A smartphone release is the release of a mobile phone model that incorporates advanced connectivity capabilities, such as the ability to access high-speed data networks, and to run third-party applications (apps). Mobile phones have evolved from simple communications devices capable only of voice calling and text messaging to fully connected mini-computers in a pocket. As a result, they have largely replaced personal digital assistant (PDA) devices, handheld/palm-sized computers, portable media players, point-and-shoot cameras and camcorders, e-reader devices, pocket calculators, and even GPS tracking units.
The term “smartphone” was first applied to a prototype designed by IBM engineer Frank Canova and displayed at a computer industry trade show in 1991. It wasn’t until 2000 that Ericsson released a model, the R380 “smartphone”, that was officially marketed under this nomenclature.
In 2007 Apple launched the iPhone, a touchscreen device with internet access that was widely regarded as a game changer. In addition to the standard voice and data services, the iPhone offered apps, such as email, multimedia messaging, and calendar reminders. It also ushered in the use of a touch screen and an integrated digital camera. The iPhone’s software capabilities led to the rapid adoption of other smartphones.
Since early 2017, smartphones, such as the Sony Xperia XZ and the Samsung Galaxy S9, have been able to record videos in slow motion with a frame rate unsustainably higher than normal, using burst memory to temporarily store frames from the image sensor in internal bursts that last a few real-time seconds. 7.1 mobile audio developer DTS has announced that a future release will enable smartphones to faithfully recreate surround sound on headphones, which should be possible thanks to the increased processing power of new models.