8. Smartphones

Quite recently the mobile phone has developed into what is now called a 'smartphone'. These are true multifunctional devices. Yes, they can do all that mobiles can do but also so much more.

Part of the reason for the improvement in their capability has been the addition of some extra sensors in the device - namely an gyroscope that can measure angle, tilt and orientation.

They also contain GPS chips to pick up your exact location and touch screen technology.

Smartphones are now supported by thousands of independent developers around the world who dream up new things you can do with smartphones.

There are apps that tell you the name of any song just by 'listening' to a few bars of music, apps to find out what is on at your local cinema, apps that track your exercise and calories, games, video players, joke generators and so on.

Basically, if you want to do something with your smartphone, there is generally an app to help you.

All these are available in the 'app store' of the smartphone maker. Some apps are free, some are available for purchase for a small fee.