Lesson 7: Mobile Devices Show
/en/computerbasics/laptop-computers/content/ What is a mobile device?A mobile device is a general term for any type of handheld computer. These devices are designed to be extremely portable, and they can often fit in your hand. Some mobile devices—like tablets, e-readers, and smartphones—are powerful enough to do many of the same things you can do with a desktop or laptop computer. Tablet computersLike laptops, tablet computers are designed to be portable. However, they provide a different computing experience. The most obvious difference is that tablet computers don't have keyboards or touchpads. Instead, the entire screen is touch-sensitive, allowing you to type on a virtual keyboard and use your finger as a mouse pointer. Tablet computers can't necessarily do everything traditional computers can do. For many people, a traditional computer like a desktop or laptop is still needed in order to use some programs. However, the convenience of a tablet computer means it may be ideal as a second computer. E-readersE-book readers—also called e-readers—are similar to tablet computers, except they are mainly designed for reading e-books (digital, downloadable books). Notable examples include the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Kobo. Most e-readers use an
e-ink display, which is easier to read than a traditional computer display. You can even read in bright sunlight, just like if you were reading a regular book. You don't need an e-reader to read e-books. They can also be read on tablets, smartphones, laptops, and desktops. SmartphonesA smartphone is a more powerful version of a traditional cell phone. In addition to the same basic features—phone calls, voicemail, text messaging—smartphones can connect to the Internet over Wi-Fi or a cellular network (which requires purchasing a monthly data plan). This means you can use a smartphone for the same things you would normally do on a computer, such as checking your email, browsing the Web, or shopping online. Most smartphones use a touch-sensitive screen,meaning there isn't a physical keyboard on the device. Instead, you'll type on a virtual keyboard and use your fingers to interact with the display. Other standard features include a high-quality digital camera and the ability to play digital music and video files. For many people, a smartphone can actually replace electronics like an old laptop, digital music player, and digital camera in the same device. /en/computerbasics/understanding-operating-systems/content/
Location-based services (LBS) use real-time geodata from a smartphone to provide information, entertainment, or security. Some services allow consumers to check in at restaurants, coffee shops, stores, concerts, and other places or events. Businesses often offer a reward – prizes, coupons or discounts – to people who check in at their locations. Google Maps, Foursquare, Yelp and Facebook check-ins all use location-based services. [Related guide: Making the Most of Yelp for Your Small Business] Location-based services can use a smartphone’s GPS technology to track a person’s location if the user has allowed access. After a smartphone user opts in, the service is able to identify their location down to the street address without manual data entry. According to Allied Market Research data, the LBS market accounted for more than $36 billion in 2020 and is predicted to reach more than $318 billion by 2030. With so many companies embracing location-based services, it’s essential to understand LBS benefits, drawbacks and how you can make the most of this technology for your small business. What is location-based technology?A location-based service is any technology that depends on real-time location tracking to function. The technology persistently identifies the user’s physical and geographical location, which is then used to perform services and functions. Location-based technology is commonly used with mobile devices, but it can be applied to any device able to provide a location, including desktop PCs. Key takeaway: Location-based technology tracks your physical and geographical location constantly, not just at one moment.How does location technology track your movements?Several mechanisms inside a typical mobile device can provide location information. The most common technologies are GPS, RFID, Wi-Fi, and cellular technology. We’ll explain these in more detail in the next section, but they all operate on similar principles. A mobile device communicates with other devices and hubs – such as satellites, routers and towers – to function. Because the mobile device pings off multiple communication hubs, its precise location can be triangulated. Examples of technologies used to track locationA few examples will clarify how these location-tracking methods work. The most precise location-tracking services incorporate more than one of these technologies. GPSThe Global Positioning System is an array of satellites that exist solely to help find items across the planet. Any device with a GPS receiver (including most smartphones) can ping these satellites. This capability lets the device communicate with at least four satellites. The satellites compare the signal delay to pinpoint where the signal originated. This process lets your phone know precisely where you are and provide turn-by-turn navigation. A widespread business use for GPS technology is GPS fleet tracking software, which businesses use to remotely keep tabs on their company vehicles and their drivers’ performance. Did you know?: The best GPS fleet tracking systems help you maintain your company vehicles’ health, ensure driver safety, and comply with the relevant laws and regulations.Wi-FiWi-Fi location tracking works differently from other methods. Typically, a device only connects to one Wi-Fi network at a time, eliminating the possibility of triangulation. Wi-Fi location tracking uses IP addresses instead. Every network has a physical IP address that allows the greater internet to know where it is so it can send information across the internet infrastructure accurately. When your phone connects to a Wi-Fi network, it pairs with that network’s physical IP address, allowing location services to know your current address. Cellular technologyCellular tracking works much like GPS. However, instead of connecting to satellites, your device connects to cellular towers. Generally speaking, you’ll usually be in the range of at least two towers, enough for the system to use triangulation to find your location. QR codesQuick-response (QR) tracking is similar to Wi-Fi in principle. When a dynamic QR code is scanned, it logs information related to the scan. When the QR code is established, its physical location can be recorded. That location can then be tagged anytime the code is scanned. Tip: To incorporate QR codes into your marketing plan, place QR codes on your business cards and marketing materials, and then experiment with the QR code’s destination to test online coupons and special offers.RFIDRFID tracking is a combination of these other methods. An RFID scanner typically has a static location. You can log the scanner’s location when it pings off other networks. When the RFID scanner is activated, it tags its location when it records the access. This process can identify the location of the device accessing the scanner. You can find RFID technology in key fobs for keyless entry systems, RFID-enabled timeclocks for employee monitoring, and the best inventory management solutions that track your physical inventory’s location. Uses of location-based servicesCompanies have found many ways to use device location information.
