The term "smartphone" itself is relatively recent, but the devices it describes have a history stretching back decades. There isn't one single "old name" for smartphones, as the evolution of technology involved a progression through various device types with overlapping features. However, a significant precursor to the modern smartphone was the Simon Personal Communicator, released in 1994 by BellSouth.
Early Precursors to the Smartphone
Before smartphones as we know them existed, several devices paved the way. These weren't called smartphones, but they possessed some of the key features that define them today:
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The Simon Personal Communicator (1994): This device, marketed by BellSouth, is widely considered a significant early smartphone. It had a touchscreen, allowed for cellular calls, and could send and receive faxes and emails. This demonstrates the early integration of communication and data capabilities.
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Other early devices: While the Simon is a notable example, many other devices with incremental advancements existed before the term "smartphone" became widely used. These earlier models often emphasized specific features like email or mobile internet access, but lacked the integrated and comprehensive functionality of modern smartphones. The Nokia 9000 Communicator, for example, was another early device that blended communication and data capabilities.
The Term "Smartphone" Emerges
The term "smartphone" itself gained traction as devices evolved to combine advanced computing capabilities with cellular phone functionality. The transition wasn't abrupt; it was a gradual shift. The exact time the term emerged into widespread usage is difficult to pinpoint, but it became dominant as devices became more capable and their marketing emphasized these features.
The Evolution of Mobile Phones
The history of mobile phones shows a continuous evolution, from simple voice-call devices to the feature-rich smartphones we use today. The path from the first mobile phones in the early 20th century to the Simon Personal Communicator and beyond clearly illustrates the progression that eventually led to the emergence of the modern smartphone and its associated terminology.
