SmartAppsWorld

This is the Forum Glossary that covers some of the abbreviations that you'll see around on the forum in the various threads you read. This is a work in progress but it contains what we've come up with so far. If you feel something needs to be in here please post a reply to this thread with only the following information:

The word to be defined
Drop down to the next line and insert the definition of the word being defined that you listed on the line above.


Forum Glossary
2G
In mobile telephony, second-generation protocols use digital encoding and include GSM, D-AMPS (TDMA) and CDMA. 2G networks are in current use around the world. These protocols support high bit rate voice and limited data communications. They offer auxiliary services such as data, fax and SMS. Most 2G protocols offer different levels of encryption and are within the 880-915 MHz, 925-960 MHz, 1710-1785 MHz or 1805-1880 MHz bands.

3G
In mobile telephony, third-generation protocols support much higher data rates, measured in Mbps, intended for applications other than voice. 3G supports bandwidth-hungry applications such as full-motion video, video-conferencing and full Internet access. 3G networks must be able to transmit wireless data at 144 kilobits per second at mobile user speeds, 384 KBPS at pedestrian user speeds and 2 megabits per second in fixed locations.

A2DP Profile
Advanced Audio Distribution profile is a specification for how two Bluetooth devices can transmit and receive high-quality audio streams. A2DP allows for the transfer of a uni-directional 2-channel stereo audio stream, like music from a mobile phone, to a headset.

ActiveSync
The synchronization program developed by Microsoft for Windows Mobile and other Windows CE-based devices.

Android
An operating system designed for handheld devices. Android is an open source project and is supported and developed by the Open Handset Alliance (OHA). Google and HTC are members of the OHA, Google was the first company to start work on the Android and HTC designed and manufactured the first Android phone.

BB
Short for BlackBerry, a Handset created by Research In Motion(RIM).

Beam
Information can be transferred and exchanged between mobile devices by means of an infrared beam. Other technologies such as Bluetooth use the term "beam" to mean exchange information.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology that facilitates data transfer between devices (for example mobile phone and a wireless headset). Typically the maximum distance between the bluetooth devices is limited to around 10 meters.

Digital Certificate
An encrypted code issued to two or more parties by a certification authority, and used to verify these parties' identities through the exchange of their public keys.

Digital Compass
The Digital Compass can detect which direction your device is pointing in. This information can then be used alongside mapping software to help you navigate in unknown locations.

Digital Signature
A digital signature provides verification to the recipient that the file came from the person who sent it, and it has not been altered since it was signed.

Direct Push Technology
Direct Push technology (push e-mail feature), developed by Microsoft, enables you to receive new e-mails on your device as soon as they arrive in your Inbox on the Exchange Server. Items such as contacts, calendar and tasks are also immediately updated onto your device when these items have been changed or new entries have been added on the Exchange Server.

Domain Name
A domain name is a unique name that identifies a server on the Internet or on a local network. For example, your company's email server may have the domain name "mail.your-company.com".

Dual-band
Dual-band refers to a device's capability to communicate over 2 frequency bands.

EDGE
Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution is a radio interface technology that enhances Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) networks with the capacity to rival third-generation (3G) cellular networks. EDGE networks are often referred to as 2.75G networks.

Encryption
The process of systematically encoding a bit stream before transmission so that an unauthorized party cannot decipher it.

G-sensor
The G-sensor detects the position and motion of your device. This helps orient the display to either vertical or horizontal view based on how you are holding your device. The G-sensor can also be used in games as a type of controlling action and other applications which require motion as an input.

GPRS
General Packet Radio Systems is a data service for mobile devices. It is available for use with devices that comply with the GSM standard.

GPS
Global Positioning System is a satellite-based radio navigation system that consists of three segments - the satellite constellation, ground control network, and user equipment. People use GPS on their mobile devices for navigation software applications.

GSM
Short for Global System for Mobile communications, it is the most widely used mobile phone platform in the world.

