By definition, a smartphone is a mobile phone that performs many of the same functions as a computer, whilst typically also having a touchscreen, internet access and an operating system that's able to run downloaded apps. An example of a smartphone could be an iPhone 15 whereas an example of a mobile phone could be a Nokia 3210.
Smartphones are everywhere, but do you know what smartphone was the first ever released?
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Of course, the iPhone was known by many as the 'first-ever' smartphone. But here are some smartphones that released before it:
- Nokia Communicator - 2001
- Handspring Treo 180 - 2002
- Nokia 7710 - 2005
- LG Prada - 2007
- Samsung SGH-F700 - 2007
What was the first real smartphone?
The IBM Simon was the first official smartphone released in the world, in 1994. It looked like a massive black brick, with a long touchscreen down its centre that emitted a yellow hue and on top of the phone, there was a speaker and a black ariel. Already, we can see a factor which classes this device as a smartphone, its touchscreen. As well as this, it had multiple pre-installed features including the ability to send a fax, an email and a calendar function. There was also another key function that helped class this device as a smartphone, the IBM Simon could be upgraded to run third-party applications by inserting a PCMCIA card or by downloading data to the phone's internal memory. In simple terms, apps could be downloaded onto the phone.
As the phone began to be available to the public, news broke about this new concept of a touchscreen 'smartphone' the idea that technology could be 'smart' was very interesting to customers. But at the sae time the flip phone was growing in popularity, so it was a constant competition to sit at top place. Within the first 6 months, the phone sold over 50,000 units.
Was the IBM Simon successful?
But this 50,000 units was where the phone stopped and failed. After being available for half a year, users quickly discovered the phone's battery lasted only an hour, and it seemed like IBM's vision had shifted its relationships with customers and they'd begun to lose touch with their interests and concerns. On top of this, flip phones had become slim, perfect for portable use, something the IBM Simons massive brick design couldn't compete with. In the end, the phone was pulled.
Even though this is a shame because the smartphone has advanced so much since this time, the IBM Simon will always be special to us for setting the stage for the smartphone era we live in today.
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Conclusion:
We'd love to have seen how the IBM Simon performed in terms of popularity if it wasn't for those fatal flaw designs regarding its size and weight. Would you have ever considered a smartphone back in the 90's? Or were you keeping up with the trend of the iconic flip phone? We think it's ironic how both types of phones have now blended together with the flip and fold smartphones we now see available. What tech from the past do you miss? We want to know!
