A smartphone is a mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a computer, typically having a touchscreen interface, Internet access, and an operating system capable of running downloaded applications. Smartphones are a class of multi-purpose mobile phones. They are distinguished from feature phones by their stronger hardware capabilities and extensive mobile operating systems, which facilitate wider software, internet, and multimedia functionality, including video games, music, and photography. Feature phones typically provide voice calling and text messaging functionality, in addition to basic multimedia and Internet capabilities, and other services offered by the user's wireless service provider.The first smartphone was the Simon Personal Communicator, which was introduced in 1992. It was followed by a number of other devices, including the Palm Pilot, BlackBerry, and Treo. In 2007, Apple Inc. introduced the iPhone, which was the first smartphone to use a multi-touch interface. The iPhone was followed by a number of other devices that use similar touch-based interfaces, including the iPod Touch, iPad, and Android-based devices.
