Definition of a Web Cell Phone

Modern cell phones are capable of more than just phone calls.

The newest generation of cell phones are web-capable cell phones known as web phones, wireless web and mobile web phones. Web phones allow for the user to access Internet connectivity from a cell phone while on the go. Anywhere cell service is available, the Internet can also be accessed.

Web Access

Many pages viewable on a computer can be accessed from a web phone.

A web cell phone, or a web-enabled cell phone, is equipped with a miniature version of computer browser software that provides the cell phone with the capability to interpret and view most common versions of web pages. Users can check email and visit websites to request directions, shop or make reservations. Depending on the browser capability, access may be limited on some Internet webpages.

Formatting

Varied cell phone browsers offer different web capabilities.

With the evolution of web enabled cell phones, the software used to support Internet access from the cell phone has also evolved into several different versions. HDML, or Handheld Device Markup Language is a computer language designed for efficient display on smartphones and handheld computers. Wireless Markup Language (WML) and Compact HyperText Markup Language (cHTML) are designed for wireless devices, such as cell phones. The software language may differ according to the age and type of web cell phone being used.

WAP

WAP browsers allow cell phones to access full webpages.

Some webpages are specifically designed to be accessed by cell phones with a format known as WAP, which stands for Wireless Application Protocol. A WAP browser provides all of the same services and capabilities of most computer web browsers, but it is simplified to work properly within the size restrictions and limitations related to mobile phones.

WiFi

Some web cell phones can operate off local WIFI hotspots.

Some web cell phones can be identified as a certain group of specialized cell phones that are made with built-in WiFi connectivity. A WiFi-enabled phone includes an internal capability, which allows the phone to seamlessly switch from utilizing the cell tower signal to operating over local WiFi connection as voice over Internet protocol (VoIP). WiFi connectivity in a web phone allows the user to download and access webpages from a WiFi hotspot even in areas where cell phone reception is unavailable.

Limitations

Web cell phone capability depends on the service availability and connection speed.

The capability of web cell phones is highly dependent on the service availability and the quality of the signal. When the cell phone service is out of range or has a weak signal, accessing the Internet from the phone becomes difficult and impossible in some cases. Download speeds may lag and prevent complete loading of webpages on the cell phone's browser.

References

• "PC Mag": Definition of Web phone
• phone scoop: WAP / Web Browser
• CellAZ: WAP / Web Browser Definition