It is very hard to survive in the modern world without a mobile phone. Nevertheless, most people probably know very little about their fascinating history and mechanics.
Mobile Phones Outnumber People
On average, every one of the world’s 5000 million mobile phone users actually owns 1.5 phones. As there are around 7350 million people in the world, this means they are outnumbered by 7500 phone lines. There are also phone-adjacent devices like those found in a pager system.
There’s a Mobile Phone in Space
In 2013, researchers at the University of Surrey launched a Google Nexus into orbit to see whether its components continued to function in a vacuum and if it could still control a satellite.
You Can Compete in a Mobile Phone Throwing Contest
Finland hosts the annual Mobile Phone Throwing World Championship and has done so every year since 200. The women’s record is 40 metres, the men’s 97 metres.
The word “Bluetooth” Has Scandinavian Origins
King Harald Blatand ruled in Norway and Denmark in the 900s and was known for his speech-making and ability to bring different tribes together. His name is often translated as Harald Bluetooth.
Phone Screens Can Accumulate More Bacteria Than a Toilet
This comes from multiple studies assessing mobile phone bacteria levels. They found between 20 to 30 times the bacteria on a phone compared to a toilet bowl.
The mobile phone, and related technology such as the pager system, has evolved a lot in recent years, which means even more surprising facts are likely to arise.