HTC
Creator of the HTC Touch Pro (HTC TP) and HTC Touch Diamond (HTC TD)

HSDPA
High-Speed Downlink Packet Access is a mobile telephone technology that improves the download bandwidth utilization of 3G networks. Networks that utilize the HSDPA technology are often referred to as 3.5G due to the greatly improved download speeds.

HSPA
High-Speed Packet Access is a mobile telephone technology that improves the speed at which you can send and receive information on your mobile device. HSPA technology is utilized on 3G networks.

HSUPA
High-Speed Uplink Packet Access is a mobile telephone technology that improves the upload bandwidth utilization of 3G networks. Networks that utilize the HSUPA along with HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology are often referred to as 3.5G due to the greatly improved speeds.

HVGA
Half-size Video Graphics Array refers to the display resolution of 480 x 320 pixels.

IP
Internet Protocol is a communication protocol using packet-switching technique to transmit data over the Internet.

IMAP4
Internet Message Access Protocol is an e-mail message retrieval protocol. It enables efficient operation such as downloading only essential data by first retrieving the e-mail header prior to actual e-mail download.

microSD
A standard for removable flash memory card used in cell phones and other handheld devices. microSD cards are 15 mm x 11 mm x 1 mm and has 8 pins.

miniSD
A standard for removable flash memory card use in cell phones and other handheld devices. miniSD cards are 21.5 mm x 20 mm x 1.4 mm and has 11 pins.

MMS
Multimedia Message Service is a method of transmitting messages that contain graphics, video clips, sound files, and text over wireless networks.

Motorola
Mobile device manufacturer responsible for making the Motorola Q series smartphone line and some of todays mainstream bluetooth devices.

OP
Used to refer to the Original Poster of the thread being viewed.

Podcast
A podcast is a type of Internet publication for Audio or Video media. Podcasts are typicallly released in episodes. If you subscribe to a certain podcast then you will receive new audio or video episodes as soon as they are published.

POP3
Post Office Protocol version 3 is an e-mail from a remote server over an Internet connection.

Quad-band
Quad-band refers to a devices's capability to communicate over 4 frequency bands.

RDS
A communication protocol which standardizes certain types of information sent via FM radio broadcasts.

RSS
Really Simple Syndication refers to a web protocol used to distribute frequently updated information, for example a web blog, audio or video broadcast, or news headlines. Internet users can subscribe to RSS feeds so that they can get up to date information on their mobile device or home computer.

SIM
Subscriber Identity Module is a small, programmable smart card containing a cellular service subscriber's identity key. The SIM contains codes to identify a subscriber to a digital mobile service and the details of the special services the subscriber has elected to use. The SIM may be fixed within the phone, or removable (enabling users to swap phones without changing their subscriptions). The SIM is the key to security on Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks.

SMS
Short Message Service, also referred to as "text messaging", is a way for mobile devices to send and receive short text messages.

Streaming
Streaming refers to digital audio or video transmissions via the Internet. The sound and image data are sent as a data stream to the subscriber, hence the term "streaming". The key advantage of streaming is that users can view or listen to the media as it is received without waiting for the download to complete.

Synchronisation
Synchronization refers to the updating of a single set of data in two locations. Changes to information are copied back and forth so that both locations, for example your phone and your desktop computer, have identical information.

TouchFLO
A technology developed by HTC which allows you to interact with and control your device simply by using finger gestures.

TouchFLO 3D
A technology developed by HTC which adds 3D visuals to the functionality of interacting and controlling your device by using finger gestures.

Tri-band
Tri-band refers to a device's capability to communicate over 3 frequency bands.

UMTS
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System is a cell phone network platform. It is one of the 3G technologies.

USIM
Universal Subscriber Identity Module is an enhancement of the subscriber identity module (SIM) card used in Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks. The USIM is designed to be used in third-generation (3G) networks. It is inserted into a 3G-compliant mobile phone to provide network authentication and additional functions.

VGA
Video Graphics Array refers to the display resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.

