Smartphone

Example: "He used his smartphone to get directions while he was on the road."

A smartphone combines standard mobile phone features with advanced features found on personal device assistants (PDAs). Most smartphones include e-mail and Web surfing capabilities, as well as the ability to display photos, and play music and video files.

Smartphones have advanced system software, much like a computer operating system, which allows them to perform multiple functions. Many smartphones now support third-party applications or "apps," which users can install on the phone.

While smartphones are named because of their "smart" features, some may contend that the name has more to do with the intelligence required to use them.

Published: August 6, 2010