Are you interested in knowing the history and development of mobile phones? Do you want to know when was the first mobile phone invented? Then you must read on…
Mobile phones have brought about a dramatic change to the communication industry. The development of mobile phones has made long-distance communication a matter of seconds. Who was the genius to invent the first mobile phone and when was it invented? The mobile phone was invented in 1973 by Dr. Martin Cooper, a Motorola employee. On April 3, 1973, the first cell phone call was made. The caller was naturally, Dr. Cooper himself. The receiver of the first mobile phone call was Joel Angel, the research head at AT&T’s Bell Labs and rival of Dr. Cooper.
Advantages of Mobile Phones
While advantages of mobile phones are self evident, their disadvantages also need to be given some thought. Here is some information about cell phone usage merits and demerits.
There are various advantages of mobile phones. The growth of cell phone usage has increased drastically since the last decade, and it is estimated that mobile phones will cross 5 billion in 2010. With their number increasing at a tremendous rate and with the threat of 'cell phone addiction', there are certainly several disadvantages of cell phones as well. Few Advantages of Mobile Phones Since the year 1991, the number of mobile phone users all across the globe has risen drastically. This sharp increase has been mostly observed in developing Asian countries like China and India, that have surpassed the US in the number of mobile phone consumers. Certainly, there are several advantages of mobile phones that has helped in the cell phone success by leaps and bounds. However, there are some disadvantages of cell phone as well that can't be ignored. I'll talk about both facets of cell phone usage further.. Ease to Express Yourself By allowing instant access to anybody across the globe, mobile phones have changed the landscape of communication. Not only globally, cell phones are important in day to day life. You want to talk to someone at home, a friend or your spouse, just give a call! You forget something important at home and now you need it in your office. Give a call at home! So on and so forth...cell phones are a necessity. Aren't they? More than Communication, Entertainment Love listening to music? Or playing video games? Or watching movies? Do all you wish, by purchasing some affordable mobile phones. Entertainment, especially when you're traveling or getting bored, was never so easy. Nowadays, you can even browse Internet on your cell phones. Cell phone manufacturers cater to the needs of every mobile user, with the upgradation of latest features and technology. There are so many applications and features in mobile phones that people hardly have time to learn all of them! More Safety Although, having cell phones is not a guarantee for safety, it certainly can be helpful for you in emergency situations. Keeping cell phones in your car while traveling is one of the topmost personal safety tips. In case of any accidents or unexpected events, you can inform someone, who can rush to your rescue. Similarly, cell phones can be helpful to old and disabled people. Although, lifts in offices and residential buildings come with phone extension and alarm buttons, cell phones are anytime better to call for help, in case of elevator failure. Similarly, there can be many more instances in daily life, where mobile phones are a necessity. Few Disadvantages of Mobile Phones Not all are positive about mobile phones. There are some demerits of mobile phones that are discussed below. Health Effects Electromagnetic radiation from cell phones may cause health problems. Rigorous studies are being carried out to know about the negative effects of cell phones. Sleep deprivation, stress and brain problems have been linked to overuse of cell phones, and are considered as the possible effects of cell phone radiation. Some studies have reported that cell phone usage can trigger male infertility symptoms. But nothing has been proved yet, though we can lessen mobile use to some extent. Children Suffer Children have been found to have some worrisome effects of mobile phone usage. Since they have weaker immune system, thinner skin and developing nervous system, waves generated from mobile phones can harm their body cells. It has been found that children can absorb radio waves to a far greater extent than adults. Legal Issues Mobile phones come with cameras and hence this has led to hundreds of thousands of cases pending in courts about privacy problems. There have been instances in the past, in countries like Saudi Arabia, Japan, Korea, where a ban was imposed on camera phones, making it a strict rule to sell only those cell phones that come with an appreciable click sound! Moreover, crime rate has also increased with miscreants like robbers and terrorists pursuing their nefarious schemes through mobile phones. Driving and Mobile Phones If not anything, this is certainly one of the most dangerous disadvantages of cell phones. In the US, cell phone and driving have become a major concern among traffic officials. The seriousness of this issue in the eyes of the federal government was highlighted when a US court in 2009, imposed a whopping million dollar fine for talking on phone while driving, on a Texan driver. It is the highest fine imposed in the world, for someone using mobile phone while driving. Many accidents can be averted if people are cautious, and avoid cell phone usage while driving.
