How Phones Revolutionized Communication

It is no doubt that phones have been a great influence in the way people communicate. The business world, for instance, has benefited a lot from this invention. Organizations are now enjoying more convenience, and efficiency when it comes to contacting employees, clients, and other firms. Everything is now only a phone call away. Geographical boundaries are non-existent; Social and personal interactions have not been left behind either. Generally, the society at large has had to adjust to accommodate the telephone.

The Beginning

It has taken a great deal of time, effort, and exemplary craftsmanship to come up with the cell phones being used today. Thousands of innovations have come and gone, with each contributing to making the telephone better. It all started with the use of devices like pipes and other physical media to transmit sound. In the year 1876, the first breakthrough came when Alexander Graham Bell got a U.S patent for the invention of the telephone.

During that period, there was a lot of diversity in the telephone devices being created. There are those that used liquid transmitters while others used Edison/Berliner carbon transmitters. However, one thing they all had in common was the use of a single wire for both transmitting and receiving of audio, and to signal the other end of your call, one had to whistle into the transmitter. Thankfully, the telephones were later equipped with a bell.

The 20th century experienced some of the biggest developments in the telephone industry. For one, a carbon granule transmitter and electromagnetic receiver were joined in a single molded plastic handle which usually rested on a cradle in the base unit. This unit had a rotary dial that interrupted the line current repeatedly but shortly, thus interrupting the line 1 to 10 times for every digit. The hook switch, on the other hand, disconnected the line permanently when the handset was on the cradle.

Mobile Phones

It didn’t take long before mobile telephone devices came into existence. By now, the industry had grown significantly and it was almost impossible to run a business without a phone. Everybody was winning. Women, for instance, were found to be the most frequent users of the telephone, hence resulting in most of them being employed in the telecommunications sector as receptionists and operators.

A fast, efficient, and reliable communication enabled businesses to open branches everywhere. Modernization took shape in various remote areas. Mobile phones put the icing on the cake because they brought a lot of convenience in the personal and professional lives of people. It was easier to set meetings, confirm deliveries, and get things going without being physically present.

Smartphones

Just when individuals were still trying to figure out the mobile phone, the internet and smartphones happened. This has resulted in the maximization of phones as communication tools in ways that would have seemed unreal a few decades ago. In fact, a big percentage of the world’s population live on their phones. From their personal to professional interactions. Social networks and a host of other apps are now the main forms of conveying messages.

On the downside, human interaction has been one of the main casualties of technological advancement. The phones brought the world closer home and took the home far away. It is not unusual to find friends or family seating together while everybody is deeply engrossed in their smartphones. Companies are also being affected, and some have been forced to set restrictions on access to social networks at work just to keep employees in check.

Overall, phones are extremely important tools of communication. You can call, text, or email anybody around the world and they will get your message instantly.

The Multipurpose Function of Cellphones

Back in 1876 when Alexander Graham Bell patented the telephone, nobody would have imagined it will evolve to the smartphones available today. At least, not to the extent with which phones have taken over every single aspect of people’s lives. From simple communication tools, Phones are now used for so many things. This article shall be looking most of those uses, to help shed light on the phone's invaluable importance.

Communication

In the pre-telephone era, people relied a lot on writing letters and sending a telegraph to communicate. This took days and sometimes weeks before the message reached its intended recipient. Therefore, decision-making would take ages especially in organizations with branches in different locations. Now, if the situation happened to change before a reply was received, it meant you had to draft a new message highlighting the new developments. 

The telephone brought a lot of convenience in businesses, and people’s personal lives. For once, messages could be conveyed and responses received instantly. Currently, the smartphones hold more than one communication tool. You can text, email, or even chat as a group through various social apps and features. In fact, a majority of smartphone users rarely make phone calls.

Banking

One of the biggest successes in the use of mobile phones is the invention of the mobile banking system. It gives one access to their bank account from anywhere across the globe at any time. You get to send money, pay bills, check balance, and do several other services using the phone. There is also the SMS mobile banking that does not require you to own a bank account. A good example is the M-Pesa money transfer system in Kenya. It enables people to send and receive money on their phones without any hassles.

Mobile banking has been very pivotal in boosting the economy. There is an efficient circulation of money even to remote areas with no brick and mortar banks. Business transactions get to run smoothly round the clock. This system is a great pillar in achieving a 24-hour economy.

Books

Your phone can also act as a great source of knowledge. Provided there is enough storage, you can stuff as many e-books into your smartphone as you please. Every time you have a few moments to spare or are trying to pass time, reading will always be a good option. There are also great apps that can help you learn new languages and tough subjects.

Home Security and Automation

Helping to secure your home is one of the best uses of the smartphone. You no longer have to worry about losing door or even car keys. Keyless door locks have made life easier for many people. They use a diverse set of mechanisms to lock or open the locks. You can enter passcodes on your phone and the door opens, or, for those that use Bluetooth, the lock simply opens whenever you approach the door. The home automation systems enable you to monitor your home remotely, and you will get notifications whenever something is out of order. Should a friend or relative come to visit while you are still at work, you can easily send them a temporary passcode so that they can let themselves in the house. The same goes for handymen who come to do repairs and maintenance.

Directions

The smartphone is like an upgraded compass. You can use it to know exactly where you are and find a shorter route to your destination. The maps are always very accurate because they get updated occasionally and contributions are made by people of that locality.

Phones today are like a personal assistant. They help people get up on time, schedule their day, remind them of any commitments, and entertain them too. An individual’s personal and professional life all revolve around their phone(s). Good thing is that it can handle both efficiently.