Terms you need to know

Aeroplane mode

A setting that turns off your phone's ability to send and receive signals. Use it on a plane to avoid transmitting signals that could interfere with aeroplane communications. Or use it when you don't want to receive calls and messages but still need your phone, like when you're using your phone as an alarm clock at night.

app

An application (program) you install on your phone to expand its capabilities. Your phone comes with some apps pre-installed, such as the Email and Calendar apps. Download and install more apps from Play Store. You can delete/uninstall apps that you downloaded and installed; some pre-installed apps cannot be deleted.

Bluetooth™

A short-range wireless networking technology that allows two devices to communicate with each other at distances under 8 metres. Use Bluetooth to connect your phone with a headset for making calls, headphones for listening to music, or a hands-free kit for your car.

cellular network or mobile network

A network of radio-transmitting towers. You make calls on your phone using radio waves sent between the phone and the network towers. You also send data and access the Internet on this network. Carriers use different technologies to handle these radio transmissions (GSM, CDMA, Edge, 3G, 4G, LTE, HSPA, iDEN).

data usage

The amount of data your device uploads or downloads over the cellular/mobile network during a given period. Depending on your plan with your carrier, you may be charged additional fees when your data usage exceeds your plan's monthly limits.

data

Information sent or received from your device other than calls and text messages. You may use data when you access the Internet, check your email, play games, use apps and more. Background tasks, such as syncing or location services, may also use data.

GPS

Global Positioning System. GPS gives your phone the ability to determine your location on a map. With GPS, your phone becomes your navigator when you're driving and your concierge when you're looking for a nearby meal, movie, or cup of coffee.

mobile hotspot

A device or app that lets you share your mobile data connection with multiple devices via Wi-Fi. You can connect different devices to your hotspot, including notebooks, netbooks, MP3 players, cameras, phones and portable gaming systems. The number of devices that can connect at one time depends on your carrier and connection speed.

NFC

Near-Field Communication. A short-range, low-speed wireless networking technology that lets you quickly exchange information between your phone and other NFC-enabled smartphones, smart accessories and smart posters.

notification

An alert from your phone or an app on your phone. Your phone displays icons in the status bar to notify you of new messages, calendar events and alarms. Icons can also indicate on-going status, such as connection to a Wi-Fi network.

Play Store

Google's store where you can download apps, books, movies, and music. Choose from an assortment of free books or apps; purchase from an even larger selection.

SD card

Secure Digital (SD) card. A small, high-capacity removable memory card used in small, portable devices such as mobile phones, tablets and digital cameras.

short cut

An icon you can add to your home screen that lets you quickly open an app. Create short cuts for apps you use frequently.

SIM card

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. A card that securely stores information your mobile operator uses to authenticate your phone on the mobile network.

software update

An update to your device's operating system that typically includes new features and fixes reported problems. The update is wirelessly downloaded to your device at no additional cost to you.

status bar

Thin bar at the top of your screen that displays the time and icons that tell you about your phone's battery and network connections. Apps display icons in the status bar to alert you of events, such as new messages.

sync

The process of sharing the same information across multiple devices and websites. Contacts, calendars and email are often synced through cloud services, so you can enter information on one device and access it through another.

Visual Voice Mail

An app that lets you see a list of your voicemail messages and manage them without having to dial into the traditional voicemail system. You can listen to, reply to, erase and archive your messages. You can also call back, text and add new contacts.

Wi-Fi

A wireless networking technology that provides Internet access at distances of up to 100 metres. To save data charges when you're uploading or downloading large files on the web, use a Wi-Fi connection instead of your mobile network.

widget

An element you can add to your home screen that gives you quick access to information or frequent tasks. For example, widgets can provide weather updates, upcoming calendar events and the ability to quickly turn Wi-Fi on and off or adjust your screen brightness. Many are preinstalled on your phone. Download and install more widgets from Play Store.