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Cell Phone Terms GlossaryThe handset market is riddled with puzzling terms. We hope that this section enlightens your understanding of key words commonly used for describing electronics and mobile devices. A/V Audio Video Cable: A cable used to share audio and video data between two devices. (see an example of A/V Audio Video Cable) Accessories: An accompanying item, decoration piece, or a key component to enhance the functionality and features of an existing product. Adhesive Stickers: Decorative stickers that also serve the purpose of protecting against scratches. The adhesive stickers can easily be peeled off without leaving any marks. (see an example of Adhesive Stickers) Android: Refers to the operating system and type of phone pioneered by Google in collaboration with other handset providers. Android phones compete directly with Apple iPhone and Blackberry devices. Apple iPad: A handheld tablet computer developed by Apple. It is similar to an iPhone but much larger in size. It is particularly used as a platform for consuming audio and visual media such as books, movies, music and games. The device does not have inherent support for making phone calls. Apple iPhone: A touch screen phone developed by Apple. It is a multimedia-enabled smart phone first introduced within Canada in 2009. The most popular models are the iPhone 3G, iPhone 3Gs, and iPhone 4. The iPhone is supported by nearly all major cell phone carriers in the Greater Toronto Region: Rogers, Fido, Bell, and Telus. Apple iPod: An mp3 player developed by Apple. There are many types of iPods available, such as iPod Classic, iPod Nano, iPod Shuffle, and iPod Touch. Each device serves the purpose of providing portable music. Arm Band: A nylon based sleeve for holding a cell phone or mp3 device around a person's arm. It is often used by gym and outdoor enthusiasts to listen to music during their workout. (see an example of Arm Band) Authorized Dealer: A retail store that is authorized by a cellular provider to sell subscription services on their behalf. Battery: Every cell phone needs a battery to store a charge. Some phones, such as the iPhone, have a built-in battery; while, other phones may have an easily replaceable battery. Batteries may come in several different grades, depending on the charge they can hold. A triple AAA grade battery can hold a charge for the longest duration and is generally recommend for maximum performance. Bell Mobility: A large cell phone subscription provider in Canada. (see an example of Bell Mobility) BlackBerry: A smart phone provided by a company based in Waterloo, Canada. The phone is known for its friendly keyboard design and secure messaging. The most popular BlackBerry phones are BlackBerry 9000, BlackBerry 9700/9780, BlackBerry Curve 8520/9300, BlackBerry Pearl 9100, BlackBerry Storm 9500/9550, and BlackBerry Torch 9800. BlackBerry Playbook: A tablet device similar to the iPad, but smaller in size making it more portable. Bluetooth: A technology that allows two electronic devices to wirelessly communicate over short distances. For example, a computer may be connected to a printer or other peripherals using Bluetooth. Most computers and smart phones have built in support for Bluetooth. (see an example of Bluetooth) Bluetooth Dongle: An electronic device that provides a Bluetooth connection between two electronic peripherals. (see an example of Bluetooth Dongle) Cable 2.5 mm: A data cable with a 2.5 mm pin. (see an example of Cable 2.5 mm) Cable 3.5 mm: A data cable with a 3.5 mm pin. (see an example of Cable 3.5 mm) Card Reader: A digital media reading device that is used to transfer data from memory cards; such as, USB sticks, SD, Micro SD, and SIM cards. (see an example of Card Reader) Chargers: There are three types of chargers: home chargers, car chargers and USB data cables. A home charger draws power from the wall socket. A car charger draws power from the car's cigarette lighter socket. A data cable draws power from the computer's USB socket. Each brand of phone requires a unique charger pin. A BlackBerry charger, for example, won't work on an iPhone. DVI: A special plug for transmitting audio/video signal between a computer and digital televisions. It is often used by people to watch movies from their laptop onto their television. Most new computers and television sets have built in support for DVI. (see an example of DVI) Data Cables: USB Cables are often used to charge cellular devices using a computer. Each brand of cell phone has its own unique set of data cables. For example, a Blackberry USB data cable won't work with Sony Ericsson phones. (see an example of Data Cables) Defender: A popular cell phone case manufacturer known for its protection against shock and damage. Digitizer: A small