What can I do with my cell phone besides make a phone call?

History of cell phone uses

While cellular phones were originally only for voice transmission, throughout the years cell phones have advanced to become more all-purpose devices. No longer is a cellular phone used simply to make phone calls.

In recent times, text messaging via cell phones has exploded in popularity. While the technology dates back to the early 1980s, it took a few decades for text messaging to become commonplace. Today (2007), over one trillion text messages are sent per year around the world and this technology has become a vital part of many people’s lives.

Other advancements have reached the cell phone industry, including video games, ringtones and the ability to listen to music and take pictures. Video games can be downloaded directly onto cellular phones and can be played just like other handheld video game consoles. The same downloading technology is used to be able to download ringtones. While at one point the selection for ringtones on a cellular phone was limited, that is no longer the case.

Cell phones have morphed into mechanism with the ability to do almost anything. You can take pictures, listen to music, send email and surf the Internet all from the palm of your hand.