A recent report shows that 16% of US households use only cell phones. Stats Canada reports that we’re slowly moving in the same direction – we’re currently sitting at 6.4%. Convenience is probably the largest single factor influencing the cell-only trend, but the rise in popularity of 3rd Generation Networks and smart phones will create even more converts.
A smart phone is a next-generation, multifunctional cell phone that can handle voice communication, text-messaging, and data processing as well as enhanced wireless connectivity. They’re like a supped-up cell phone – and when you combine a smart phone with a decent 3G network – your cell phone starts to work like a home computer.
- Enhanced wireless capability like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and the ability to synchronize with computers.
- A large RAM and ROM memory and storage (memory cards or built-in hard disk).
- And operating systems with advanced applications like media players, browsing capability, and games. A lot of smart phones also have high end camera lenses and video sharing capability.
As
Canadian cell companies continue to expand their 3G (3rd Generation)
networks, more and more consumers will make the switch to smart phones.
Early adopters are already using smart phones to send and receive
video, check websites in real time, and make video conference calls.
And
if you thought Facebook was addictive on your computer – wait til you
start playing with it on your smart phone. You can update photos
immediately – watch videos, instantly message back and forth with
friends – and constantly update your Facebook status or check the
status of your friends.
Of course, before you start playing with
any web sites on your cell phones - contact your network provider and
make sure you know what kind of data package you have. A friend of mine
got a new phone and started playing on websites like Facebook and got a
bill that could have payed his mortgage for the month.
If
you really want to keep all your friends up to date about your
activities – you can also Twitter them – your friends register as part
of your network and you’re able to update them whenever you like. Some
of my friends use it all the time – Sandra is doing her laundry – John
is going for drinks with the gang – there’s a pick-up basketball game
tonight at wherever. It is really handy when doing business at
conferences. You can let people know you’ve updated your website with
new video – or you’ve posted a new blog. 
Another
interesting site to check out is called Kyte. You can download the Kyte
video player to your cell and effectively – the site is like a youtube
for your cell.
The iPhone and other smart phones make surfing the net much more accessible and user-friendly. 
Lots
of Canadians simply bought US iPhones and hacked them to work in Canada
– but we are officially supposed to get the iPhone from Rogers before
the end of this year. Rumor has it that the new 3G iPhones will be
announced in June; hopefully Canada will be part of that rollout.
One
of the reasons people hold on to their landlines is cheap long distance
calls – but the cell phone manufacturers are slowly creeping into that
market too.
The Nokia 6301 can connect to a Wifi router and lets
you make cheap or free long distance calls anywhere in Canada– heavy
long distance users will really like this. As long as your phone is
connected via Wifi – you can technically call anywhere in Canada for
free. What’s more, if you start the call from home using the Wifi – you
could leave your house and drive all the way to the airport while still
talking and the whole call is free.
With all the amazing smart
phones out there – it’s no surprise that the number of cell phone only
houses in Canada is on the rise.
Until next time - keep clicking and stay Connected.
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