What is Mobile Technology?

Mobile technology is constantly evolving, with new devices and uses being created every day. Regardless of form factor, all of these are linked by their capability to send and receive signals by communicating with other devices on networks.

Mobile Device Examples

More and more people are using mobile devices and they're not just limited to the phones in our pockets. From distributing a stronger WiFi signal to enabling a user to access phone calls from their wrist, mobile devices come in all shapes and sizes:

Smartphones: Every mobile phone, smartphone or regular, counts as mobile technology. However, most people nowadays have access to smartphones.
Laptops: Laptops are way better than notebooks computers because they are smaller and can be used in a variety of environments.
Tablets: Tablets are the perfect device for those who want the portability of a smartphone but with the power and functionality of a laptop.
Smartwatches: Smartwatches are designed to synchronize with other devices like phones or laptops. They use cloud technology to display apps or smaller screens. Therefore you can access notfications on the go.
Hotspots: Hotspots are often used in cellular networks and provide private WiFi networks for users to connect to in unorthodox environments.
Mobile gaming consoles: Although gaming consoles have existed in portable forms for many years, recent generations are much more powerful, comparable to home consoles. In addition, they feature two-way connectivity that allows users to access downloadable content, play games with others over a network, and send messages.
IoT devices: Many IoT devices can be classified as mobile technology. This includes devices such as sensors and smartwatches. These devices broadly cover a range of categories and react to their environment. They communicate specific signals when an event is triggered.

Mobile Networks

Mobile devices require access to a network in order to connect to other devices or utilize the internet. Each network is unique in its functionality.

Cellular Networks: Cellular networks rely on radio networks that are spread out through cell towers. This allows mobile devices to automatically change frequencies to their nearest geographical tower without any interruption. Cellular networks have the capability to service mass amounts of users at a single time and are currently transitioning between its fourth and fifth generation of service.
4G: 4G is the fourth generation of cellular service that uses packet switching technology to transmit data more efficiently by organizing it into smaller groupings.
5G: The next generation of network service will require new infrastructure to be rolled out for widespread adoption. By having this capability, networks are able to access more bandwidth which then increases the speed of transmission. 5G has been reported to send and receive signals 20 times faster than 4G.
WiFi: Devices connect to localized hotspot routers via radio waves in order to use WiFi. Users will have the ability to make their WiFi network available for public or private use.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth networks connect devices to other devices via short-wavelength radio waves, rather than connecting them to the internet.