WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) is the newest available now on mobile phones. It essentially consists of a micro-browser (simplified browser) that allows access to web pages written in a special language, WML, which only supports text and simple graphics. Despite being a system that is still far from the connection accessible through a computer and modem, is the first approximation to the designated mobile Internet, providing access to information in all places and times.
Before adhering to a WAP service weigh the pros and cons. On the usability and content the system has flaws but on the other hand, technological advances are correcting those mistakes. At the same time is quite appellation have permanent access to the various services available, no matter the location. So what are the factors to weigh on consumer choice? These factors can be grouped into two groups: the terminal capabilities and services presented by the operator.
Versatile devices
The first question related to the terminal is the size of the screen. Despite the small size of most mobile phone screens, the presentation of information easier to read. When used the WAP are displayed normally only three or four lines of text, being necessary to use the keys "scroll" up and down. The key problem is not the number of lines that can be viewed on screen, but the size of the letters. The larger letters are easier to read. Moreover, information is harder to read when a mobile phone has several lines simultaneously.
The way to browse and choose the links is also important because it will take time to do so. Most models have navigation buttons, but there are already models that use similar devices to a "trackball" which when pressed with your finger up or down moves the cursor in that direction. This innovation helps to reduce the digital effort needed to travel over the Internet on the mobile phone.
Another essential aspect for ease of use is the Intelligent Message written. What does this technology? Guess who SMS messages sent and already have noticed the difficulty of writing with a keypad, which is needed to choose the letter that is to be introduced repeatedly clicking the same button. For the word "email", for example, would need to press 33-6-2-44-55. A mobile phone equipped with this function automatically recognizes the words you intend to write (most common) and complete the task facilitating the user. To write e-mails from your mobile phone does not become a nightmare, the Intelligent Message written is essential.
The WAP currently only allows the display of text and graphics, which makes him quite limited compared with the capabilities of the Web, every page is filled with pictures, videos and sounds. This limitation s due to the capabilities of the screen, but also the data transfer rate, which is only 9.6 Kbps atinge Despite terminals already exist with a higher capacity, operators have not yet proceeded to the " upgrade "of the network need to be able to enjoy the capital gain. They are also developing technologies such as GPRS, which must be available at the end of 2000, enabling navigation atingir theoretical speeds of around 115 Kbps and is compatible with WAP. Thus, we should note that current models are the first step in mobile Internet and in the future it is possible to have direct Internet access, as well as audio and images via terminals equipped with GSM / GPRS. The third generation of mobile phones (also called UMTS), which should emerge in 2002 will be even more impressive (for more on the potential of UMTS, click here to see our article). There are also manufacturers announced future models already equipped with Bluetooth technology, which will link, for example, all home devices to your computer.
Another issue to consider is that many of the sites available for WAP were designed to be accessed by specific brands of mobile phones, and the operators themselves take care models to design their Web services. What I can say is that it may be impossible to access a "site" from a specific model of mobile phone, not to be compatible with the "site".
Finally, the cost of mobile phones is essential for the decision, depending on how much money is spent, the better the performance, despite quite operators appellate course offer promotions. Other factors that can be brought online in mind are the battery and the external aspect.
Which operator you choose?
Although it is possible to travel through "sites and services not offered by the operator, it is likely that the user of WAP use during most of the time the services offered by this. The reason is that whenever it is intended to link to pages that are not included in the initial list enter the dwelling needed on the mobile phone, a task that is boring because of the size of them. Since this type of services the operator offers is essential. But do not expect to get information through sophisticated WAP. The options normally available are news, sports, financial services, schedules, weather, pharmacies, purchase of tickets, etc.., Useful things that we need during our day to day. These basic services combined with the possibility of sending and receiving e-mails from mobile phones.
A novelty is often to be offered the option of configuring the mobile phone from a fixed site on the Internet, accessible through an Internet-connected computer. Moreover operator portals can use your mobile phone as an electronic diary, recording the tasks in the portal and then receive alerts in the mobile phone via SMS messages or e-mail.
But one of the most important issues is the price. Operators billed per minute, with billing per second from the first minute. Consider that the WAP is necessary to make a new connection is consulted whenever a new service, which can significantly increase the phone bill.