Influence of Mobile Phone on today's generation
The latest mobile phones have become the fashion as well as entertainment device. These devices offer various high-end features such as camera, GPS, music player and lots more.
In the high-tech world, the mobile phones have become an indispensable and inseparable object from our day to day life. The handset are gaining its importance in the today's world because of their communication features, which attribute as a way of life statement. Therefore, it can be said that mobile phones have turned out to be one of the most popular additions to style statements. These devices can be seen out among people of all ages, all over the world. Many people consider that without mobile phone, they cannot imagine their life; both in terms of necessity and in terms of a fashion statement. Apart from being a fashion accessory and communication widget, these phones add to the prestige value. The mobile phones have many other benefits to offer to their users such as camera, music player, games, GPS, Mobile office and lots more. With the high-end connectivity features, the users can stay connected with the world and near and dear ones, whenever and wherever possible. As a matter of fact, initially the mobile phones were launched in the market to provide the normal telephonic communication with the help of the wireless technology and the short message service or SMS. The phones also offered the facilities such as phone book storage, organising of dates and time. The phones also acted as calculators also. These mobiles served as a suitable way of managing and detecting appointments. But, with the advancement in the digital technology these basic facilities have become more advanced with lots of new added features. The text message is further extended to pictures messages (MMS), massive phonebook entries along with the option of allocating separate tunes for each entry and lots more. The users can utilise mobile phones for various other purposes also, for example, checking mails or using the Internet, listening to music, capturing images and playing games. Nowadays, phones are operated as a mini laptop, with more or less all the essential features of personal computer. With the time, the mobile phones have developed amazingly from the heavy and expensive devices to reasonable ones. These days, the users can find all-in-one mobile handsets which serve as a camera, music player, gaming device, GPS feature, connectivity options and what not. Therefore, it can be said that in contrast to past mobile phones, the latest phones have transformed themselves to hi-end gadgets offering entertainment and communication features. Whether the users wish to listen to superb music or click high quality pictures or browse the Internet, the latest phones are here for them. The robust and feature-rich mobile phones give the users ample variety. Presently, there are latest technology phones in the market which let the users enjoy lots of games by downloading them from the Internet. The latest phone keeps the users updated and connected with others through Internet access. One can entertain himself by viewing video clips, taking pictures and playing games. The multitasking feature of the latest mobile phones enables the users to do many things simultaneously. Messaging while listening to music for instance. The introduction of 3G technology have offered more advanced functionalities such as video calling, video streaming etc. Therefore, it can be said that influence of the mobile phones on the today's generation can be seen and observed. As a matter of fact, technology is getting more and more advanced which can be easily observed in users lifestyle. People are using the latest technology with great features. The way of communicating has completely changed with the arrival of latest phones. The technology is still developing and will continue to improve in the upcoming future. The future mobile phones strive to bring more comfort and convenience in our lives. The future mobile world open to more thrilling and enjoyable scenarios. The latest advances in design and technology are continuously developing. In this arena, the mobiles industry is striving to bring an innovative world of latest mobile phones with stylish functionalities. Some of the popular mobile phones that are making people crazy are from Nokia mobile phones Samsung mobile phones and LG mobile phones.
Influence of Mobile Phones on Kids
Mobile phones serve as an entertaining tool for kids as they bring amazing fun features for them. These devices let them stay in touch with their parents apart from allowing them to play games and listen to music.
These days, mobile phones have made an important place in our lives. They have a great influence over all age groups. The hot topic of discussion among the parents these days is "The influence of mobile phones on kids." The children have been affected a lot from these gadgets. Parents think that mobile phones are a tracking tool to know the whereabouts of their children. They wish to stay in touch with them all the time. So they want that their child should always carry a mobile handset.
We know that, kids below eight should not use mobile phones because of various health hazards. So we should prevent kids from using these high-end devices. A research says that kids who use mobile phones widely are prone to tumours. However, this is not justified as there is no evidence to justify the bad effects of mobile devices. But it is for sure that mobile phones do affect kids, but gradually. You must have heard of health hazards like high or low blood pressure, cancer, etc, which can occur by using these phones. Therefore, children should be told to avoid the extensive use of mobile phones as it may badly affect their nervous system.
