Over the last couple of weeks at Three, we’ve been building out our Facebook timeline. Lots of you will have had it on your personal accounts for a while now, but timeline for brands has only just arrived.
Just as you can with your own personal Facebook timeline, we’ve started to sprinkle our page with key dates from our history. From the opening of our very first store, to the Terminate the Rate campaign we supported to lower termination rates. We’ve tried to include as many of our proudest moments as possible.
Of course the area that gets me the most excited is devices – especially smartphones. And helping our social media team to plot all of our most significant device launches on our Facebook timeline has reminded me just how far we, and the products we choose for the Three network, have come.
It’s incredible to think that the enormous NEC E606 and classic Nokia 8210 were only available on the high street nine years ago. In the same year, Tony Blair was Prime Minister and still had three more years in office, and Mad World was Christmas No.1!
It feels like a lifetime has passed, but in truth, the speed at which the physical smartphone has evolved is really quite breath taking. For me, there’s one element of it that characterises this speed of change better than any other, and that’s the screen.
It’s the window onto your mobile world, and in the last 9 years it’s got bigger, gone colour and become interactive.
The screen of a phone, especially in the world of touchscreens, can be a crucial decider when it comes to the success of a smartphone, and it was arguably Apple’s very first iPhone that set the standard. At the time, its beautiful design and intuitive UI won the plaudits of the critics, but it was the iPhone’s high gloss, super sensitive glass screen that got the industry cooing.
Compare the 3GS with the LG Viewty which was available only 18 months earlier, and it’s easy to see how things have progressed.
Now, of course, it’s not all about iPhone. HTC, Samsung, Nokia and Sony have all produced stunning touchscreen devices in the last 6 months that require nothing more than a simple swipe to move from page to page.
The way a screen reacts to your touch is one thing, but its size is quite another, and measuring in at 5.3 inches, the Samsung Galaxy Note is an amazing example of how integral a screen’s performance is to the success of a device. Especially so when you consider that some blogs were celebrating how manufacturers could make tiny phones only 4 years ago.
Nowadays, there are two main types of touchscreen: capacitive and resistive. Resistive touchscreens, which are being manufactured less and less require pressure to work, this type of touchscreen came first. Smartphones like the Nokia N97, the LG Viewty and the Sony Ericsson Satio use this type of touch. The capacitive screen on the other hand works with your body’s own electricity field, which makes it more sensitive and easier to use – unless you’re wearing gloves, of course! Smartphones like the iPhone and Galaxy Nexus all use capacitive screens.
Brightness and clarity are also key. Super-AMOLED, Super LCD, IPS and retina display are all technologies designed to give you the crispest, most clearly defined picture on the market, especially important if your phone doubles up as your camera. And we expect innovation to continue in this field as 3D and HD on smartphones become more accessible.
In the grand scheme of things touchscreen technology is just one of the game-changing developments that we’ve seen in recent years. The quadcore processor in the new HTC One X smartphone provides a level of power that we’ve never seen before, and in addition to this, we expect to see Near Field Communication (NFC) become mainstream for mobile payments and smart tags in the next 12 months or so.
But for me, it’s the ever-present screen of a smartphone that provides the starkest reminder of how advanced the technology we use today is. The screen hasn’t just become a feature of a phone, in so many instances, it is the phone, and without it, all the technology that sits behind it is rendered almost useless.
Technology moves on so quickly in our world, and we’ve had great fun revisiting some of our favourites from the past.
Check out our Facebook timeline for your own trip down memory lane.
50 Responses to The evolution of the touchscreen.
Dokkerbanke 08/09/2012
The self capacitance touchscreen was invented at CERN in the early 1970s and the worlds first commercial capacitative touchscreen pc was released in 1979/ 1980 in collaboration with CERN. This invention of a capacitive touchscreen is at least 30 years old.
Sajjad Rahman 14/05/2012
Touchscreen has brought an evolution to the world of smartphones, making things easier and simpler.
Sajjad Rahman 02/05/2012
NEC 0808 is an amazing device indeed
Sajjad Rahman 01/05/2012
Evolution of touchscreens have created a great impact on the market, and has also change the outlook of smartphones.
Geoff allen 16/04/2012
thanks for the scripted response that contains no information other than it will happen eventually and doesn’t address anything I said and just a rehash of the answer below. If everyone else has launched it then the bugs are obviously specific to three so are either incompetence or lack of resources or more likely due to the shear amount of rubbish you insist on filling the rom with. sorry but when this contract is up I’m done with you guys and someone else can gave my 50 quid a month. I shouldn’t have to void my warranty to get an update everyone else has had for weeks and it’s disrespectful to pipe out scripted products answers that don’t answer anything and think your customers are stupid enough to not realise that’s what you’re doing. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to get an answer of days weeks or months, if your that unsure then I suggest you fire whoever is in charge of that team.
Moderator 16/04/2012
@Geoff Allen – We’ll be rolling out the ICS update for the HTC Sensation as soon as we can, it’s still in testing at the moment as we spotted a few bugs in the update. We want to iron out the issues before we push the update live to ensure the best experience for all of our users. We appreciate your patience and will post an update when it’s available, for now we cannot commit to a timescale.
