Up-to-date features on cell phones a necessity

MODERN features on mobile phones are no longer deemed a luxury, but a necessity, according to some owners.

In an interview with The Brunei Times, Ziki, a 32-year-old self insurance salesman, said that he considered his wi-fi compatible mobile phone an absolute must as it allows him to stay connected to both his email account and various social networking sites which are essential in his line of work.

"I have to meet with clients in coffeeshops all the time, so having a wi-fi compatible phone allows me to constantly check my emails, and stay connected with work and non-work related people while I am waiting or entertaining clients in cafes," he said.

"Previously, I had to lug around my laptop to surf the net, but the newer smartphones are just as capable as laptops. It makes surfing so much easier and allows me to keep myself updated on international and local news developments all the time," added Ziki.

Meanwhile Simon Liew, a Form Five student currently awaiting his 'O' level results, said that the most important feature of his Nokia Music Express 5610 was not its clear reception but its ability to double as a fully functional MP3 player.

"I love it because it offers better sound quality and convenience when playing songs, compared to other phone models," he said.

"It allows me to go out and listen to the music I like when I am out waiting for my friends. It is a cheaper form of entertainment than sms-ing people," added Liew.

A government school teacher who opted for anonymity, spoke of similar dependency when it comes to his phone's built-in camera.

He said that the camera and video recording functions on his Sony Ericsson were very handy as they allowed him to record and freeze moments in time which might never occur again.

"Just last month, I got a really good picture of a little child crying while eating ice cream. It was beautiful and I don't think I will ever be able to get a picture like that ever again," he said.

"It allows me to share these pictures and videos with my friends by posting them on my blogs and Facebook," said the English teacher, adding that it was much more convenient than having to carry a separate camera with him.

"You never know when you are going to need it. The pictures are of high resolution and sharp. There is no longer any need to get yourself another compact camera," he said.

Another feature of the phone that he constantly uses is the built-in recording function.

He explained that there were often programmes on both the national television or radio which were beneficial to the education of his students. "I have make it a habit to record these and replay them back in the classrooms," he said.

A mobile phone sales representative said that wi-fi and Youtube compatibility were among the most popular mobile phone features in the Sultanate today.

Declining to be named, she said that people no longer asked about how good a phones reception was, they were instead more interested in how a phone looked, and how compatible it was with applications and the Internet.

The Brunei Times