The Third Screen

From Geek to Chic: a decade of smartphone evolution


First Generation     Cell phones functioned in service areas divided into cells serviced by transmitting antennas. As the caller moved from one cell to the next the signal for the call is handed from one antenna to the next. Bell labs developed this system, the Advanced Mobile Phone System, in 1986. The system went offline in 2008. If you've ever dropped a call it's due to roaming into a dark area, space that is not covered by a transmitter, or an area that is geologically restrictive of receiving a signal. This is the reason you cant get cell service in the Virgin River Gorge.

Second Generation   Cell phone transmissions went digital shrinking the data stream to increase network capacities, more users being able to make more calls. A common standard for second generation phones evolved called GSM (Global Systems for Mobile communication). Capitalism intervened with proprietary competing standards in the United States that were not compatible with each other or GSM. Second generation technology enable SMS, or text messaging.

Third Generation 3G   Streaming more compressed data faster introduced the third generation of mobile technology, known to celliphiles as 3G. More and faster means email and web surfing, albeit at snails' pace compared to speed rates on the second screen. The high connection speeds enabled streaming of radio and television content to 3G handsets, a significant shift in the channels paradigm.

4G TNBT   4G opens the flow of data information with peak download speeds at 100 million bits per second for fast traveling mobile communication such as trains and cars, and one billion bits per second for low mobility communication such as pedestrians and stationary users. The 4G system is expected to provide comprehensive and secure all IP based mobile broadband solutions to smartphones, laptop wireless modems and other mobile devices. 


This speed and band width make it possible for ultra broadband internet access, and to stream HD television and video conferencing along with multi-player video games, including those where the gaming virtual physical context is superimposed on real-world physical contexts through heads-up displays.