A phone by any other name...

June 8, 2011 · by .ed

Sometimes on calm quiet nights, when the air is dry and cool if you step outside you can hear a faint, low frequency carrying across the ocean. That sound is emanating from my balcony, where I stand and weep aloud every night because I know, deep down, that the world is over calling things 'phones' but we won't let the term go.

It's a shame, with all of the great things our mobile devices can do, they've held on to the tired old moniker related their first function. Apple and Google extended the world's love affair with the word phone by naming and referring to their devices as iPhone and Superphones respectively - but wouldn't it be cooler if these big players chose something else to refer to their great devices?

A New Standard

The results of this My Opera poll show that fewer people use phones primarily for talking anyway, at least from the perspective of our visitors. Should we call them 'Messagers' instead?

Kudos to the Android platform; I've called my iOS devices Droids at times because they're the closest thing I have to an R2 unit or protocol droid in my life and make more sense than Phone. But we can't call everything Droids, I know. I propose that we call them something simple, like: Coms. We use them to communicate, and nearly all have access to the web, where .com means the same thing to all devices, no matter who makes them.

Then again, most of the world still calls tanks, tanks - and that was before they even got their real functions. So I might be crying for at least a hundred years.

If you could rename the phones of the world to something else, what would it be?

Readers' comments 50

Left under the original article, as archived; 1 page of comments could not be recovered.

DD32Wednesday, June 8, 2011 6:18:34 AM
This is one of my reasons I like the (Australian at least) name of 'mobile' for them (obviously a shortened version of 'mobile phone'), but it really covers everything.

It's a Mobile Unit, A mobile platform I use for communication (Primarily Internet access), SMS and voice calls last (..Via a Web App, and a Voip app ironically).

So to me, Calling it a 'mobile' makes perfect sense.
.edWednesday, June 8, 2011 6:20:08 AM
I like Mobile Unit!
Paweł PawlakWednesday, June 8, 2011 6:22:48 AM
I replied with: "Talk!", because my phone can't receive any text messages (it's a system failure I guess).
I wouldn't rename a phone because of this.
slackwrdaveWednesday, June 8, 2011 6:22:49 AM
If the word "phone" is getting to be an antique, how about "dialing" a call. When's the last time you put your finger in one of those?

Funny how things are.

Sometimes I just call my phone, my "wireless" or "mobile".
Derek Chi OdumWednesday, June 8, 2011 6:34:27 AM
Now what would u call a symbian phone
LaurentWednesday, June 8, 2011 6:37:23 AM
What about "Communicators"? After all, we owe this great invention to that legendary show that has a knack to name common things in a complicated way (like power cells for batteries...)

Then, as a diminutive, they could be called "coms" ot "commies". ;-)

Cheers!
Patrick DuncanWednesday, June 8, 2011 6:57:21 AM
I'm goin with hand held. Totally agree and like the blog. I've been without a computer for over a week but have been able to use my Crackberry to stay up to date.
slackwrdaveWednesday, June 8, 2011 7:17:32 AM
Originally posted by duncanp:

my Crackberry

lol, so true.
Patrick DuncanWednesday, June 8, 2011 7:24:21 AM
When its workin its my crackberry. When I do my multiple battery pulls daily it my crapberry. Lol...
slackwrdaveWednesday, June 8, 2011 7:29:24 AM
Just don't keep it in your shirt pocket, bend over the toilet, and it slides out into the water.

It happens to a lot of people.
Patrick DuncanWednesday, June 8, 2011 7:34:21 AM
Oh its almost happened a few times to me too. Never know, may do the old crapberry some good!!!
Sami SerolaWednesday, June 8, 2011 7:39:11 AM
Well, the origin of words we use is actually very interesting topic When communication devices were somewhat separate, it was rather logical to name them according what they do: telegraph for "far writing", television for "far vision", and telephone for "far voice". Usually these words have Latin origin, and in similar way we could seek what modern days mobile devices really do.

