Each major development of cell phones has been categorized into “generations.” So far there are 1G, 2G, and 3G cell phones, with interim standard generations falling in-between. The most current cellular generation, the 3G, includes the newest features such as web browsing, e-mail, video, TV, and applications. The 3G phone has transformed wireless phones “from a person-to-person communication device into a convergent communication and entertainment platform” (Grant, 254). A few examples of this include Verizon Wireless’s VCAST and Sprint TV, where the wireless phone companies partnered up with popular TV channels to offer shows for a monthly fee.
This bridge across the different mediums has had both positive and negative effects on those who use it. According to lecture, it is estimated that over 1 billion cell phone calls are made everyday in the United States. Each year people are using up more minutes, and some are even discontinuing their regular landlines. With the estimated household penetration nearing 80%, it only shows that cell phones are a huge part of our everyday lives.
Cell phones have become a necessity today due to their convenient shape as well as all of the helpful resources they provide. Instead of small band cell phones with bulky antennas, cell phones today use wideband fractal antennas, which are much smaller and have better receivers. They also use packet-switching which allows cell phones to have low-definition video and operate as fast as 2 megabits per second! The invention of smart phones has also allowed for cell phones to become a part of our everyday on-the-go lifestyles. Phones such as the iPhone and Blackberry allow for web browsing, e-mail, and even the creation of spreadsheets and word documents. The iPhone also has applications that users can download to their phones. With over 100,000 applications already, the functions of the iPhone are virtually endless.
Even though cell phones help us with everyday functions, they can also lead to dangerous effects on consumers. One of the biggest problems caused by cell phones today is using them while driving. In the article “Driving while conversing: Cell phones that distract and passengers who react,” a study was done to determine the effects on drivers while talking on their cell phone versus talking to a passenger. It was shown that when a driver is talking to a passenger, the passenger is able to alert the driver of an approaching hazard. Passengers also slow their rate of conversation when approaching a hazard. When a driver is talking on their cell phone, all of these cues are absent from the situation. According to the article, “the data suggested that conversation modulation was a key factor in maintaining driving performance and that seeing the road and traffic was not sufficient to produce it” (Charlton 3). Since the creation of 3G phones, phone calls are not the only concern while driving. Texting is also becoming a big concern, and a few states have passed laws recently banning texting while driving. Overall, the focus of the driver is taken away when using cell phones.
Although some wireless phone companies have claimed to have the next generation phone (4G) coming out soon, they have yet to even invent this phone. According to lecture, the ultimate goal for 4th generation phones will be the ability to offer as much HD content as cable or satellite TV. Some also see this as the ultimate convergence device, which could essentially replace radio, television, and computers. The bridge across all of these different mediums is still in the works, and someday we may all be using this ultimate convergence device.
Works Cited
Charlton, Samuel G. "Driving while conversing: Cell phones that distract and passengers who react." PsycINFO. Accident Analysis & Prevention, Jan. 2009. Web. 21 Nov. 2009.
Grant, August E., and Jennifer H. Meadows. (2008). Communication Technology Update and Fundamentals. 11th ed.Elsevier, 250-256.
