Cell Phone Feature Definitions

To help manage calls:

Call waiting and call hold

allows you to accept a second incoming call with out losing the original call, then switch back and forth between them

Call forwarding

allows you answer your cell phone calls at another phone number

Call barring

lets you restrict outgoing or incoming calls, such as calls to international numbers

Conference Calling

you to talk with two other parties simultaneously

Voicemail with message alert

when you do not answer the phone, this feature allows the caller to record a voice message that you can play back at your convenience, and notifies you that a message is waiting

To make physical tasks easier:

Clamshell (flip-phone) design

more compact and protects controls and display, but requires more dexterity

Flat (non-folding) design

requires less dexterity but takes more space, and controls and display are more vulnerable

One-touch/speed dialing

allows you to call a person or business in your phone directory without entering the entire number

Voice dialing

allows you to call a person or business by speaking the name

Automatic redial

allows your phone to keep dialing a number for you until the call goes through

Headset jack

allows you to conduct conversations hands-free, yet more privately than with a speaker phone

Speakerphone

allows you to communicate without holding the phone

Automatic answer

answers the call after a certain number of rings (especially helpful when using speakerphone or hands-free headset)

Voice recognition for menu selection

allows you to choose options and functions by speaking them

Extended battery life

reduces handling of batteries and charger, usually with a larger, heavier battery

To make visual tasks easier:

Color display

presents visual information in full color

Adjustable display brightness and contrast

allows you to customize the display to your needs

Adjustable display font

allows you to choose the type face and size easiest for you to read

Adjustable display scroll speed

allows you to control how fast the display moves from one line to the next

Audio feedback for control inputs

provides audio alerts and feedback for functions such as when voice mail is received or phone is turned on

Voice output of displayed information

information displayed on screen, such as battery level, is presented by voice

Manuals and billing statements in alternate formats

allows you the option of reading the phone's manual and getting your bills online or in other formats most usable for you

To make auditory tasks easier:

Silent (vibrating) ringer

alerts you to incoming calls without sound

Increased audio volume

allows you to adjust the volume to suit your hearing and your surroundings

Visual feedback for control inputs

provides visual alerts and feedback on the display for functions such as when voice mail is received

Text messaging

allows you to send messages using the phone's keypad

Instant messaging

allows you to carry on a text-message conversation in real time

Email/internet access

allows you to access information and communicate via the internet

Hearing aid compatibility

allows use of a hearing aid without feedback

TTY compatibility

allows you to couple a text telephone to your cell phone

Neckloop compatibility

allows you to use adaptive accessories for hard-of-hearing users

To make mental tasks easier:

Caller ID

displays the number of the party calling you on your phone.

Caller ID with photo option

displays a photo of the caller

Menu prompts and cues

guide you through the menu

Reminder function

allows you to set a reminder of an upcoming event and have the phone alert you at the appropriate time

Choice of ringer tones

allows you to assign different ring tones to incoming calls, voice mail, or to identify specific callers.

Picture messaging

allows you to attach a photo to a text message

Special features:

Digital camera

allows you to take photos and save them for later use or send them along with a message

Personal data assistant

provides additional functions such as a miniature keyboard, calendar, contact list, MP3 player, voice recorder, universal remote control, ability to share data with another handheld device or a personal computer, expanded memory capacity for storing documents, music, or photos, and expansion slots to add features such as additional memory, a modem, or a network card.

Navigation aid (global positioning system - GPS)

allows you to locate your position on a map, accurate to within a few feet.

The Mobile Wireless RERC is a five-year program funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. It is led by a team from the Georgia Centers for Advanced Telecommunications Technology, Shepherd Center, and the Georgia Institute of Technology.

© 2004 The Mobile Wireless RERC