WCDMA
Wideband Code Division Multiple Access is a protocol for transmitting data in a 3G cellular network.

Wi-Fi
Short for 'wireless fidelity' is a term for certain types of wireless local area networks (WLAN) that use specifications conforming to IEEE 802.11 technologies. Many airports, hotels, and other services offer public access to Wi-Fi networks so people can log onto the Internet and receive emails on the move. These locations are known as hotspots.

Windows Mobile
An operating system, along with some basic applications, created by Microsoft for mobile phones and other handheld devices. Cellphones use two varieties of the Windows Mobile platform: Windows Mobile Professional is used on cellphones that have a touch sensitive screen; Windows Mobile Standard is used on cellphones that do not a touch sensitive screen.

WVGA
Wide Video Graphics Array refers to the display resolution of 480 x 800 pixels.

Accelerometer
The accelerometer is a built-in electronic component that measures tilt and motion. It is also capable of detecting rotation and motion gestures such as swinging or shaking.

The most common use for it is to activate auto screen rotation on mobile devices when the user changes their orientation from portrait to landscape or vice-versa.

APN (Access Point Name)
APN is the name (web address) of an access point for GPRS/EDGE/UMTS data connection. Usually wireless carriers provide the APN to their end users.

Bandwidth
Bandwidth is used to measure the data throughput of a channel or connection. It's the amount of data that can be sent over a connection in a given amount of time without distortion. It should not be confused with band.

Calendar
Calendars (also known as PIM - Personal Information Manager) allow you to store information about events such as meetings or reminders (e.g. to remind you of someone's birthday). Usually an alarm can be set to sound an alert.

Some devices offer the ability to synchronize the calendar with the one on your computer.

Capacitive Touchscreen
Capacitive touch sensors are used either as buttons or on touchscreens. They work by sensing the electrical properties of the human body instead of pressure and generally they don't work with a stylus so they don't allow handwriting recognition. However, capacitive touchcsreens feel more sensitive than their resistive counterparts.

Capacitive touch screens are also considered more durable than resistive touch screens.

CTIA
CTIA is the International Association for the Wireless Telecommunication Industry, an international organization dedicated to expanding the wireless frontier.

It's basically an international industry trade group representing all wireless communication sectors.

D-Pad (Direction Pad)
A circular- or square-shaped pad that provides navigation keys for the four directions: up, down, left and right. These are the equivalent of the "arrow keys" on a computer keyboard and are used for navigating the user interface.

Data-Capable
A data-capable phone can serve as a modem to connect a computer to the Internet or another system. Some phones allow faxes to be sent and received (if there is network support for that).

Dual-Mode
A dual-mode phone is a phone capable of sending/receiving data in two different ways. For example, a dual-mode phone could support both GSM and CDMA.

FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
Known also as the FCC, the Federal Communications Commission is a US government agency controlled by Congress. The FCC monitors and regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, satellite and cable.

The FCC also certifies all mobile phones intended for use in the US, insuring compliance with spectrum allocations, technical standards, and safe radiation levels.

Femtocells
Low-power wireless access points that operate in licensed spectrum to connect standard mobile devices to a mobile operator’s network using residential DSL or cable broadband connections

Firmware
Fixed software programs that internally control various electronic devices or individual hardware parts of these devices (such as mobile phones). They involved very basic low-level operations of the device, without which the device would be completely non-functional.

More simple firmwares are usually stored on ROM or OTP/PROM, while more complex firmwares occupy flash memory to allow for updates. Common reasons for updating firmware include fixing bugs or adding features to the device. Doing so usually involves loading a binary image file provided by the manufacturer into the device, according to a specific procedure. More often than not this is meant to be done by the end user.

HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
A standard markup language used to create web pages.

It was designed with desktop computers in mind and web pages may have reduced usability when viewed on devices with smaller screens and limited input options (as is the case with most mobile phones).

