The Evolution of the Cell Phone

By Danielle313

  • The First Cell Phone

    Cause: The Motorola DynaTac 8000X, the first portable cell phone went on sale in the United States. Effect: Phones were not limited to house phones anymore. The possibility of portable technology had now been introduced.

  • Phones are Getting Smaller and Lighter

    Cause: The MicroTac 9800X was the smallest and lightest cellular device to be introduced at the time. Effect: Phones are becoming smaller and lighter. They are most likely costing less to make, as a result. Materials are easier to come by.

  • Software Applications

    Cause: The IBM Simon is the first phone to contain software applications, or applications. This is also the first "touch screen" phone (complete with a stylus). Effect: Applications are now being introduced on the cell phone, making it more versatile. The "touch screen" has also been introduced.

  • The First LCD Screens

    Cause: The Nokia Communicator looked like a normal phone on the outside, but included an LCD screen on the inside that was as big as the device itself. Effect: LCD screens are now used on more than just cell phones, including tablets, and TV's, and other technological devices.

  • First marketed "Smartphone"

    Cause: The Ericsson R380 was the first phone to be marketed as a "smartphone", and used the new Symbian mobile operating system. Effect: Nokia, used the Symbian OS as their primary system. Today, most of our cellular devices are marketed as "smartphones'.

  • Nokia Brings Communication to All

    Cause: The Nokia 1100 is marketed to those in developing countries. Effect: Those in developing countries have access to communication at this time.

  • Apple iPhone Launch

    Cause: Apple launches their iPhone, which includes touch screen use through finger input. Effect: This phone launches "smartphones" into the mainstream, and are still at the forefront of technology today.

  • The Thinnest Cell Phone Around

    Cause: The Motorola Razr is introduced, and is the thinnest cell phone on the market. Effect: Many smartphone companies mimic Motorola and compete for thinner and "sleeker" smartphones.