Understanding Mobile Technology Jargon

However, if you do look around but are absolutely zapped by weird abbreviations and decimal numbers added to even more absurd names (who in Gods good name calls a technology Bluetooth and on that tops it up with a few numbers also, and has anybody ever seen a tooth in the color blue and what is the connection anyway?!!), then fret not. Here is an attempt to simplify the most common of the complex mobile phone technology jargon which would make it look a lot less scary the next time you read about it!

GSM: Stands for Global Systems for Mobile communications. GSM is a network on which the mobile phones operate and get global roaming access. It is the most popular network throughout the world.

CDMA: Stands for Code Division Multiple Access. It is a mobile phone network that allows users to use the full spectrum of the network. It uses a special coding scheme and provides has a very high capacity.

WCDMA: Stands for Wideband Code Division Multiple Access and is the base network for the latest 3G technology.

3G, UMTS: 3G stands for third generation-third generation of cellular technology that is. The new guidelines for the third generation will enable a much faster high-speed internet, and audio video streaming. The 3G technology in the UK is called UMTS or Universal Mobile Telecommunication System.

HSDPA: Stands for High Speed Downlink Packet Access. It is an enhancement in the 3G technology that provides internet access on mobile phones at never before speeds.

WAP: Stands for Wireless Application Protocol. This is the technology that allows special, small web pages to be viewed on a mobile or PDA screen.

PDA: Stands for Personal Digital Assistant. It is like a mini computer big enough to fit in your palm. A PDA phone is a gadget with the combined features of a mobile phone and a PDA.

Bluetooth: Bluetooth is the trademark name given to a wireless connectivity technology. It enables transfer of data through different devices like mobiles, computers etc without the hassle of wired connections.

WiFi: Stands for Wireless Fidelity. It is a wireless networking Technology where all the devices which have it enabled get connected to internet through a router and a modem without any wires attached. Any user close to the access point in a WiFi enabled area can get instant connectivity with the internet.

A2DP: Stands for Advanced Audio Distribution Profile. It is the technology that enables the streaming of high quality audio from one device to another through Bluetooth.

These were a few of the mind boggling terms hitting you from all directions while checking the specifications of any of the latest mobile phones. Hopefully, now you will be able to differentiate a WiFi from a Bluetooth and would not clinch and move on hurriedly after reading terms like HSDPA, WAP or 3G! So, go ahead and check the features and reviews of that new mobile phone you have been eyeing with far greater ease.