Back in the 1990s, people had no idea what an iPhone or smartphone would look like. So, they failed to recognize the revolutionary and first-ever smartphone invented called the Simon Personal Communicator.
According to Insider, the term "smartphone" was first used in 1995, but Simon was ironically built three years before that. Nonetheless, Simon is the first smartphone in history to feature a touchscreen, app-like functions, and even a stylus pen!
Here are 10 fun facts about Simon, the world's first smartphone.
Simon Was Built by IBM
According to ColdFusion, the first-ever smartphone was developed by International Business Machines Corporation (IMB), and manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric. Simon first launched in the Comdex Computer Industry Trade Show in 1992 but was further refined in 1994. Note that Simon was also made available to the market in 1994.
The LCD Touchscreen
Following the same logic that is used in the current smartphones, developers thought of a way to maximize user inputs without the physical buttons. So Simon was equipped with a Monochrome LCD touchscreen which measures 4.5 inches by 1.4 inches.
Simon and Its Stylus Pen
Stylus pen fans probably know how useful it can be on mobile devices. Simon developers also thought the same so they ensured a stylus pen function on the smartphone. Notably, the design was heavily inspired by fax functions, so users can freely write messages or even pictures that they can send.
Send and Receive: Emails and Faxes
One obvious priority when building this smartphone was to enable users to communicate on a small portable device. Simon far surpassed expectations when it introduced features that can send and receive emails, faxes, and other types of pages. It should be emphasized that much like the current smartphone, Simon can be used remotely after charging its battery.
Notes and Files Folder
Although Simon was not capable of saving videos and photos, it had the ability to save digital files of its time, which were mainly messages and notes. This means Simon was also a handy file organizer for small messages and documents.
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Call and Address Book
Since Simon has the ability to save files and receive calls, it also included the features to create a digital contact or address book. Interestingly enough, the user interface back then was designed to resemble a folder organizer instead of the letter-ruler, which is used in the current smartphones.
Calendar, World Clock, and Other Widgets
In 1992, developers had yet to introduce Google and App Stores. However, Simon still featured all the basic functions that a smartphone could provide. This includes app-like programs like a built-in calendar and world clock. Users can also combine these functions to schedule appointments or meetings with Simon.
Expandable Memory
According to Insider, Simon's internal memory-like feature could be expanded to run other apps or widgets, as previously mentioned. Users can do this by deleting programs or by inserting a special PC card on the phone.
Sold 50,000 Units
Time noted that throughout its lifetime, Simon sold approximately 50,000 units. The sale is ironically cheap because people back then felt uncertain about the radical device. Notably, Simon was just too far ahead of its time.
Simon Costs $899
When it launched, Simon was sold at $899. This is approximately $1,435 in today's market standards. The price is extremely expensive for an average consumer, but it is an interesting estimate when considering that Simon is the first device to revolutionize smartphone technology.