circuit adjunct with the cell phone's LCD screen. It is used to convert analog signals into digital signals. Dock: A cell phone cradle used to keep the device upright while charging. It makes it easy for the owner to watch movies and also functions as a decorative accessory. (see an example of Dock) External Speakers: Compact speakers used to play music from mp3 players and cell phones. (see an example of External Speakers) FM Transmitters: An accessory used to wirelessly connect a cell phone, mp3 player, or memory card to the car radio in order to listen to the device's music over the car's speakers. The FM Transmitters are usually charged from the car's cigarette lighter. (see an example of FM Transmitters) Fido: A large cell phone subscription provider in Canada, largely focused within Toronto. Fido is owned by Rogers. (see an example of Fido) GSM: One of the two most popular network systems for telephony in Canada. Rogers Wireless was amongst the first to adopt it. GTA: Greater Toronto Area. The term refers to regions such as Toronto, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, North York, Markham, Oakville, etc. H Hardy: A popular brand of cell phone covers and apparels known for their youthful designs. HDMI: A special plug for transmitting audio/video signal between a computer and digital televisions. It is often used by people to watch movies from their laptop onto their television. Most new computers and television sets have built in support for HDMI. (see an example of HDMI) HTC: A smart phone company. Its most popular models in Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke, and Brampton are HTC Snap, HTC Desire, HTC Touch, HTC Panache, and HTC HD7. Hard Covers: Cell phone covers with a solid back. It provides good protection against shock and scratches. These types of cases often boast a glossy exterior. Some of the most popular hard covers are designed by Otterbox, Defender Cases, H Hardy, and Speck. (see an example of Hard Covers) Headsets: Headphones are used to listen to music or talk over the phone. Most headsets come with a 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm data pin. (see an example of Headsets) Hello Kitty: A popular brand for cell phone covers and apparels. Housing: An outer skeleton of a cellular device; may refer to the faceplate and back over. Cell phone housing is often used to change the color of the device, or to replace its damaged or scratched outer cover. ISP: Internet Service Providers offer data access to computers and cellular devices. Koodo: A Roger's flanker brand specializing in selling cheap cell phone plans. (see an example of Koodo) LCD: The display screen of a cellular phone. LG: A smart phone developer. Their most popular phones in Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke, and Brampton are LG Optimus/Quantum, LG POP, LG Xenon, and LG Cookie. Laptop Charger: An adapter used to charge laptops and notebooks. A laptop charger may come in powers of 70W, 90W and 120W. (see an example of Laptop Charger) MP3 Players: A portable device used to listen to music. Popular MP3 players include iPod, Zune, and Sony Ericsson. (see an example of MP3 Players) Memory Sticks: A storage device used to save media from a computer onto a portable card. The USB memory stick usually comes in storage capacities of 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB. Micro SD Card: A small sized memory card often found in cell phones and digital cameras. Some laptops have a built-in socket for downloading media off the micro SD card. However, a universal card reader may be used to serve the same purpose if the socket is missing from the computer. Micro USB: A pin widely used to charge cell phones and GPS devices. The Micro USB is gradually replacing the Mini USB across Western nations. (see an example of Micro USB) Mini USB: A pin widely used to charge cell phones and GPS devices. (see an example of Mini USB) Mobilicity: A new wireless subscription entrant, providing cheap cellular subscriptions within the region of the Greater Toronto Area. (see an example of Mobilicity) Motorola: A smart phone developer. Their most popular phones in Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke, and Brampton are Motorola Atrix, Motoblur, Motorola Spice, V3 Razr, and Motorola Quench. Nokia: A smart phone developer. Their most popular phones in Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke, and Brampton are Nokia N95/N97, Nokia N8, Nokia E72, Nokia C6/C6-01, Nokia C7, and Nokia 5230. Otterbox: popular cell phone case manufacturer known for its robust designs. Paul Frank: A popular brand for cell phone covers and apparels. Public Mobile: A new wireless subscription entrant, providing low cost smart phones within Toronto. Retractable Cables: A cable that may be shortened or lengthened