Mobile Devices

Glossary

April 30, 2012

"Mobile-connected devices will exceed the world's population in 2012." *

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4G – The 4th generation of mobile telephony (cellular) technology. 1G began in the early 80's, 2G emerged in the 90's, and 3G has been the standard until recently. Availability depends on your particular mobile device in connection with your phone service provider (i.e., AT&T, Sprint, Verizon). This requires a monthly subscription plan with your service provider.

App – Software that is downloaded and installed on your mobile device to provide an "application-like" experience within a Web browser.

Bluetooth – A wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances (using short-wavelength radio transmissions). Example: a headset paired with your cell phone.

e-Reader – a dedicated eBook reading device such as a Kindle or Nook that employs electronic paper technology.

Handheld – see Mobile Device.

Hot Spot – A place that offers Internet access over a wireless local area network.

Land Line – A wired phone line (not wireless, cordless, cellular, or mobile)

Mobile Device – A small handheld computing device such as a smartphone or tablet

Mobile websites – A handheld-friendly version of a website. Example: HopeOnline (http://m.hopeonline.edu). Often a site will automatically detect a mobile device and redirect it to a mobile version. Example: http://library.hiu.edu redirects a smartphone to a mobile interface.

OS (Operating System) – Examples: Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, Linux/GNU, Unix, Palm OS, Windows Mobile, Android, iPhone OS.

PDA – Personal digital assistant – preceded the smartphone. Example: Palm Pilot.

QR Code (Quick Response Code) is the trademark for a type of matrix (two dimensional) barcode that stores more data than traditional stripe barcodes. Use a QRC Code Reader app (such as Red Laser or Google’s Goggles) which uses your device’s camera to capture the image for searching the internet.

Smartphone – A mobile phone with more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a “feature phone.” They typically include a camera, video camera, GPS navigation, touchscreen, web browser, and can use either Wi-Fi or mobile broadband networks (i.e., AT&T, Sprint, Verizon) to connect to the internet.

Tablet – A mobile computer, larger than a mobile phone or PDA, primarily operated by touching the screen rather than using a physical keyboard Example: iPad.

Tethering – sharing the Internet connection of an Internet-capable mobile phone or internet tablet with other devices by Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or physical connection using a cable. Virtual keyboard – onscreen keyboard

WiFi - Technology that enables an electronic device to exchange data wirelessly (using radio waves) over a computer network connection

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Resources for Mobile Devices at

Hope International University and the Darling Library

HopeOnline http://m.hopeonline.edu (You must use this URL using your device’s web browser. It does not automatically detect mobile devices.)

Darling Library http://library.hiu.edu (automatically detects and redirects to the mobile interface)

Many library research databases have a mobile version, making searching from your tablet or smartphone easier – no gesturing to increase the size of the page!

Just start at the library’s website using your mobile device and, for now, click on the Full Site link then navigate to the Research Database you want to use. (Before long, all of the library’s web pages will be “mobile friendly,” eliminating the need to go back and forth between the two versions.)

Some databases make Apps available to download from your OS App Store (Android: Play Store; iOS: iTunes App Store) and/or the research database’s web page. Follow the vendor’s instructions for authentication from your device. You will need to log in using your hiu.edu email address and password as usual.

Two that currently have Apps for Android and Apple products:

• EBSCOhost (includes most of our History databases, Christian Periodical Index, ATLA Religion Databases, PsycARTICLES and PsycINFO, Teacher Reference Center, and many e-books)
• Mango Languages – After installing the App, each lesson is downloaded individually.

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*Cisco Visual Networking Index: Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update, 2011–2016 (February 14, 2012)  http://www.cisco.com/en/US/solutions/collateral/ns341/ns525/ns537/ns705/ns827/white_paper_c11-520862.html