Since Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone in 2007, mobile communication technologies and thus the concept of smartphones have developed at a rapid pace. But this does not mean that there were no big steps taken in this area before 2007 either. . . For example, Simon, which is considered by many to be the first smartphone, is a true legend that has left 29 years behind.
Simon, bearing the signature of IBM, was first introduced on November 23, 1992 at COMDEX. With its 16MHz processor, 1MB memory and 1MB storage space, it was not possible to fit Simon into your pocket, which looked quite impressive for its time. Another interesting feature was that it could insert a PCMCIA memory card. IBM did not describe the Simon as a “smartphone” at the time; because the concept of “smart device” had not even entered our lives yet. Instead, Simon was described as a pager, fax machine, and pocket computer.
Simon did not have physical keyboard keys. Instead, it was used by reading the touch screen with a finger or pen.
It took 2 years for the phone to be released after the introduction. Simon’s shelving only took place in 1994.
You could only install one external application on Simon: The PC client of the application called DispatchIt, used for messaging between PC and Simon, cost $3,000. It also had to be paid $300 per phone.
Simon was also able to do some things that he couldn’t do with today’s smart pockets, such as receiving faxes. The phone was sold by BellSouth Cellular for $900 with a 2-year contract.
Simon’s stylus touch interface also offered a list of apps. However, the device, which was not advertised well enough, did not achieve the expected success in the commercial sense and was withdrawn from the market within 6 months. The problem wasn’t just about publicity, either; Simon also had other problems with short battery life and usage.
Regardless, we think it’s crucial that Simon is a pioneer for today’s smartphones and shows how far we’ve come.
You can watch how Simon, who has completed 29 years, works in the video above. . .
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