There is a newer format called XHTML that is better suited for mobile devices.

iDEN (Integrated Digital Enhanced Network)
A TDMA based digital mobile network system. It was developed by Motorola, which remains the main manufacturer for iDEN devices. The main advantage of iDEN is the Push-To-Talk system, which enables mobile phones to be used as walkie-talkies.

Newer iDEN phones use a SIM card that is compatible with GSM phones for international roaming, but only a few phones support both standards.

Java
Often stands for "Java ME" (the new name of J2ME, Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition). Java ME is a platform for applications running on mobile phones. These, mainly small, applications (e.g. games) can be downloaded from the Internet directly to the phone using its built-in web-browser.

Linux
A family of open-source operating systems. There are a lot of variants of Linux available and they are developed and maintained by diverse groups. There are also some Linux-based OSes for mobile devices (e.g. Android).

Long term evolution (LTE)
This is a term describing the next-step of the evolution of UMTS (3G), now known as 4G. Among the improvements over the currently used wireless mobile radio technologies are a better spectral efficiency, lower costs, higher transfer speeds, improved services, etc.

Megapixel
106 pixels. Pixel comes from "pix" (for "picture") and el (for "element"). A pixel is the smallest piece of information on an image. This is a unit for measuring image resolution, and the more pixels a picture consists of, the more detailed it is.

OS (Operating System)
An infrastructure software component of a computerized system. It controls all basic operations of the computer (or other electronic devices such as PDA, smartphone, etc.).

Among the most popular desktop operating systems are Windows, Mac OS, and variations of Linux, while the most widely used operating systems for mobile devices are Symbian and Windows Mobile.

Mobile devices with OS are called smartphones and can run full software applications (like games, organizer or communication applications) on top of the OS. Standardized operating system platforms make it possible to provide a consistent user interface (and experience) across devices from diverse hardware manufacturers.

OTA(Over-The-Air)
All kinds of actions (transfers or transactions) which happen wirelessly using the cellular network instead of a cable or other local connection. Most commonly, this term refers to downloading or uploading content or software (such as downloading ringtones, uploading images, etc.). If the term is used for updating a phone's firmware this is also known as FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air).

PIM (Personal Information Manager/Management)
A whole range of software functions which organize personal information. A standard PIM suite includes a scheduler for events, address book for contacts and a to-do list. Email, text notes and/or voice notes, and alarms (reminders) may also be included. Some mobile phones allow PIM data to be synchronized (also automatically) with a PC and/or web-based PIM-service.

PIN code (Personal Identification Number)
In mobile devices, the PIN acts like a password preventing other people from gaining unauthorized access to your device. This is a numeric code which must be entered each time the device is started (unless the PIN security feature is turned off).

In GSM mobile phones, the PIN is normally associated with the SIM card (not the phone) and must be entered each time the phone is switched on. If a wrong PIN is entered three times in a row the handset is locked until you enter another code, called a PUK code.

Both the PIN and the PUK codes are supplied by the operator, but only the PIN code can be changed by the user.

PTT (Push-To-Talk)
A two-way communication service which works like a "walkie-talkie".

PTT is half-duplex so communication can only be transferred in one direction at a time in contrast to mobile phone calls which are full-duplex and both parties can hear each other.

PTT requires the person speaking to press a certain button while talking and to release it when they are done so the listener can answer by repeating the same steps. In this way people control which one can speak and be heard and the system knows in which direction the information should be transferred.

The newest PTT systems use VoIP technology and the signal is transferred over the 2.5G or 3G network.

QWERTY
Stands for a standard layout for letter keys on text keyboards. This term comes from the first six letter on the top row of a standard English keyboard and refers to devices that offer a keyboard with that kind of layout.

RAM(Random-Access Memory)
This is the memory where the software resides while it is running along with the data it is using. RAM is used by both OS and application software.

Soft Reset
A Soft Reset is the act of rebooting or restarting your device in order to clear its internal (non-storage) memory of running programs. This is a way to start afresh if an application is causing problems and is normally only used on smartphones.