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Why is smart phone called 'smart'?
A smartphone is called "smart" because it combines the features of a regular mobile phone with those of a powerful handheld computer, offering advanced computing abilities, internet access, and a wide variety of applications. Unlike traditional mobile phones, smartphones allow users to do more than just make calls or send texts—they can browse the web, take high-quality photos, use GPS navigation, run various software apps, and connect to other devices.
How did the term "smartphone" originate
The term **“smartphone”** originated in the **early 1990s** to describe mobile phones that combined telephony with advanced computing and connectivity features beyond basic calling and texting.
### Historical Origin
- The **first recorded use** of the word “smartphone” appeared in **1995**, introduced by **Ericsson** to market its **GS 88 “Penelope”** prototype. They described it as a **“smart phone”** because it could handle not only voice calls but also email, fax, and data services — functions that were advanced for the time[2][3][4][5].
- Before that, hybrid devices like **IBM Simon Personal Communicator** (released in **1994**) already blended phone and PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) features, but the term itself wasn’t yet formally used.
### Meaning of “Smart”
The “smart” prefix, like in *smart TV* or *smart watch*, indicates a **device capable of autonomous computing or enhanced interactivity**. In this sense, *smartphone* referred to a phone that could **perform intelligent tasks**, such as managing data, accessing email, or connecting to the internet — essentially acting like a mini computer.
### Evolution into Common Use
By the **2000s**, especially after the launch of **BlackBerry** and **Apple’s iPhone** in **2007**, the term “smartphone” became the dominant label for mobile devices capable of **running advanced applications** and **connecting seamlessly to the internet**.
Thus, the term “smartphone” reflects both its technological intelligence and the merging of computing with telecommunication.
### Key Features That Make a Phone "Smart"
- Smartphones have operating systems (like Android or iOS) that support a broad range of tasks and applications, similar to what computers can do[1][4].
- They provide access to the internet and allow multimedia functions such as music, video streaming, and gaming.
- Built-in features include cameras, GPS, sensors (such as accelerometers), and the ability to install and use third-party software for countless functions[1][3].
- Many smartphones use artificial intelligence features, such as digital assistants (Google Assistant, Siri), which help users manage schedules, control devices, and answer questions.
### Everyday Uses of Smartphones
- Browsing the web and handling emails or messaging
- Taking photos and videos
- GPS navigation and maps
- Using apps for health tracking, online shopping, entertainment, or social media
- Making mobile payments
Because of these advanced capabilities, smartphones have essentially replaced devices like cameras, GPS units, music players, and even some computers for many people. This integration of communication, computing, and connectivity is why they are called "smartphones".
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