Cell Phone Technology

But even though they're a lot smaller than they used to be, modern cell phones are still far to big to fit inside your body. That's why developers have modified existing cell phone designs to create a complete, working cell-phone implant.

By Tracy V. Wilson

Nokia revealed the first fully integrated mobile-payment cell phone, or NFC phone in 2007. Learn about NFC technology and mobile payment trials around the globe.

By Julia Layton

Widespread mobile television has been a long time coming. TV-enabled cell phones have been available in Korea since 2002, but the real "mobile TV revolution" is only beginning, as telecom companies release DTV-enabled phones and rush to build the bro

By Julia Layton

The BlackBerry has become a tremendously popular mobile email device. Learn how a BlackBerry works and about BlackBerry hardware, software and patent disputes.

By Tracy V. Wilson

With the right software or service package, a GPS phone can pinpoint your location, give directions to your destination and provide information about nearby businesses. Find out how a GPS phone works.

By Tracy V. Wilson

Although they can't do much damage at present, in the future cell-phone viruses may be as debilitating as computer viruses. How do cell-phone viruses spread? And how can you protect your phone?

By Julia Layton

Cell phones are basically handheld two-way radios. With cell-phone etiquette at an all-time low, some people are exploiting the vulnerability of the radio spectrum to silence blabbering offenders. Find out how.

By Gary Wollenhaupt

If the clothes make the man, then the ringtone makes the phone! Find out how a cell phone produces a tune and how you can download (or even create) your own.

By Tom Harris

For years now, we've heard conflicting reports about cell-phone radiation ... and the debate goes on. Find out what the buzz is about and how to protect yourself when choosing and using a cell phone.

Smartphones blur the line between cell phones and PDAs. Learn the details of smartphones, read cell phones and PDA reviews and see our buying guide.

By Dave Coustan, Jonathan Strickland & John Perritano

One of the most interesting things about a cell phone is that it is really a radio. What does this have to do with your cell phone?

The most useful thing to know about the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) is that it is an international standard. If you travel in Europe and many other parts of the world, GSM is the only type of cellular service available.

By Marie Look

Nextel phones offer a service called Direct Connect that allows you to push a single button and connect with another Nextel user. Find out how this "walkie-talkie" feature works.

Cell phones have completely changed the way we communicate with one another. These days, they're as common as keys. But what makes them tick?

By Marshall Brain, Jeff Tyson & Julia Layton

I have both a pager and a cell phone that vibrate instead of ringing when I get a call. How does that work?

You're probably well-aware of the restrictions related to cell phone and laptop use on airplanes. But do you know exactly why they're in place?

There are two popular digital systems in the United States. One is generically known as "digital service," and the other is clearly branded as "PCS."