While many believe the mobile phone is a recent invention, it actually first was introduced in 1973. Since this time, phones have evolved significantly, especially in recent years. As smartphones now are capable to doing a variety of tasks, some of these have been much more useful than others.

Smartphone developers have the best of intentions when they come up with new features for their devices. However, once the phone is released and begun to be used, phone owners find that some of these features either don’t work as well as touted by the developer or simply useless. For example, Huawei recently offered a knuckle mode on their new P8. While the phone was supposed to discern between your knuckles and your fingertips, it often would confuse the two and simply not do anything helpful.  Wireless printing is another function that doesn’t make a lot of sense. While the occasional user may use it, photos taken on phones are typically for sharing electronically whether through text, email or posting on social media.

Despite some not so useful features, smartphones definitely score high on the useful functions.  Smartphones are able to access wireless connections which have now made it possible for users to enjoy multiple types of gaming. Gambling fans or newbies can play casino games anywhere on the go or even other popular games like Candy Crush. Another rather new feature that has become quite helpful is Near Field Communication (NFC). This makes it possible for smartphone users to send data to other phones or tablets within a close proximity.  Wireless charging is another practical option for smartphones which is bound to become more and more common place as phone users no longer have to be plugged in to charge their devices.

With so much development in recent years, it will be exciting for consumers to see what the mobile phone industry holds in store for the future.