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Scientists identified a prototype to solve the problem of only being able to make calls through a landline or in the car. The Motorola DynaTAC Prototype was created by Martin Cooper. -
Engineers at Motorola were determined to create a handheld device. Between 1973 and 1983, dozens of DynaTAC prototypes were built and refined. Each version sought to reduce weight, extend battery life, and ensure call clarity in real-world urban environments. Rigorous field tests were carried out to check dropped calls, interference, handoffs between cell towers, and safety standards. The FCC approved the DynaTAC 8000X in September 1983. -
Engineers re-imagined the design for the cell phone. They created the first flip phone called the Motorola MicroTAC. Engineers worked to redesign the antenna while balancing battery constraints. -
The first text message was sent in 1992. The test from an engineer Neil Papworth sent the first SMS "Merry Christmas" from a computer to a Vodafone Orbitel 901 phone in the UK. -
Engineers found the growing demand for communication and personal organization on the phone. IBM explored touchscreen, stylus handwriting, and other applications. The first Smartphone was released, called the IBM Simon. The tests revealed weaknesses with the battery life and limited accessibility. -
Engineers recognized the social need for capturing and sharing images instantly. They reshared communication around visuals and created the first phone with a camera. The Sharp J-SH04. -
Mobile networks were 2G optimized for voice calls and SMS. People wanted to send photos, browse the web, and have access to their email on the go. Voice-only infrastructure couldn't handle these demands. NTT DoCoMo, Japan's leading carrier designed the world's first commercial 3G service called FOMA (Freedom of Mobile Multimedia Access).