprint devices. It was made with specific criteria that can be characterized by event-driven communications, using client-server relationships and stack-based configurations.
Client-server identifies the relation between two computer programs. Your client program sends a service demand to the server program. The server program fulfils the need.
The Symbian operating-system is developed using C++ program writing language.
The Symbian operating-system is a mobile operating-system that was specially built to run on a Smartphone program. It ties in the memory of your mobile phone because of its compatibility. It really is considered as a complete fledged operating-system.
Symbian operating-system facilitates multitasking and multithreading. Many functions can run concurrently, they can communicate with one another and utilize multiple threads that run interior to each process. It facilitates good support for images and data management. This operating system has a file system that works with with Microsoft House windows operating system. It even supports other data file system implementations by using a plug-in program. It uses TCP/IP networking as well as other communication interfaces, such as serial, infrared and Bluetooth. For example, Nokia's bestseller Smartphone 6600 originated using the Symbian operating-system.
Android: Android can be an operating system for mobile devices that is produced by Google. . Android operating systems derive from the Linux kernel and the GNU software. Android has a huge community of builders writing applications that has helped to extend the operation of the devices. The programmers write handled code in Java, handling these devices via Google-developed Java libraries.
The Android operating systems offer a exclusive machine that is optimized for the cellular devices. It offers a organised data storage through SQLite. It facilitates with technologies such as, Bluetooth, 3G and Wi-fi that are hardware centered. It allows reuse and substitutes of components through an application framework. For example Sony Ericsson XPERIA X10 is developed using Android os operating system.
A virtual machine can be referred to an environment or an application that will not physically is out there but is created inside another environment.
BlackBerry operating system: The BlackBerry operating system is an e-mail based operating-system presented in a Smartphone device developed by the Canadian company, Research In Action (RIM). It offers typical Smartphone applications like address book, calendar, to-do lists, and mobile phone capabilities. It supports push e-mail, mobile cell phone, texting, Internet faxing, Web surfing around and other cordless information services. It offers a multitasking environment which helps to perform more than one task at exactly the same time. The system navigation is generally achieved by a scroll ball, or "trackball" in the center of the device. It even offers support for WAP (Cellular Application Standard protocol) and Java Mobile Information Device Profile (MIDP). WAP helps to gain access to mobile web from a Smartphone or a cellular phone. Java MIDP offers stipulation for utilizing Java on Smartphones.
Windows Mobile: Windows Mobile can be an operating system used in various cell phones and Smartphones. It encompasses the entire software stack from the kernel to the application form interface. This operating system is compatible with the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
The current version is named "Windows Mobile 6. 5". It is based on the Home windows CE 5. 2 kernel. On top of that, third-party software development is designed for Home windows Mobile, and the program can be purchased via the House windows Industry for Mobile.
Originally showing up as the Pocket PC 2000 operating-system, most Windows Cellular devices come with a stylus pen, which can be used to enter directions by tapping it on the screen.
Windows CE is a modular operating system that serves as the foundation for several classes of devices. Glass windows Mobile is most beneficial referred to as a subset of systems predicated on a Windows CE. Currently, Pocket Laptop or computer (now called Home windows Mobile Vintage), Smartphone (Home windows Mobile Standard), and PocketPC Cellphone Edition (House windows Mobile Professional) are the three main systems under the Glass windows Mobile umbrella.
Windows Mobile is a Microsoft-defined custom program for general used in Smartphones and PDAs. It contains a Microsoft-defined set of minimum information (Professional Edition, High grade Edition) of software and hardware that is recognized. It offers feature rich OS and program for mobile phone handsets. It offers production features to business users, such as email, as well as multimedia features for consumers.
Java empowered: Smartphones with Java structured OS are also available. SavaJe is one such O. S. which is java established. It includes from the kernel to the user interface construction and application collection.
SavaJe's complete collection of applications for advanced cell phones spans the complete spectrum of handset operation, including:
A phone program, for voice cell phone calls management.
A common messaging application with a straightforward and intuitive interface for MMS, SMS, and e-mail emails.
A universal web browser for transparent usage of WAP (Wireless Application Protocol), HTML and XHTML (eXtensible Hyper Text message Markup Vocabulary) sites. XHTML is a markup words that is comparable to HTML, found in the creation of webpages which is a combination of HTML and XML.
A multimedia program for still and video capture and playback, including camera control and multiple marketing players.
A PRIVATE INFORMATION Management (PIM) software for associates, calendar, tasks, notes and alarms management and synchronization to a local Laptop or computer or over-the-air.
Garnet Operating System: This is formerly known as Hand OS. This operating-system combines a Linux-based foundation with applications written for the old Palm OS. The Palm OS was mainly used in PDAs, although Treo line of Smartphones used it as well. The Garnet OPERATING-SYSTEM is also referred as Hand OS5. It really is a specialized operating system for powering lightweight hand-held devices, Smartphones, and PDAs from Gain access to Systems, who developed software products and platforms for web surfing around, mobile phones, wireless handhelds, and other networked devices.
The Garnet Operating System has an integral PACE (Palm Application Compatibility Environment). Garnet OPERATING-SYSTEM is capable of supporting cordless communication technologies such as Bluetooth, and Infrared. Furthermore functionality, it offers standard support for a number of display resolutions.