The mobile manufacturers have always bought the latest technologies in their phones to fulfill the demands of the consumers. There are phones for kids and teenagers with basic features available at affordable prices. Mobile handsets features like games, music and camera attract the kids a lot. The kids are also attracted by the stunning looks of these small and compact devices. They see their parents talking on their phones all the time. So they also wish to own these attractive devices.
Apart from health hazards, these handsets can also affect the kids in other ways. For instance, the latest phones have the ability to share photos and videos. A kid can just push wrong buttons and send some details to a wrong person. He may also dial numbers unknowingly and create problems for others.
With the availability of great mobile handset plans like pay-as-you-go deal, parents can track how much their kids are talking on the phone. These phones work well for kids as they include a specified number of minutes to be used within a particular time period. You can buy top-ups if needed. This way, parents can restrict their kids from making more calls.
In short, we can say that mobile devices are beneficial for kids but have some disadvantages too. There are certain things which parents need to consider while deciding which mobile phone they should purchase for their kid. They should consider the price, network service and features. The drop in prices of phones and the availability of latest handsets with amazing deals and offers are motivating parents to purchase mobile phones for their kids. They can also learn easily the functions and features of these latest devices. Even an eight year old can easily learn how to send messages, capture pictures, make calls and play games.
Cell Phones
Cell phones are an integral part of kids’ lives. According to research by C&R Research, 22 percent of young children own a cell phone (ages 6-9), 60 percent of tweens (ages 10-14), and 84 percent of teens (ages 15-18. And cell phone companies are now marketing to younger children with colorful kid-friendly phones and easy-to-use features. According to market research firm the Yankee Group, 54 percent of 8 to12 year olds will have cell phones within the next three years.
Health Risks
· Mental health: Another study looked at addictive, problematic use of cell phones and found a link between low self-esteem and problem cell phone use. A study measuring the link between cell phones and mental health found that teens who used cell phones the most were more likely to be anxious and depressed.
· Bullying: Text messaging is increasing used by bullies to torment their victims. Cyberbullying, psychological harassment in text or instant messaging, is more often perpetrated by girls, who initiate inappropriate messages or spread damaging gossip.
· Eye strain and “digital thumb”: Just like other repetitive strain injuries that can result from computer use and other repetitive tasks, these conditions can result from focusing continually on a small screen and typing on small buttons.
· Bacteria: Because of the close proximity to the mouth where germs can be passed from breathing, coughing and sneezing, most cell phones are crawling with bacteria. Additionally, many people use their phone everywhere, even in the bathroom.
· Brain tumors and low sperm counts: While some research investigating the effects of electromagnetic radiation from cell phones in close proximity to the body have found statistical associations, other studies have found no increased risk.
· Lack of sleep: One study found that some teen cell phone users are likely to be woken at night by incoming text messages or calls, and are therefore more likely to be tired and less able to focus throughout the day.
Dependence: One study finds that 37 percent of teens felt they wouldn’t be able to live without a cell phone once they had it. This study also shows that the more friends a teen has, the more likely they are to feel dependent on their phone and let calls or text messages interfere with their daily schedule. Dishonesty: The Pew Internet & American Life Project found that 39 percent of cell users ages 18-29 say they are not always truthful about where they are when they are on the phone. Expense: Parents often experience sticker shock when they receive the bill for their child’s cell phone. Special ring tones, text, picture and video messaging, downloadable games, overage minutes and connecting to the Internet can all be very expensive and heavily used by teens. What Parents Can Do
· Discuss your child’s motivations for having a cell phone: Talking about its use for safety rather than as a status symbol or way to fit in can be important. It may not only cut down on your teens airtime minutes, but it could initiate a conversation about his or her life, for example, feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and who they feel they need to be talking to – and when and why.
· Develop a set of rules and responsibilities as a cell phone user: In providing your child with a cell phone, you have the right to set the rules for its use : “Always answer calls from parents immediately.” “Always identify where and with whom you are.” Many parents set limits for younger children’s use and have their teens take responsibility for their own cell phone bills.
