Group 3: Ada Wong, Kristina Paige Robison, Maximilian Eduard Van Dijk, Brendan Michael O'Reilly

=Cell Phones - Why so Needy?=

Members

 * Ada Wong
 * Kristina Paige Robison
 * Maximilian Eduard Van Dijk
 * Brendan Michael O'Reilly

Problem Statement
Cell phone addiction has become an increasing concern and the dependency for this device is alarming.

Introduction
In today's society, we have adapted to our fifth limb--the CELL PHONE! As technology advances, new cellular device come out on an almost hourly basis. Along with the increasing trend of cell usage, comes the consequential decline in physical social interactions. We've come a long way since the creation of the basic radio wireless system. Nowadays, cell phones have become our "personal digital assistant" and are capable of enhancing every aspect of our lives. However, the convenience also presents danger because the convenience gives us the idea that they are appropriate to use everywhere - even while driving.

Brief History of Cell phones (development)

 * 1921: The Detroit Michigan Police Department began to regularly use mobile radios in their patrol vehicles, signifying the earliest time in which mobile devices were used in the United States.
 * 1946: The first mobile phone call from AT&T was placed in St. Louis.[[Image:motorola.jpg|right|200 px]]
 * 1947: A huge year for the development of mobile phones. Richard H. Frenkiel and Joel S. Engel of AT&T laboratories realized that they could divide radio frequencies into tiny cells of service area which could be reused; significantly increasing the amount mobile phones could be used. Technology was still lacking to actually make this a reality however.
 * At this time, AT&T had to ask for the FCC(Federal Communications Commission) to allow for more radio frequencies to be used for mobile phones. This would eventually push for more research in this technology to be done.
 * Bell Labs were also conducting similar research, and providing similar service.
 * Eventually, drivers along a highway leading from New York to Boston were able to use a public mobile system, for use within their vehicles.
 * 1953: Mobile telephone systems were introduced in a range of 800 MHz by AT&T
 * 1971: AT&T once again made a proposition to the FCC, this time it was for a “cellular” system, closer to what we operate on today.
 * 1973: Rival to AT&T’s Joe Engel, Martin Cooper of Motorola was the first to place a cell phone call. This particular call was placed to Mr. Engel.
 * 1977: The license for a cellular system operation was granted to AT&T for use in Chicago. Bell is one step behind, with construction of a developmental cellular system.
 * 1979: Japan beat the US to the punch: the first cellular networking system is introduc

Statistics and Fun Facts



 * Cell Phone usage in the US has increased from 34 million to 203 million in the last ten years.
 * There is an estimated two billion cell phones world-wide.
 * According to a 2004 MIT survey, cell phone is “the most hated but can’t live without invention”, beating the alarm clock and television.
 * 83% of respondents said cell phones have made life easier, beating the Internet at 76%; but 60% said they find cell phone usage in public is somewhat irritating.
 * Sprint user survey found that 47% of Bay Area respondents said they were inseparable from their mobile phones.
 * Telephia found that Americans used their phone on an average of 13hours a month—with users 18 to 24 talking close to 22 hours a month.
 * According to BBDO survey, 15% of Americans have interrupted sex to answer a cell phone call; 59% of users would not think of lending their cell phones to a friend for a day; and 26% said that it is more important to go home to retrieve a cell phone than a wallet.
 * According to the Cingular Wireless survey, more than one-fourth of respondents formed opinions of someone based on their ring tone; and 7% have ended a relationship due to rude or offensive wireless behavior.


 * "Find Which Cell Phone Is For You" --> http://www.mobiledia.com/guides/quiz/

Functions and Usage
In today’s society, the functions of a cell phone and its usages are far beyond connecting people through verbal communication. Besides the basic voice conference, modern cell phone users also use them for entertainment and to enhance organization. Most cell phones have features under the following categories: camera, messaging, entertainment, internet, organizer, data storage and transfer. The embedded camera can single or multiple photos and is able to perform video recording. Messaging can be done via email, picture messaging (MMS), text messaging (SMS), and sound messaging. Common entertainments usually include music, games, Java applications, radio, and video clips. Phone book, calendar, notes, calculator, alarm clock and timer are basic organization tools that included in most of today’s cell phones; and in the more advanced cell phones, they would have document readers, document editors, and dictionaries for professional business usages. Mobile phones nowadays also utilize the Internet, and users are able to do web browsing, to read and create web feeds, to stream for music and videos, and to download wirelessly; some even have the WiFi feature for free internet access. Cell phones today are also a means of data storage and data transfer; this can be done with the use of the phone’s internal memory, expandable storage space with memory cards, Bluetooth technology, USB connection, and infrared transfer.

Thanks to rapid technological improvements, video conferencing is possible and instant messaging is common on the cell phones. Data input also evolved from numeric cell phone keypads to touch screens and QWERTY keyboards. At the same time, input method improved from multi-tap or abc input to T9, or predictive text. As technology continues to advance, developers will make currently available innovations cheaper and more accessible, e.g. TV on cell phone, and create new and more creative applications to be used.