LBS companiesMany mobile app developers lack the resources to develop software that can interpret a smartphone’s location, so they use existing solutions through an API to save time and money. These companies liaise with wireless carriers to connect businesses with smartphone users’ locations. They provide tools to increase user engagement and connect with the most mobile phone users possible. Companies well known for their LBS software include AT&T, Esri and HERE. Examples of location-based service appsThese are some LBS apps you might already be using. Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing appsHailing a ride from your phone relies on the power of location-based services. Wouldn’t it be annoying to manually enter your address into your favorite ridesharing app every time you’re in a rush to get somewhere? With location-based services, your ridesharing app immediately knows where you are. The app then locates drivers near you upon request and gets you a quick ride to your destination. Did you know?: To become an Uber or Lyft driver, you must have your car inspected – before approval and every four to 12 months after you start work.Carrot WeatherMost weather apps present you with forecasts from just one nearby source. Carrot Weather uses location-based services and APIs to go beyond this standard model. When you open the Carrot Weather app on your phone, it collates weather data from several sources into a forecast unique to your exact location. At the same time, it emphasizes data protection and never shares your personal data with external sources. In addition to LBS-powered weather forecasts, Carrot Weather comes with a quirky personality the user can adjust, as well as 100-plus secret locations users can discover thanks to its location-based technology. Pokemon GoPokemon Go is an immensely successful location-based app. Its entire model is based on location: Everywhere you go, you’ll find a different set of Pokemon to catch. Some locations even have Pokemon you can’t catch anywhere else. Pokemon Go shows the power of LBS not just for business but for fun. Did you know?: You can use Pokemon Go to market your business by hosting a Pokemon Go lure party, using in-game “incense” to make your location a destination, and holding special events on designated community days.Location-based services FAQsWho uses location-based services?Local businesses and their customers use and benefit from location-based services. Companies across many industries use LBS to provide customers with relevant offers and content, analyze their behavior, and improve the overall customer experience. Customers enable location-based services to receive information and timely promotional offers that matter to them, facilitate location-specific services like food delivery and ridesharing, navigate to their destinations, track their fitness activity, and much more. What are some common types of location-based apps?While many businesses can use location-based technology, some industries have a higher chance of maximizing LBS benefits.
Should your business use location-based services?Assess the pros and cons of using LBS before implementing the technology. While location-based services can facilitate conversion tracking and increase your offerings’ relevancy, they also pose an additional security risk and must strongly emphasize customer privacy. Retail, hospitality and travel industries can particularly benefit from LBS. On the other hand, tech companies or those focusing on online traffic or international markets might not fully use the technology. What are the benefits of location-based services?For customers, location-based services offer an extra sense of security in emergencies. For example, they can easily access car assistance, and ambulance services can instantly respond if there’s an accident. Additionally, LBS lets consumers receive personalized ads and relevant content, helps them make the most of their traveling experience, and minimizes fraud risk. There are several reasons to embrace LBS:
What are the disadvantages of location-based services?While there are many benefits of implementing LBS in your business, be aware of potential drawbacks as well. Privacy remains the primary concern of LBS app users. Unfortunately, some businesses can be careless with storing and sharing customer data, leading to data breaches and leakage. Your company should provide users with a clear and straightforward way to opt in or out of location-based services. [Related article: Have You Been Hacked? How to Recover From a Data Breach] Here are other potential drawbacks of using LBS for your business:
Nadia Reckmann and Ryan Goodrich contributed to the writing and research in this article. Is the use of mobile wireless devices to place orders and conduct business?M-commerce (mobile commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services through wireless handheld devices such as smartphones and tablets. M-commerce is a form of e-commerce that enables users to access online shopping platforms without the use of a desktop computer.
Which of the following is are considered to be the most important element in computer based information systems?Explanation: People are the important element that is required to operate the computer based information system. They can create the computer software, use it and choose how it can be applied. The computer systems would not be able to run without the people.
What is a network based on web technologies that allows only selected outsiders such as business partners and access authorized resources of a company's intranet?An intranet is a network based on Web technologies that allows selected outsiders, such as business partners and customers, to access authorized resources of a company's extranet. Transaction processing systems were developed in the 1950s.
Is a single set of hardware software databases?A single set of hardware, software, databases, telecommunications, people, and procedures that are configured to collect, manipulate, store, and process data into information. A database is an organized collection of data for one or more purposes, usually in digital form.
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