Mobile devices allow us to stay connected with friends and family, regardless of our location. They also make it easy for students to document their experiences in school and create memories that last a lifetime.
Despite being criticised for their role in workplace distraction, when used correctly, mobile devices can increase productivity. Learn more about how to take advantage of this technology in your workplace by following these tips:
Smartphones
A smartphone is a mobile telephone with built-in personal information management programs, email and Web browser software, a video and still picture camera, a music player, and other functions. It also features a computer operating system that enables the installation of different software applications.
The phone’s popularity has helped drive a multibillion-dollar industry in the development of smartphone software applications, commonly referred to as apps. Many of these apps are free to download, but some charge a fee. Apps can be used for entertainment, leisure activities, completing work-related tasks, communication and social networking.
While smartphones are often associated with “screen time” (the prolonged use of the phone’s screen), research has shown that they can enhance a person’s productivity. The emergence of the smartphone has led to a decline in overall home phone usage, as well as a decrease in long-distance and international call charges.
In a 2012 list of gadgets that changed the world, compiled by Popular Mechanics magazine, the smartphone ranked number one. It was the first device to bridge the functionality of handheld PDA devices and cellular telephony. However, early smartphones were limited by their bulky form factor, short battery life, and reliance on slow analog cellular data networks. The advent of the iPhone, a decade later, saw smartphone adoption skyrocket, transforming the humble mobile phone into a multifunctional pocket computer that continues to evolve in functionality.
Tablets
A tablet is a portable device that’s larger than a smartphone but smaller than a laptop. It runs computer programs called apps, which allow users to play games, shop, take notes in class, read electronic books (e-books), and access the Internet. Most tablets have touchscreens and can be recharged using a cord similar to the one that’s used for charging many smartphones.
Like computers, tablets are usually powered by a central processor and run an operating system that governs the device’s functions. The type of OS also determines which apps are available; Apple’s iPadOS is tied to the company’s proprietary App Store, while Google’s Android tablet OS can work with the broader Google Play Store.
Some tablets can be connected to an external QWERTY keyboard or mouse, although many are designed for use with the touch screen only. The screen is often made of LCD, LED or a combination of both. Some tablets, such as the Kindle Fire HDX and ONYX BOOX NOVA 3, are specifically designed for digital e-books or periodicals. These tablets are called E-readers and have screens that are often made of a reflective e-ink material.
Rugged tablets are designed to withstand rough handling and environments such as construction sites, oil rigs, and military operations. Typically, they are encased in a protective shell and have a sealed hard drive to resist shocks, vibrations, extreme temperatures, dust and water exposure.
Personal digital assistants (PDAS)
A PDA, or Personal Digital Assistant, is a handheld device used for organising and recording information. It features a built-in phone and fax modem, and may also support internet connectivity for email, web browsers, and other online applications. PDAS are often used to keep track of appointments, contacts, memos and notes. They can also be used for storing music and for accessing medical references.
Some early PDAS used a stylus for input and a small screen for output, such as the Palm Pilot. Later, devices that resembled smartphones became popular, including the BlackBerry and the Apple iPhone. Unlike traditional phones, PDAS use mobile data networks to connect to the Internet and download software.
The ability to access the internet on a PDA allows users to stay connected with colleagues and clients. This connectivity is particularly beneficial in healthcare, where it can be utilised to document reflections on practice and learning.
Current PDAS have speech-to-text functionality, which can be helpful for people who are blind or unable to use a stylus or keyboard. However, these solutions tend to be limited in features and may not be well-suited for specific applications. Additionally, PDAS typically have limited processing power and storage capacity, which can limit their functionality and require frequent recharging. Due to these limitations, it is crucial to assess the suitability of a PDA for an individual’s specific needs and abilities.
Gaming consoles
Since Pong, the first home video game featuring two pixelated paddles and a ball, the electronic gaming industry has grown into a multibillion-dollar-a-year global business and an entertainment platform for more than 3 billion gamers. However, these deluxe electronics, ranging from the precious metals used in their construction to the fossil fuel-derived electricity that powers them, are linked to a broad range of environmental threats—including the mining and processing of raw materials, the dumping of toxic chemicals during production, and recycling challenges once the next generation arrives.
The latest consoles are designed to be energy-efficient, with their power consumption reduced by up to %nt when in standby mode. However, many gamers are either unaware of or don’t use the energy-saving setting. Aaming console left on for hours at a time can consume 10 times as much energy as one in standby mode.
A games console is a specialised form of computer, specifically designed for video gaming. They are based on low-power microprocessors, often with limited software functionality and customisation. A key feature of these devices is their ability to swap out games, either using physical game cartridges or optical discs, or through digital distribution to internal storage. They are usually connected to a television, although some are handheld and include built-in screens and game controllers.