Side Notes:


 * T9 is short for "Text on 9 Keys."
 * T9 text input does not suggest slang terms
 * QWERTY keyboard takes its name from the first six letters shown on the keyboard's top row of letters

Pros
As cell phones have progressed over the years they have become smaller, more compact and much easier to use. Due to the technological advances in cell phones, the pros for cell phones have essentially become endless.

Some of the features that make using cell phones easier and more appealing to use is:
 * Caller id, voicemail, 3-way calling
 * Texting, with the use of T9 and Sure-type. These features allows your phone to correct and complete words that you type.
 * The general use of the phone. The ability to click the number or search it in your contact book and have it dial, opposed to dialing the number yourself.
 * Cell phones have become so easy to use that essentially anyone can figure them out, from young children to the technology challenged elder.

Smartphones have integrated technology such as:
 * Full internet access, browse the internet, download files, etc.
 * Email application, which allows you to have all your emails directly connected to your phone from both your outside accounts as well as email accounts solely for your phone.
 * You can now view, edit and even create documents such as; powerpoint, word and excel
 * The ability to watch videos, upload and even edit videos makes cellphones even more like computers. With the use of full internet access, you are also able to download videos directly to your phone.
 * All the technology that cellphone companies have incorporated have made cell phones extremely convenient and useful for any business man or woman as well as any university student.

Cell phones have come so far that they have even incorporated other handheld devices into phones:
 * The incorporation of not only a digital camera but as well as a video camera. You are also able to load photos and videos directly from your phone to your computer.
 * Two way radios; Mike phones, now offer the ability to turn your phone into a two-way radio, which is very useful for any labor worker.
 * The mapping and GPS application allows you to search; where you are, where you want to go with directions as well as search where different; stores, businesses, banks, etc.
 * Mp3 and IPod technology, now allows you to upload hundreds of songs onto your phone.

All these features, functions and advancements in technology has allowed cell phones to become the ultimate all-in-one hand held device.

Cons
Although cell phones have made life more convenient for many, cell phones still portray flaws. These flaws include:
 * Multi-tasking concerns: Since cell phones can be used just about anywhere, naturally people started to multi-task while using their mobile. This multi-tasking has lead to a widespread concern for the safety of users while communicating on their mobile device.  The largest concern is cell phone usage while driving.  Automobile accidents are one of the leading causes of death, and cell phones only contribute to the danger.  Studies have found that using a cell phone while driving has a huge impact on a driver’s performance.  Cell phone usage while driving has been found to eliminate a significant portion of a person’s reaction time, which can lead to devastating results.
 * Social concerns: While cell phones have made life significantly more convenient for various people, cell phones have also become an annoyance. The reason for this annoyance is because of the rude factor that cell phones have created.  Since a person can be contacted anywhere using their cell phone, this means that users will answer their phone anywhere, which leads to the people who surround the user to become annoyed or offended.  In fact public cell phone usage has become such an issue that restaurants and other establishments have posted signs stating “No Cell Phones”.  Also cell phones have become a teacher’s worst enemy because of the text-message movement that has taken over the youth.  Text messaging has become distraction for students during class time.
 * Health Concerns: There is extensive concern being spread about the possibility that cell phones can cause harm to people’s health. The main health concern is if the radio frequency fields that cell phones emit can cause harm to the human brain.  It has been a common belief that continuous cell phone usage will cause cancer, but there has been little proof.  In fact many studies have been conducted which concluded that there is no correlation between brain tumors and cell phone usage.  Researchers have found that tumors have not occurred more often on the side of the head when cell phones are used, and also tumor sizes do not relate to cell phone usage.  Although it not a for sure fact that cell phones do not cause harm, recent studies have provided evidence to believe so.

Cell phone companies/plans
Cell phone usage has increased so dramatically that the use of landline phone has been almost eliminated. In fact cell phone companies have even created a new systems that’s called “hot spots” that allows a cell phone to perform the same function that a landline would. Even a time where we are on a verge of economic crisis, people will not give up their expensive cell phone bills, and fall back to the cheaper land line.

Future Technology
Mobile telephone technology has come a long way from the brick weight heavy analog phones of the ninties to the feather weight iPhone. To many it would seem that once you purchase shiny new cell phone, a new one comes out the very next day that trumps your exciting purchase. And the fact is, its true. Cell phones have become such a necessity to many people that new is not good enough. In fact, stasitics can’t even keep up with the growing cell phone world. In 2007, research claimed that by 2010, 3 billion people in the world would use a cell phone. This number was only large enough to reach 2007. The following describes some of the new technology we will be seeing shortly which will enhance cell phone usage substantially:
 * Cell phone payment: In the near future, it will not be uncommon to see someone “scanning” their cell phone to pay for groceries or other retail goods. “New field communication (NFC)” will allow for your cell phone to contain a chip which holds your banking information. Because NFC uses a two way communication system, your private information is much more secure through the use of passwords and pin numbers. This system is already used in Japan, and currently under trials in North America.
 * Enhanced TV programming: Although many providers have offered the service, TV on the cell phone has not been worth it to many consumers. However, with advanced technology and cooperation of cell phone providers, TV on your phone will become very similar to what you see on your home set.
 * “Wii” motion: Like the popular new Nintendo console, cell phones will begin to be sensitive to certain motions produced by the user. By the flick of the wrist you will be able to find what you want on your phone, without the task of pressing small buttons.
 * Point and Know: The cell phone will eventually become your own personal dictionary, guide, or encyclopaedia for information on just about anything. This form of technology is called “mobile augmented reality”. Digital feedback will give you the breakdown of a historic building, just by pointing your phone at the structure, or tell you the health report on your new favourite restaurant.