One option is to speak about "telecommunication" where all sorts of conveying of meaning, ideas, information and data can be involved. And in that sense "telecommunicator" would be an excellent choice. Unfortunately word "communicator" is already somewhat taken by Nokia. That would have been quite good because it seem to appear also in Star Trek vocabulary People could of course start using word communicator for calling their hand held devices but for long time it would only cause confusion where some of us would still think we are talking about some specific product. It would be different issue if that one product would be the market leader like in case of Hoover vacuum cleaners. I wonder if peeps still call vacuum cleaning as "hoovering"?

Anyway, I agree with DD32 and would just call it a "mobile". That's because our hand held devices are no longer used just for "far communication". The device is also used for capturing, holding and using data for personal use. We have there things like camera, alarm clock, calculator, calendar, memo, music player etc. Thus the word mobile is good enough for me
Jens Christian Gammelby JensenWednesday, June 8, 2011 8:25:45 AM
I like HPs designation of their WebOS devices, as connected devices, but usually mobile would also be my name for what is currently refereed to as phones.
Andries FikkertWednesday, June 8, 2011 8:46:05 AM
I was thinking about the same thing some weeks ago, and I think we better call them 'Communication Device'. Because every one is communicating with their 'phones' in different ways.

Examples how they communicate are:
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Whatsapp
- Making a call
- and more...

I think the name communication device includes all these things
lbs129Wednesday, June 8, 2011 8:47:26 AM
I simply refer to it as my ”Nokia”.
Dark FurieWednesday, June 8, 2011 10:05:57 AM
"Mobile" - it's a catch-all name that deals with those who use theirs for talking and texting (the majority of high-end buyers) and the rest of us who are at the forefront of mobile technology.

There are those who don't use theirs for any kind of communication, preferring their smartphones to be gaming devices, while others use their mobiles primarily for PIM functionality (I know one girl who uses her phone for the shopping list, calendar and to-do list and literally nothing else - she calls it her notepad). Some people use them as web slates, some simply as portable Facebook clients (in case they miss that thing the person they met once might do), others as cameras and galleries, others as cheap but more functional music players, and others as e-book readers.

I use mine for all of those things and more besides, and have been doing for a good decade now. The thing I rarely do on my mobile is make a call, having not bought credit for such a thing in years, which kjind of stops it being a phone. In fact I've been leaving the phone part of the device in Flight Mode this past ten to twelve months to extend battery life since I moved primarily onto Wi-fi based data so the mobile network doesn't even have any involvement with my device.

I call mine "Sexy" and she does everything I ask of her. Everything.
shanehWednesday, June 8, 2011 10:29:13 AM
What's wrong with the name "smartphone" we already use?
loyaltyaWednesday, June 8, 2011 10:34:59 AM
Driodmobile.... pronounced as one word, like the batmobile!
UnggWednesday, June 8, 2011 12:19:32 PM
I'd like to name it PerCom (Personal Communication Device).
Sami SerolaWednesday, June 8, 2011 12:29:31 PM
One way is to call it is "handy"
Enoch 'Robot Boy' Appiah JuniorWednesday, June 8, 2011 12:49:54 PM
I prefer to call mine, SE C510...the Mini Personal Computer:flirt:
Stephen TurrellWednesday, June 8, 2011 1:22:14 PM
Choose Opera needs to use a spam detector for posts.

Personally I like phone my alternative choice mobile is kinda generic
awful lot of things in this world are mobile
Sanda DiWednesday, June 8, 2011 1:49:18 PM
In Spanish, they refer to it as a "celular," which is just as generic as "mobile." Either could work...

But I like Enoch's allusion to Mini Personal Computer - an MPC... Or we could go to "Mobile TeleCommunicator" (MTC), or um... (We need a new word for computer too, come to think of it - our computers do WAY more than just compute, these days.)

How about Multifunction Mobile Processor - "Double-M. P."

