A selection of terms to help you with your mobile purchases . . .
3G
3G or third generation phones allow video calling and streaming of information.
Bluetooth®
This technology enables a wirefree connection between your phone and other compatible devices such as laptops. Bluetooth® headsets and car kits help you stay free from cable tangles while keeping your hands free.
Changeable Covers
Some phones now give you the ability to customise the appearance of your phone by changing the front fascia.
GPRS
General Packet Radio System is a wireless data transmission service based on packet transmission. For example, if an email is sent by GPRS it will be reduced into packets of information. Each individual packet travels to its destination by the quickest possible route. At the pre-set destination they are re-built and presented to the recipient as a whole. GPRS offers instant access and permanent connection between the mobile device and the network. With GPRS you only pay for information sent or received, rather than for connection time.
IMEI number
IMEI or International Mobile Equipment Identifier - this is your mobile phone's unique identifier. You will need this if your phone is lost or stolen, or to purchase insurance. The IMEI number can be found behind the battery within your phone.
I-mode
I-mode is a mobile Internet service, exclusive to O2, which gives you access to a huge range of websites and allows you to exchange email at the touch of a button. From going on holiday, booking hotel rooms and searching for cheap flights, to checking out the latest movies or listening to the hottest music. You'll also be able to find a new property, get a new job or download your favourite ringtones, play the latest games or find out the latest news.
For all this free music, sites, free i-mail and messaging, get i-mode now by choosing your favourite latest i-mode phone.
Java
A programming language developed by Sun Microsystems. Some phones support the downloading of Java applications over the WAP connection, meaning that you can enrich your phone's functionality with games and applications (such as a world clock, currency converter etc).
MMS
Multimedia messaging service allows the transmission of various kinds of multimedia content such as images, audio and movie clips.
Polyphonic Ringing Tones
Ringtones are played through a speaker rather than an ordinary buzzer, which means you get vastly improved sound quality for melodious ringing tones, message alerts and gaming sounds
Predictive text messaging
Makes writing fast and easy. Instead of pressing each key one, two or three times, press it just once. The text input software decodes the keystrokes and scans the internal dictionary for matching words.
PAC
Porting Authorisation Code - If you wish to transfer your old mobile number to your new handset, you will need to request your PAC from your previous network provider.
PUK
Personal Unblocking Key - Call Customer Care on 0845 330 9776 to get this. You'll need it to unblock your phone if an incorrect PIN is entered three times.
Roaming
Term used for using your mobile abroad.
SIM
Subscriber Identity Module - The card within your phone which holds a microchip that stores information and encrypts voice and data transmissions. Your SIM card contains all the information about your phone, such as phone number, phone book information, account etc.
SMS
Short message service is a feature which allows users to send and/or receive short alphanumeric messages (also known as text messages)
Voicemail
Even when you can't answer the phone, your calls can be answered by voicemail. Store your messages and retrieve them at your convenience.
WAP
Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is a way of accessing internet services over mobile phone networks. It is capable of displaying 'mini websites' which can provide a variety of powerful services such as banking, news updates & ticket purchase.