?Introduction Most people have smartphones to complete everyday tasks. Since their creation, smartphones have come a long way in what they can do. Smartphones now allow users to talk, text, tweet, take photos, pay bills, download and listen to music, get directions, and so much more from the palm of their hands. Their sleek designs have come a long way from the first smartphone; they're more user friendly and allow all age groups to use and enjoy. Background Smartphones have been around since 1993. IBM created the first smart phone called SIMON. (Reed, 2012). While the Pilot created by Palm is not a smartphone, it is credited for popularizing handheld PDA1 devices (Reed, 2012). In 2002 the first phone capable of receiving emails and web browsing was created, the Blackberry by RIM (Reed, 2010). With a few more attempts form other companies the smartphone was never a huge success until 2007 when Apple released it’s first iPhone. Its’ success was in its advanced web browsing and touchscreen display (Reed, 2012). In 2007 Android introduced the Droid to Verizon customers (Reed, 2010). Since then, there have been more advances in smartphone technology. Functionality Smart phones were invented to combine a mobile phone and the technology of a computer. They make many aspects of life much easier. Along with regular calling, voice messages, and text messages, email can be checked from just about anywhere. With recent advances web-hosting has been to websites, application, as well as music and video all in one place. Also pictures can be taken with smartphones, allowing users to never miss a moment. With smartphones, it is incredibly easy to communicate. Also other tasks are made easier with “apps.2” Users can customize their phone and download apps, like Twitter or Facebook, and news apps like CNN. These applications at one’s fingertips make it easy to update statuses and read about recent news. Smartphones are beneficial to society because they make it easy to communicate and use the web. Technology The two main smartphone companies are Apple and Android. Apple was first to launch the first touchscreen phone with a professional grade camera. Apple was also first to launch “Apps.”