According to research done by Pew, over 5 billion people globally have access to a phone, and more than half of those are smartphones. Human beings have always tried to find the most convenient and secure ways to communicate with each other.
With the advancements made in technology, people found different ways to communicate with each other better. While smartphones today empower us like never before in the history of our planet, we still rely on our mobile phones to stay in touch and communicate with our peers, colleagues, and family members.
Thus, technology — and subsequently mobile phones — have played an important role in bettering society, and by accessing that technology through our smartphones and tablets, we have significantly altered the way we communicate with others, perform our tasks, or even do our jobs. Smartphones today easily fit in our pockets, but enable us to read on them, play games, edit videos, or even prepare presentations and project reports. Thus, smartphones have now become indispensable, enabling us to communicate, collaborate, and evolve.
This evolution of mobile technology equips individuals with the tools necessary to gain information, assistance, and in dire situations, emotional and emergency support. Thus, smartphones have now become pivotal when it comes to emergency services and healthcare.
Role of Smartphones in Businesses
While the situation surrounding COVID-19 has brought about a dramatic shift in how we work, a significant percentage of the workforce was already working remotely around the globe. According to research done in 2019, around 70 percent of the employees in the United States weren’t working regularly behind a desk, and the number of mobile-enabled employees in the country was estimated to be 92 million. Similarly, in 2018, it was estimated that around 58 percent of the employees in India worked remotely every week.
The growth and increasing penetration of mobile phones, along with mobile-based productivity software has contributed to the increase of project revenues for businesses. Smartphones have become “universal remotes” for employers and businesses, while the calculated deployment of mobile devices has saved billions of dollars for small businesses around the world.
Role of Smartphones in Healthcare
Smartphones have made it easier for us to communicate with each other at any point in time, either through calls, text messages, or through social media. One of the key areas that have significantly benefited from different modes of communication in healthcare. To bridge the gap between doctors and patients, especially during uncertain times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the concept of telemedicine was developed, which has proven to be extremely effective.
Through telemedicine, it is possible for hospitals to diagnose and treat patients, without them having to be physically present at the medical facilities. Furthermore, such healthcare portals also enable patients to connect and communicate with the physicians through their smartphones, thereby providing instant updates regarding the diagnosis, while patients can use wearable devices that would monitor their blood pressure and heart rate. Yet another advantage of telemedicine and mobile technology is the reduction of costs associated with patients being connected to their physicians.
Role of Smartphones in Emergency Services
One of the most important aspects of mobile technology is its ability to address important issues such as emergencies. Smartphones now come with an emergency call option, and smartphone companies provide GPS tracking devices with mobile phones, making it easier for authorities to respond, track, and extend help to those in danger.
For instance, Samsung Galaxy S9, considered by many to be the best phone under 25000 comes with the Samsung SOS feature. This 6GB RAM mobile priced below Rs. 25,000 lets the smartphone user send a distress message, along with the coordinates of where they are, just by pressing the lock button 3 times.
Mobile technology — and in turn, smartphones will continue to play an important role in helping first responders, hospital staff and other volunteers to provide help and support during emergencies such as natural disasters. Furthermore, with push-to-talk services that come with mobile applications, people within a community can communicate and collaborate with each other, even without internet service.
Thus, smartphones not only help us in finishing our work on-the-go, but they also play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of individuals, while prioritizing our comfort and convenience.