Glossary of mobile phone technology

3G/4G: Third and fourth generations of mobiles, based on wireless technology. 3G is standard at the moment. 4G is the next generation and will involve ultra-fast and wireless downloads. 1G was used for the old analogue phones. 2G was used in the first GSM phones, which became available in the UAE in 1994.

GPRS: Global Packet Radio Services. Most 2G phones use GPRS for downloading and connecting to the internet.

MMS: Multi Media Service. Enables phones to send video and pictures via text message.

Wi-max: Ultra-fast, wireless download, at least twice as fast as you can currently download on a laptop. There is talk about incorporating wi-max in laptops in the next couple of years.

Bluetooth: Short range radio link - enables people to exchange files and data for free within 10 metres of each other. Most modern phones have Bluetooth.

Smartphone: A full-featured mobile phone with functions similar to a personal computer.

Synchronisation: Software which allows you to synchronize your address books on your laptop and mobile.

GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications is currently the global standard operating system for mobile phones.