· Discuss appropriate circumstances, places and uses for cell phones with your child: 82 percent of people report having been annoyed by loud or personal cell phone conversations in public. Don’t let your child be one of these irritants.
· Establish rules around cell phone use at night: Require your children to turn cell phones off at night and keep them in a common area rather than allowing them to take them into their rooms, where they can talk or text message late into the night.
· Consider a child-friendly cell phone for your child: Some phones made especially for kids allow you to control whom your child can call, or offer only “mom” and “dad” buttons so no other calls can be made.
· Teach your kids to only answer calls or view text messages from people they know: Like the internet, cell phones are becoming a vehicle not only for bullying, but also for sexual predators and for scams.
· Help your kids save money: Consider purchasing a pre-paid plan with a limited number of minutes for your teens, and remind them to “budget” their minutes. Also, turning off text messaging and internet capabilities on your child’s phone will help keep bills low.
How long is it safe to call?
The radiation from mobile phones is thousandfold stronger than the intensity that causes a measurable impact on your cells and tissues. Therefore, even a short call can be harmful.
Three major kinds of hazards arouse especially great concern:
1. DNA damage. It is well establised that the DNA is damaged by mobile phone radiation. The stronger the intensity the greater the damage. It is also well known from the study of radioactivity, which damages DNA in a similar way, that the effect is cumulative. DNA damage increases the risk for cancer. Effect of exposure time: The risk for a harmful effect is small with a short call and increases over time. So if you want to minimize DNA irradiation damage, never make long calls. For safety, to minimize the damage to your DNA, the shorter calls, the better. Every second increases the risk.
2. Blood-Brain-Barrier damage. A Swedish research team lead by professor Leif Salford, neurosurgeon, found that this barrier, which protects the brain from inflow of harmful substances from the bloodstream, was disrupted by mobile phone microwaves at levels occurring during normal calls. It is known that this barrier is damaged in Parkinsons disease and in Alzheimers dementia. So there is a risk that disruption of this protection barrier may damage the brain. Effect of exposure time: This disruption occurred within 2 minutes. In some cases even sooner. The effect was greater, the greater the intensity of the radiation and it probably affects all people.
3. A general disturbance of the physiology including brain function and heart function. Depressions, sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, memory disturbances, heart rate irregularities have been reported. Stress burnout may be a consequence. This effect seems to affect all people to a greater or lesser extent and it has been reported at low radiation intensities. Accumulating research data indicate with increasing strength that this is a major public health issue. Effect of exposure time: The longer the call the greater the impact, beginning immediately and building up cumulatively.
Advice
A. Minimize time and and intensity
In short:
Make only brief calls - seconds, not minutes - at minimum radiation.
Turn off the phone whenever possible.
Minimize stand-by time to situations only when you must be immediately accessible..
Keep it away from the body when on stand-by.
Explanation:
1. Minimize the time you speak. This is because the risk for damage increases the longer you speak. Preferably use the mobile only for very short messages, of a few seconds length, never for several minutes.
2. Minimize the intensity of the irradiation. This is because the risk for harmful damage increases the stronger the intensity.
Avoid calling when the signal is weak (as indicated on the phone screen), because then your mobile will irradiate maximally in order to be able to reach the station.
Avoid speaking in elevators and other confined places, because there the irradiation is especially strong (the metal walls reflect the microwaces and also a much stronger signal from the mobile phone is needed so as to reach out through the shaft).
Avoid speaking in busses, trains, trams, subway/underground vehicles etc. A Japanese study found a considerable increase of radiation in trains because the radiation was reflected inside the space due to the metal walls. The same goes for all vehicles.
Hold the phone as far away as possible from the head while calling. The intensity of the radiation decreases rapidly with distance (with the square of the distance). For this reason:
Use safe headsets. It seems that the kind having a plastic tube between the earpiece and the phone are best. Search on Google for tube + headset (or airtube) and you will find several alternatives.
Use a loudspeaker phone, as your headset may not not always be available.
3. Minimize the exposure of the body to irradiation. This is because the body absorbs the harmful microwaves much better than the skull. Therefore don't carry an active mobile phone in a pocket or clipped to the belt. Professor Olle Johanson had a case who developed cancer in the body exactly beneath the place where the mobile phone was clipped on to the belt. So far no research has been published to our knowledge about such cases but we would expect a significant connection in the same way as brain tumors develop close to spot where one holds the mobile phone.