by simply stretching it from its hinges. It is particularly useful for data cables in order to preserve space. (see an example of Retractable Cables) Rogers Plus: Refers to the retail stores under Rogers. Rogers Wireless: A large cell phone subscription provider in Canada. (see an example of Rogers Wireless) SD Card: A memory card often found in digital cameras. Some laptops have a built-in socket for downloading media off the SD card. However, a universal card reader may be used to serve the same purpose if the socket is missing from the computer. SIM Card: A removable memory card used to identify and store the mobile subscriber's phone number and personal media. It is provided by the subscriber's cell phone network provider, such as Fido, Bell, Telus, Mobilicity, etc. Data from a SIM card can be read on a computer using a SIM card reader. (see an example of SIM Card) SKU: Stock-keeping unit is a unique inventory code used to identify products. It is similar to a barcode. Samsung: A smart phone developer. Their most popular phones in Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke, and Brampton are Samsung Galaxy S Captivate/Fascinate/Vibrant/Spica/i9000, Samsung Nexus S, Samsung Omnia, and Samsung Wave. Screen Protectors - 2 sided: A transparent screen protector for cell phones that protects both, front and back, sides of the phone. (see an example of Screen Protectors - 2 sided) Screen Protectors - Anti-Glare or Anti-thumb Impression: A transparent screen guard for cell phones that prevents finger prints on the screen and also improves readability by reducing the screen glare. (see an example of Screen Protectors - Anti-Glare or Anti-thumb Impression) Screen Protectors - Clear or Plain: A transparent screen guard for cell phones. It helps prevent scratches and damage inflicted by moisture and misuse. (see an example of Screen Protectors - Clear or Plain) Screen Protectors - Mirror: A screen guard that turns into a mirror when the phone LCD is off. The reflective surface of the screen protector acts as a mirror. (see an example of Screen Protectors - Mirror) Silicone Covers: The soft gel silicone cases are made of a flexible rubber that tightly wraps around its respective phone. The silicone cover can come in various sizes, colors and is generally cheaper since it is made out of moulded rubber. (see an example of Silicone Covers) Smart Phones: Refers to the latest handset devices that support internet access, media files, and large LCD screens. Solar Battery Chargers: An external charger that can power a device for extended use. A solar battery charger can be recharged at any time using the Sun. (see an example of Solar Battery Chargers) Sony Ericsson: A smart phone developer. Their most popular phones in Toronto, Mississauga, Etobicoke, and Brampton are Sony Ericsson TM506, Sony Ericsson Xperia X10/mini, Sony Ericsson Xperia Play, and Sony Ericsson Xperia Arc X12. Speck: A popular cell phone case manufacturer known for its simple designs. TPU Cases: Semi-flexible cell phone covers. They often have a frosted interior and provide good protection against damage and scratches. (see an example of TPU Cases) Telus: A large cell phone subscription provider in Canada. (see an example of Telus) Track Balls: A small ball set that can be rotated by hand to navigate through a cell phone's screen. Track balls are most popular for their use in BlackBerry phones. (see an example of Track Balls) USB Hub: An extension cord for USB sockets. It increases the number of USB slots for a computer. (see an example of USB Hub) Universal Battery Chargers: A gadget that can charge a majority of cell phone and camera batteries. (see an example of Universal Battery Chargers) VGA: A plug used for transmitting audio/video signal between two electronic devices. It is often used to set up a dual-monitor for a computer. (see an example of VGA) Virgin Mobile: A cell phone subscription provider primarily marketed towards the younger demographics. Webcam: A camera used to stream audio and video signal between two computers over the internet. External webcams are needed for computers and laptops that don't have a webcam already built-in. (see an example of Webcam) Wholesale: A company that provides products at low-costs but in large volumes to other businesses, rather than selling them directly to the consumer. Wind Mobile: A new wireless subscription entrant, providing cheap cellular subscriptions within the regions of the Greater Toronto Area. (see an example of Wind Mobile) Windshield Mount: A universal holder used to clasp GPS and cellular devices so that they may be easily accessible while the person drives. The mount comes with easily adjustable clamps to support any phone size. (see an example of Windshield Mount)
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