Conclusion
With the improvement in cell phone technology, mobiles phone are providing us with many unforeseen conveniences and allowing us to work much more efficiently. Consequentially, however, the widely perceived enhancement in communication deteriorates our chances for physical interactions and raises other health concerns. If this technology is used wisely and appropriately, the benefits resulting from the cell phones development are irreplaceable, but we must be cautious and considering its pros and cons.

DON'T TEXT YOUR LIFE AWAY!

Statistics and Fun Facts & Functions and Usage(Ada Wong)

 * Peter Svensson (2009, April 02). On new cell phones, QWERTY eases out 1-2-3. Associated Press. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jUwfMQvULOIRt_c5zAJTrG6K4ZnQD97AGT2G0
 * Ididnotknowthatyesterday(2005, September 07). Re: Why QWERTY and not ABCD…. Message posted to http://ididnotknowthatyesterday.blogspot.com/2005/09/why-qwerty-and-not-abcd.html
 * Agarwal, A.(2009, February 18). Re: T9 Text Input on your Cell Phone Won’t Suggest Slang Terms. Message posted to http://www.labnol.org/gadgets/phones/no-slangs-for-t9-text-input/7359/
 * Sonyericsson. (n.d.). Home page. Retrieved April 4, 2009, from http://www.sonyericsson.com
 * Some Interesting Facts About Cellphones. (2000, January 19). Retrieved April 4, 2009, from http://www.wave-guide.org/library/cellphones.html
 * Nokia Codes. (n.d.). Retrieved April 4, 2009, from http://www.programmerworld.net/articles/tips/nokia_codes.php
 * Pirillo, C. (2006, September 1,2009)The Ultimate Mobile Device, [Online Image]. Retrieved April 4, 2009, from weblog. http://chris.pirillo.com/the-ultimate-mobile-device/
 * Cell Phone Statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2009, from http://www.accuconference.com/blog/CellPhoneStatistics.aspx
 * Kim, R. (2006, February 27). The world’s a cell-phone stage. San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved from http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/02/27/BUG2IHECTO1.DTL
 * Meaney, J. (2008, August 30)The Damm Cell Phone, [Online Image]. Retrieved April 5, 2009, from weblog. http://www.toonpool.com/cartoons/The%20Damm%20Cell%20Phone_21411
 * Chapel, D. (2008, January 24) Cell Phone Obsession, [Online Image]. Retrieved April 5, 2009, from Worcester Magazine. 'http://www.dsquared.org/womag/cellphoneob_cartoonbw.jpg'

History & Future Technology (Kristina Robison)

 * "Blog | News & Information on Wireless Services & Telecommunications | Mobile Future." Mobile Future | Wireless Technologies | Mobile Innovation. 11 Apr. 2009 .
 * "HowStuffWorks "Top 5 Emerging Phone Technologies"" Howstuffworks "Communication Channel" 11 Apr. 2009 .
 * "Living with Technology: Tomorrow's cell phone tech: 10 things your phone will do in 10 years - CNET.com." Product reviews and prices, software downloads, and tech news - CNET. 11 Apr. 2009 .
 * "Mobile Phone History - Invention of the Mobile Phone." The Great Idea Finder - Celebrating the Spirit of Innovation. 11 Apr. 2009 .
 * "Mobile phones, history of mobile phones." Cell phones, Home Phones, Business Phones, Cordless Phones and MORE! 11 Apr. 2009 .
 * "Privateline.com Mobile Telephone History: Page 5." Daily Notes. 11 Apr. 2009 .
 * "Selling The Cell Phone - History Of Cellular Phones." Inventors. 11 Apr. 2009 .
 * "WaveGuide - A Brief History of Cellular Technology." Wave-Guide: EMF/RFR Bioeffects and Public Policy. 11 Apr. 2009 .
 * 

Cons & Cell phone companies (Brendan O'Reilly)
Repacholi, M. (2001). Health risks from the use of mobile phones. Toxicology Letters, 120. P 323-331 

Christensen, H. (2004). Cellular Telephone Use and Risk of Acoustic Neuroma. American Journals of Epidemiology, 159. P277-283 www.oxfordjournals.org

Horrey, J. (2006). Examining the Impact of Cell Phone Conversations on Driving Using Meta-Analytic Techniques. The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 48. P196-205 < hfs.sagepub.com>

Scott, F. (2005). Just Say No: Exploring the Norms of Cell Phone Use in Public. Conference Papers -- American Sociological Association; 2005 Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, p1-17, 17p retrieved from EBSCOhost database