Basics Of Mobile Phone

Mobile communications devices have come a long way from just being phones. For many of us the computing power available on a new phone exceeds that of our first computers. On the most basic level, mobile technology refers to any device capable of utilizing mobile networks to perform basic communication functions like voice calls and short message service (more commonly called SMS or text messaging). More powerful devices, termed “smartphones,” can perform functions normally associated with computers: receiving and sending email, web-browsing, and connecting to private email networks. Many phones also include decent quality camera and video features, with easy upload to a variety of sites and services where they can be shared with a wide audience instantaneously.

With an ever-expanding range of new devices available and neverending marketing jargon, the landscape of mobile computing can be confusing for any accidental- or non-techie. Additionally, ubiquitous phones with fuller feature-sets offer new and different ways to connect with and engage communities with which your nonprofit or library works. This article – the first in a two-part series on mobile technologies – aims to explain the basics of how they work and what to consider when using them at your nonprofit or library. The second part in the series covers how nonprofits and libraries can embrace these devices within our organizations and how to leverage mobile for the social good.