The Evolution of Mobile Phones in 1999: From Brick Phones to Flip Phones
The 1990s was a decade of rapid technological advancement. One of the most significant developments during this period was the evolution of mobile phones. From the early brick phones to flip phones, the mobile phone industry underwent a radical transformation within a decade.
The Beginning of Mobile Phones: The Brick Phone Era
In 1990, the first-ever mobile phone with a flip cover and a QWERTY keyboard, the Motorola StarTAC, was introduced in the market. But before the flip phone era, there were brick phones. Brick phones got their name because of their bulky size and weight. It was almost the size of a brick, which made it difficult to carry around. The first commercially available brick phone was the Motorola DynaTAC, which was released in 1983.
The Emergence of Flip Phones
Towards the end of the 1990s, flip phones began to emerge. Flip phones were smaller, more compact, and more manageable than the bulky brick phones. Also known as clamshell phones, flip phones were equipped with a closeable flip that protected the screen and keypad while not in use.
In 1996, Motorola launched the StarTAC phone, which became popular globally. It was smaller, lighter, and more advanced than the earlier brick phones. The StarTAC introduced many features that people take for granted today, such as call waiting, voice dialing, and a phonebook.
The Rise of Nokia
Throughout the 1990s, Nokia maintained its position as the world’s leading mobile phone manufacturer, thanks to its expertise in mobile phone technology. In 1996, Nokia launched the 8110, which became famous around the world after it appeared in the motion picture The Matrix. After the success of the 8110, Nokia continued to dominate the market with its 9000 Communicator device, which was released in 1996 and combined the functionality of mobile phones and PDAs.
The Arrival of the Blackberry
In 1999, Research in Motion (RIM) launched its first mobile device, the Blackberry 850. Although it wasn’t initially a mainstream device, it gained a reputation for security and email capabilities. Businesses and government agencies soon noticed its capabilities, and the Blackberry became the phone of choice for many professionals.
Conclusion
The evolution of mobile phones in 1999 marked the beginning of a new era in mobile phone technology. The industry moved from brick phones to flip phones, and the rise of Nokia and Blackberry paved the way for further advancements in the cellular phone industry.
Despite the leaps and bounds the mobile phone industry has made since 1999, it is essential to remember that without the initial advancement made at the time, we wouldn’t have the smartphones we enjoy today.