Or ... Texter Alarm Browser Organizer Phone and we call it "TABOP"
Charles SchlossWednesday, June 8, 2011 2:08:11 PM
I would have to be named after some function of the devices that makes sense
JohannesWednesday, June 8, 2011 3:17:32 PM
ToolLink... It has tools/is a tool and is essentially a link: to others or to information
.edWednesday, June 8, 2011 4:24:41 PM
My dad informed me my Italian cousins call them 'handy'
Martin MyrsethWednesday, June 8, 2011 5:08:30 PM
In my opinion, we already have several good names for this "thing", that does not include the word "phone" in it.

"Mobile" (or "mobil") is the most common slang for this unit where I'm from, and it makes perfect sense. They make YOU mobile.

"Cell", another common slang for the unit. The word "cell" is kind of cool in itself, but it's perhaps not as mapping towards the purpose of the device as "mobile".

Why make it any harder than it is?
IlgazWednesday, June 8, 2011 9:04:39 PM
I noticed Nokia calls them "terminals" for a long time, including feature phones (S40). Wonder if anyone from telecom industry will verify it?

Sad thing is, Network operators still doesn't understand what to give priority to and they try to make money from ringtones and very questionable j2me rip off software. If I were them, I would provide a link to Opera Mini for free (several does at firmware level) and give free 100MB to everyone as long as they use Opera Mini or their own branded version. Why? They must overcome the "data usage" phobia they created themselves. There are near 500M handsets with perfect (sometimes 3G) connectivity and people are afraid even to setup their data settings, I have even seen someone deleted all access points "just in case". Can't blame them when I see ordinary rates.
JulianThursday, June 9, 2011 3:14:03 AM
I would rename it to Operhone !!!!!!!
Michael HaleThursday, June 9, 2011 8:31:17 AM
Communication is just that ...communication.
So if the word "phone" communicates to people what the device is and everybody understands it does it matter what you call it ..its a word !!

Changing the name to superdooperwhopperopplyzingdonbeammeupscotty will not change the fact that it is primarily a commuincation device !!!

99.999% of the population understand phone, mobile phone or mobile ..lets leave it there !!!
Dark FurieThursday, June 9, 2011 8:48:56 AM
Is it my imagination or are more and more spammers so stupid that they forget the name/link to the site they're trying to push?
T.J. SchromThursday, June 9, 2011 9:38:18 AM
Compelling post. Grabbed my attention pretty easily. Well written. Kudos!

Personally I just call my device, my Blackberry or my P.D.A.. My device is used for a little bit of everything. Internet, in excess... Plus, texts by the thousands every month, and unlimited plans for both. Calling happens, mostly during nights, weekends, or to other T-Mobile devices. Of course, my '500 minutes a month' plan, is a good indication of what I use most.

In my opinion, though... I believe the only reason our mobile devices are still widely and most commonly referred to as 'phones', is because when it comes down to it, voice communication is still the root and foundation for all devices. Its a fairly universal term for a device that has the ability to transmit and carry voiced conversations over long distances. (Or short, if the situation fits.) Plus, I'm sure there are an abundance of persons whom have simple, basic voice calling cell phones, and just as many with no distance communication devices, all together. In the end, it comes down to personal preference, I guess. To each, their own! Hell, call it your, "little vibrating techno miricle" if you're so inclined! Lol
MarvinIsm13Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:13:26 AM
In the army we had Communication Centers at headquartes (every army still has ). Phones are like that too; a comcen. Doesn't really sound cool, does it? The term "mobile" will do. ...Don't even like to use it to talk anymore...
MarvinIsm13Thursday, June 9, 2011 11:16:53 AM
Originally posted by michaelhale:

superdooperwhopperopplyzingdonbeammeupscotty

What would be the abbreviation for that word?
Uncle MickThursday, June 9, 2011 11:28:23 AM
I'm of the opinion that if you can hold it up to your face (easily, with one hand ) and talk to someone it's a phone.

Though I have fallen into the habit of also calling mine a mobile, the common term in Ireland.