Linux: Linux is exclusive one of the other operating systems. This is because its development is powered with a community of coders alternatively than by an individual company such as Symbian operating-system in Nokia devices and blackberry OS in blackberry mobile phones. According to ARCchart, the Linux operating system supports more processors than other operating system, though the most popular telephone models still use the Symbian operating system.
However, Linux can be an organic OS, where in, the designers constantly change and revise it even at the kernel level systems. Six telecommunication companies are responding to this by forming the LiMo base, a business that is wanting to create a standardized Linux program.
Smartphones based on the wide open source Linux operating system have emerged on the market. There are various advantages to using an open-source operating system like Linux. Cost-free and the opportunity to tap into the Linux wide open source community are pleasing. It has made Linux grow, not limited to the server and Laptop or computer market space, but also in the embedded device area including portable computers. For example, Motorola that is a distinctive supporter of Linux has released the A760 Smartphone predicated on this operating system.
Linux could become the preferred operating system in full featured mobile terminals and a variety of embedded systems. Linux-powered Smartphone will hold an important position in the near future.
Advantages and cons of smartphones
The consumption of Smartphones is increasing. The reason behind this widespread use is basically because Smartphones provide enhanced features to users. Why don't we look at a few of the advantages that Smartphones have:
We can download applications or important data 'on-the-go'.
It is simpler for us to carry a Smartphone when compared to a laptop or a PDA.
We can include different functionalities into a little device.
3G Internet we can see the Internet at rates of speed faster than our internet connection at home.
But Smartphones do have the next disadvantages in comparison with Feature cell phones:
Smartphones are usually high-priced because they support multiple features.
To use all the cellular tools provided within the Smartphone, we would require an expensive wireless data plan.
Self Assessment Questions
_____________ operating system began its life in 1988 as SIBO.
Palm OS operating-system combines a __________base with applications written for the old Palm OS.
Windows Mobile Operating-system is dependant on home windows _____________.
Android can be an operating-system for mobile devices that was developed by ____________.
Windows Mobile operating system originated by __________.
The SavaJe Operating-system is a __________ established system which includes everything from the kernel to an individual interface framework and application collection.
Garnet Operating-system was formerly known as Palm OS. (True/False)?
Activity 2:
Check out few cell phones in your associates and discover which operating-system is used and write down an evaluation of the features offered.
Summary
In this product we started with underlying the concept of Smartphones. We learnt that a Smartphone refers to a handheld device that offers the functionality of an cellular phone as well as the PDAs. We also emerged to know about the various features provided by Smartphones such as, operating system, software, access to internet, QWERTY key pad, advanced GPS features, touchscreen, memory, and so on.
Then we discussed about the mobile or Smartphone operating-system at length. Here, we mentioned the necessity for a mobile operating-system. Furthermore, we even discussed the characteristics of the Smartphone operating-system such as, robustness; source limited hardware, user interface for limited consumer hardware, and library support.
Later we also discussed about the many operating-system support by these Smartphones or mobile phone. This includes os's such as Symbian, Android, Blackberry OS, House windows Mobile, Garnet Operating-system, Java, and Linux.
Glossary
Let us have an overview of the key terms talked about in the machine:
Bluetooth: An open up wireless technology standard for exchanging data over brief distances using brief duration radio waves from permanent and mobile devices
Kernel: Is the central component of most computer operating systems, it is a bridge between applications and the actual data processing
Middleware: Software that mediates between the software program and a network.
Multitasking: It refers to the ability of the operating-system to quickly change between tasks, supplying the looks of simultaneous execution of tasks
Multithreading: It widens the idea of multitasking into applications, so that specific functions within an individual program can be subdivided into individual threads.
SavaJe Operating-system: A Java Operating-system for advanced cell phones. Developers can create better interface by using this OS.
Thread: it is just a light-weight process. It is a single flow of with a process.
QWERTY: It's the most used modern-day key pad design on English-language computer and typewriter keyboards. It takes its name from the first six characters
Wi-fi: Sites build used for cellular network.
Terminal Questions
What is a Mobile Operating System?
Name the types of mobile os's available in the market.
List down various top features of a Smartphone.
What is a Symbian Operating System?
Explain briefly advantages and disadvantages of Smartphones
Answers
Self Evaluation Questions
Cellular network
False
Personal Digital Assistant
Mobile phone
Global Setting System
Synchronize
Symbian
Linux-based
CE 5. 2 kernel
Microsoft
Java
True
Refer section 1. 4 The Mobile/Smartphone OPERATING-SYSTEM that describes mobile platform.
Refer sub-section 1. 4. 3 Popular mobile os's, which tells the many platforms used to develop a Smartphone.
Refer section 1. 3 Smartphone Features that represents the QWERTY computer keyboard and touchscreen and other features.
Nokia's bestseller Smartphone 6600 was developed using this operating system. Refer sub-section 1. 4. 3 Popular mobile os's for details.
Refer section 1. 5 which lists various advantages and disadvantages of Smartphones.
References and Suggested Readings
Jochen Schiller (2009), Mobile Marketing communications (Second Edition).
E-References
http://www. 3gamericas. org.
http://designer. symbian. com/main.
http://www. microsoft. com/windows/WinHistoryIntro. mspx.
