Mobile phone software is embedded in the phone at the time of production. Also called firmware. The functions of a mobile are limited to the capacity of the firmware. Each phone model has a different firmware that distinguishes it from other models. The technology of cell phones made by different companies can also vary. For example, Nokia phones are based on Symbian technology, while other phones may be based on Java technology.

Mobile phones can make it easy to install third-party software. Countless mobile phone software is now readily available. Some may be free, while others can be purchased. This software satisfies a variety of interests, for example:

o Document viewers: to view documents created in MS Office and Adobe Acrobat,

o Image viewers and editors: to view and edit images, and

or cell phone games to entertain yourself

Mobile games comprise most of the software available for mobile phones. The most used platforms for these games are

Java ME from Sun, BREW from Qualcomm, Symbian OS, Windows Mobile and Palm OS.

Software installation

There are numerous sites on the Internet from where you can download software for mobile phones. These files would have

o a “.sys” extension, to indicate a file that is compatible with Symbian devices, or

or a “.jar” or Java extension that is compatible with most cell phones.

One can download these files directly to cell phone or computer and then can transfer them to phone. The first method can be very expensive. In the latter method, after downloading the software to your computer, you can transfer it to your cell phone in any of the following ways:

a) Through Infrared:

This is one of the easiest ways to transfer a file from laptop to phone. Turn on the infrared port. Put your cell phone before the infrared port. A screen will appear in which you must select the file to send and click the “Send” button. Once you allow the file to be received, it will be transferred to your phone as an SMS.

b) Via Bluetooth:

If both your phone and computer are bluetooth-enabled, you just need to select the mobile phone software to transfer. Choose your cell phone as the destination for sending the file. Pair both devices and once the connection is established, the file will be transferred to your cell phone as an SMS.

c) Through Data Cables:

You can send the file from the computer to your phone using the data cable provided by the phone manufacturer.

Mobile phone software is largely responsible for increasing the range of mobile phones.