I'd never be able to call it a handy without thinking of this.

Embedded content from embed.myopera.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WIscxut_ak
MenekatesThursday, June 9, 2011 12:01:24 PM
Walah mboh...
Ricardo ArturoThursday, June 9, 2011 1:42:01 PM
The word you are all looking for is:

COMMUNICATOR

(shades of Stargate, Star Trek, and Area 51 y'a;; know, dont'cha )
slackwrdaveThursday, June 9, 2011 3:34:21 PM
There have been times when I have called my mobile "my radio" due to having an amateur radio license and viewing radios as communication devices instead of something that receives commercial FM radio signals. I don't call it "my radio" to the general public because most people will think of a car radio or something similar. I guess cell phones are really just sophisticated radio transceivers.
Dark FurieThursday, June 9, 2011 4:24:52 PM
Originally posted by rarturo:

The word you are all looking for is:

COMMUNICATOR

And those people who don't use theirs for any communication?
cmicklerFriday, June 10, 2011 8:32:53 AM
It is called "Handy" in Germany and a few other regions since its inventions. Still, this name makes sense and I can't figure it getting old. No need to modernize it anytime. "Mobile" makes perfectly sense, too. I'll opt for one of 'em.
JaahquubelFriday, June 10, 2011 8:45:51 AM
In Polish, we call a mobile phone "telefon komórkowy", which is translated "cell phone". But usually we say "komórka" - "a cell", for short. the word "komórka", as well as "cell" in English, has many meanings (mathematics, biology, etc.), so it could also mean a communication & entertainment device, not only a phone.
We don't need any new word.
Uncle MickFriday, June 10, 2011 9:58:19 AM
Originally posted by Furie:

And those people who don't use theirs for any communication?

Have rather missed the point of owning a phone.

A different device would probably suit their needs better.
apnoeFriday, June 10, 2011 10:46:31 AM
when will opera bring a browser for webOS (Palm/HP)
wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeen??? how long has one to beg an pray for :-D
please opera?!
Llewelyn robinsonFriday, June 10, 2011 10:48:45 AM
I dont have a fancy phone,but it keeps me in touch with the world.its my modem,my facebook module and now,also my operasapien.lol. Guess nowadays life would be pretty boring without our mobiles. If only the young kids could stay off the porn browser.
EidanyFriday, June 10, 2011 7:35:34 PM
Ngomong opo toh....
G mudeng aq
alawusa ismail lanreSaturday, June 11, 2011 3:42:13 PM
my mobile,my life line.
Dark FurieSaturday, June 11, 2011 8:05:31 PM
Originally posted by Mickeyjoe-Irl:

Originally posted by Furie:
And those people who don't use theirs for any communication?

Have rather missed the point of owning a phone.

A different device would probably suit their needs better.

Go to your room...
Uncle MickSaturday, June 11, 2011 10:51:51 PM
Originally posted by Furie:

Go to your room...

Only if I can take my phone with me.

I want to stay in touch.
T.J. SchromSunday, June 12, 2011 7:40:21 AM
@apnoe,

Are you sure there is no Opera out there for you? The Mobile (as opposed to Mini) browser is 'suppose to' support basically any device OS... I'm pretty sure that even Opera's own engineers and developers aren't 100% sure as to what app version works with what OS. Example: I have a Blackberry Curve 8310. Its a first generation Curve model, not even 3G compatible. My OS, however, is a 'higher than what my system is suppose to be' hybrid OS. Based on my device, opera suggests that I download a use Opera mini 4.3, because its the latest for my device. I didn't, in fact, I'm running Opera Mini version 6 as I type this. I'd suggest looking around and have your hand at a little trial and error, you'll probably find what you want.
Dark FurieSunday, June 12, 2011 2:08:15 PM
Originally posted by Mickeyjoe-Irl:

Originally posted by Furie:
Go to your room...
Only if I can take my phone with me. I want to stay in touch.

No, you'll take a woman and be happy with it.