The History of Smartphones What You Do Not Know: 1902-2019

By Carrie Tsai,  Last Updated: July 01, 2019

In 1902, American Nathan Stubbfield made the first smartphone, which opened up a journey of mobile phone technology. From then until now, what impact has it brought to people's lives?

In 1902, American Nathan Stubbfield made the first wireless telephone device, which opened up a journey of human exploration of mobile phone technology. From then until now, more than a hundred years have passed, how many first time in the history of mobile phone development, and what impact has it brought to people's lives?

1902, the originator of wireless telephone

An American named "Nathan Stubbfield" made the first wireless telephone device in a rural home in Murray, Kentucky in 1902. This wireless mobile communication phone is human "mobile phone". The earliest exploration and research of technology.

1973, first smartphone - by giving birth

On April 3, 1973, the first hand-held mobile phone prototype Motorola DynaTAC, its inventor Martin Cooper was hailed as the "father of mobile phones", this is the first civilian mobile phone.

On June 13, 1983, Motorola finally launched the world's first portable mobile phone. The mobile phone called Dyna TAC 8000X weighs 794 grams and is 33 centimeters long and is priced at $2,995. The maximum talk time is one hour and you can store 30 phone numbers. The birth of mobile phones, from the success of research and development to the market, has cost Motorola a full 10 years.

In 1989, Motorola introduced a miniature personal phone with a foldable antenna and flip cover. It can be said that it is the first real portable phone and has led to the consumer group used by mobile phones. Besides, in 1995, the world's first flip phone, the Motorola 8900, went on the market. At the beginning of the world, it caused quite a stir, and it provided many inspirations for later designers.

The Modern Smartphone of 2019

Two primary operating systems have evolved within the smartphone market. Google's Android has been adopted by a number of hardware manufacturers to compete with Apple and their iOS.

For the moment, Android is winning.

According to StatCounter, Android holds the majority worldwide market share, with more than 42%. This is larger than even Microsoft Windows on desktop and laptop PCs.

The advances of smartphones continue to grow constantly. It's hard to predict what will come next, but it seems like a throwback to the flip phone (with folding touch screens) is likely. Voice commands are also expected to continue growing.

Gone are the days where we had to sacrifice many of the capabilities we enjoy on our laptops or desktops while on the go. The improvement of mobile technology has allowed us more options in how we approach both our work and leisure activities.