Switch off the mobile phone when you don't call
Rethink your priorities regarding accessibility. If it is not of vital importance that you need to be reached immediately, switch it off. In stead check your calls regularly and call back in some place where the signal strength is excellent.
If you have to have it on stand-by, don't carry it close to the body. Develop the habit of having it in a handbag, briefcase or the like
In the car, use a hands-free set that enables you to put the mobile phone as far away from the body as possible and most preferably uses an antenna mounted on the outside of the car.
B. Avoid other sources of microwave radiation
Keep out of WiFi fields. If you have WiFi-based internet at home, get rid of it and use cable connection (ethernet). Until you find a replacement, switch the WiFi off when not used. Some studies indicate that the WiFi irradiatoin is stronger than the producers maintain. And it is contiuous. Don't stay long in WiFi cafés. Don't take jobs where the internal network is WiFi-based. We are aware that this is becoming increasingly difficult, but by putting your attention on this, you can hopefully reduce the expostion significantly.
Don't use cordless phones anywhere and especially not at home. Their "base station", the charger/antenna, emits strong and continuous microwave radiation throughout the whole house 24 hrs a day. Throw the cordless away and use ordinary landlines only.
Keep out of Mobile phone towers / base stations. Studies indicate an increased rate of diseases, including cancers, within about 400 m from them.
Bottom line
There is only one way of reducing the radiation hazard to fully safe levels - it is not to use the mobile at all and to minimize the exposure to Wifi-systems and Mobile phone towers.
How Mobile Phones are Dangerous to Our Health (http://www.tech-faq.com/how-mobile-phones-are-dangerous-to-our-health.html)
With practically everyone owning a mobile phone and spending a considerable amount of time on them each day, it is wise to ask the question: Are mobile phones dangerous to our health? While there are no conclusive answers at the moment, there are conflicting studies. Some show that mobile phones are safe and others show that mobile phones may pose a health risk.
Mobile phones may be considered potentially dangerous in a few ways. First, they are a device that both sends and receives high-frequency radio waves. Second, these devices have batteries in them that may be unstable in extreme heat or in certain circumstances where a battery or other part is defective. It should be noted that these occurrences are extremely rare.
The jury is still out on whether or not mobile phones are actually dangerous to our health. While the short term risks are extremely low or non existent, the fact that mobile phones have been used by millions in the last decade, the moderate length and long term risks are still unproven. Here are some arguments for and against mobile phone safety according to facts that the BBC printed in November 2004.
Arguments Supporting the Belief That Mobile Phones are Dangerous
There are a few arguments that support the theory that mobile phones are dangerous to the user's health
1. While the evidence is still not clear, it is possible that using a mobile phone on a regular basis can increase the susceptibility to brain tumors or brain cancer by 2.5 times.
2. Mobile phones operate using magnetic fields. Studies based on research in the past have shown that in certain circumstances, magnetic fields can affect living cells.
3. Those that spend long periods of time talking on a mobile phone have mentioned fatigue, a loss of concentration and sometimes headaches.
4. It is possible that radio waves that are given off by mobile phones can heat up and damage tissue.
Arguments Supporting the Belief That Mobile Phones are Safe
1. Radio waves emitted when a mobile phone is used are not hot enough to affect or damage near by tissue.
2. Regarding brain tumor incidence, researchers admit that the evidence still is not clear as to whether tumors or cancer are directly related to mobile phone use.
3. Factors regarding loss of concentration, fatigue or headaches are likely false, since they can not be replicated in the laboratory
4. Magnetic fields emitted by a mobile phone are extremely small and not likely to affect living cells in harmful ways.
Some Tips on Mobile Phone Safety
Obviously, the jury is still out on whether or not mobile phones are dangerous to our health. If you feel threatened by the potential health aspects of using a mobile phone, the easiest way to avoid this threat is to simply not use these phones. While extremely convenient, our society lived comfortably without mobiles in the past. If you would like to have the convenience of a mobile phone, but also want to lessen your risk, there are a few simple things you can do.
· Use a headset to keep the mobile phone away from your head
· Only talk for short periods of time on a mobile phone.- Use a land line for longer conversations
