“Over 550,000 Android devices are being activated each day,” says Engadget, with preceding numbers being 400,000 in May and 500,000 in June. Conversely, 367,000 iOS devices are activated every day. These two powerhouses of Smartphone technology prove that the Smartphone era is here.
Smartphones unraveled great strides in technology, offering the world the power of a computer into a small, mobile device. Through Smartphones, it is now possible to check email, update social networking sites, watch movies, and balance checking accounts all at the touch of a phone screen.
With the first Smartphone being the IBM Simon, released 1993, Smartphone technology quickly made its way into consumers’ daily lives. Now, the iOS-powered iPhone and Android-powered devices exist as nearly crucial necessities in contemporary society. According to a research done by Pew Research Center, it was found that 42 percent of all cell phone-holding adults use Smartphones. Of these Smartphone holders, 68 percent confessed to frequently use the internet services the phones provide. Smartphone technology has also won over the younger generation with its flamboyant applications and media connections. Through games such like Angry Birds, Smartphones offer children and teenagers a source of entertainment.
In this technologically advanced society, states undergraduate Christopher Lee, one may be “outdated” if one does not possess a Smartphone. “When we see friends that don’t have Smartphones, we usually make fun of them. Carrying that old [phone] is like wearing a pantaloon.” Lee himself owns a Droid Bionic, available via Verizon, and bragged the features available to him.
“You could do anything with phones these days. I could play games, watch movies, do anything. My phone is what usually keeps me awake during boring lectures,” added Lee.
As Smartphone activation rates rise, its counterpart, usage, rises proportionally. Although these mobile devices are of comfort, they do have negative aspects. For example, South Korea is a country known as one of the most advanced in terms of mobile devices. However, this convenience arouses major problems in the nation.
“All they do is sit down and play with their phones… almost as if they’re mesmerized,” stated David Park, a high school student who recently visited Korea, while describing his trip in a subway. “They’re like antisocial. They only care about the games on their phone.”
The introduction of Smartphones impacted society greatly, altering the identity of handheld devices completely. Society must do its part to keep up with the rapid growth of Smartphones.
“I think these phones are really cool. But people need to learn how to moderate themselves and not go overboard,” concluded Park.