Geoff allen 16/04/2012
sorry for not getting back, its the normal sensation.
on xda there is the following post (link can be supplied) from another 3 customer.
“Today, I was talking to customer services about other issue and asked about ICS, they put me through the technical team, and when I asked, they said there is nothing going on with sensation.
I said other networks have released ICS for the Sensation, and they answer was that they don’t have to do so, and for now there is no plan to do so either!
I was more waiting for an answer like: we are working on it, or we are testing it…”
the only reason to delay it is so you can add all the bloatware that three is famous for, it has been released to the operators by htc for over 3 weeks now and all other UK operators pushed it a while back.
Please can you confirm that 3 will push this update as it’s not fair if the only alternative is to debrand, root, and flash a different rom.
I don’t think that it is fair that we have to lose our warranty just to get a phone that works as it should.
currently without the update I have a phone that takes random screen shots, has a touchscreen that every now and then just stops working and a battery that apparently makes up its charge level and an app draw that has NINETEEN different three Apps from apparently every country 3 operates in, within europe all of which insist on running continuously, thereby eating my ram, that you won’t let me remove without voiding my warranty!
all of which are known software faults that htc has acknowledged previously that this update should fix. the phone is almost unusable but I’ve been putting off returning it and going through the pain all that that entails in anticipation that a lot of these faults will be rectified with the roll out of ics.
I understand the comments regarding bug testing but I bet the reality is you have a relatively small team working on it and the plan is to launch Europe wide (given all the current European Apps on the current rom)
in short please can you confirm that it is happening and if so when, I understand your won’t be authorised to give exact details (why not is beyond me cos it’s not exactly a state secret) but are we talking days, weeks, months or never? as right now my phone is bordering on unusable and 3 UK has absolutely no information to give its customers. as a long standing customers on several different contracts since you launched in the UK I have learnt to put up with the terrible call centres and the ropey coverage in the early days, but now I’m getting pretty fed up, how hard us it to give us PAYING CUSTOMERS an eta given you could push it this afternoon if it wasn’t for the fact that you insist in adding all the useless bloatware that I guess the vast majority of users never use anyway.
sorry for going on but this is really pretty poor and as you’re not the only ones offering unlimited data now I think I’m not the only one who will seriously consider leaving when our contracts are up.
Sajjad Rahman 14/04/2012
I heard from my friend that the phone is amazing, I was also thinking of purchasing one.
Moderator 13/04/2012
@Antony – We’ll be rolling out the ICS update for the HTC Sensation as soon as we can, it’s still in testing at the moment as we spotted a few bugs in the update. We want to iron out the issues before we push the update live to ensure the best experience for all of our users. We appreciate your patience and will post an update when it’s available, for now we cannot commit to a timescale.
Antony 13/04/2012
Hi, Any ETA for ICS on the HTC sensation?
I find it odd that reports are saying it is already out for the Sensation XE but no one seems to know when the Sensation which is pretty much identical to the XE is going to get it.
Sajjad Rahman 12/04/2012
Simply amazing phone, I would love to get hold of one.
john 11/04/2012
I put this on an earlier post but as i have had no reply i will try on this one; when you have upgraded up tp hspa+ i take it the samsung galaxy s2 will be able to handle that and will show H+ in the notification bar when set up thanks
Moderator: Kaz 11/04/2012
@Geoff allen – Please can you confirm which phone you wish to update to ICS.
Geoff allen 10/04/2012
no info on ics then, Vodafone 12 days ago, the others have all done it now, except 3. and no response in the forum, not very good really.
John M 10/04/2012
@stan – The Nokia Lumia 800 is very similar to the 900 but has a lovely curved screen, rather then the flat screen on the 900.
I reviewed the 800 on Three here http://realtechblog.com/2012/01/20/nokia-lumia-800-review/ hope it helps
Many thanks
John M
Moderator: Kaz 10/04/2012
@Ann-Marie Dawe – Thanks for letting us know, we are investigating this now. Are you accessing Facebook through an official app or via m.facebook.com?
Ann-Marie Dawe 10/04/2012
Have been unable to connect to Facebook for the last 24 hours ! All other internet accesses , no problems !
Moderator: Kaz 10/04/2012
@john – I can confirm that 03 numbers will be included in your call allowance. Click here to find out more.
Moderator: Kaz 10/04/2012
@Adam J – Not sure how we missed your comment. Just checked any issues with your local masts and the 3 closet to you are working fine, I can’t see any issues at all. There could have been a temporary issue which has been resolved. Please let us know if you are still having issues.
William bruce 08/04/2012
Ive been with 3 now for 6 years now on my 4th contract ive always found their customer service and technical support excellent and always get any problems sorted quickly.
Geoff allen 06/04/2012
sorry just to add that I have checked for an update and non is available, just incase it has been rolled out and it’s a technical issues with my phone.
Geoff allen 06/04/2012
hi, I’m enquiring about the roll out of its on the HTC Sensation. there is some conflicting info over on xda and a few other sites saying this commenced around a week ago and to quote your mod below ‘Three will just sign it off when they get it, and so not keep their customers hanging around waiting for it.’
I have two questions, has the roll out commenced? and if not given the above quote, why not? as Vodafone and Orange definitely have it already, Vodafone for over a week! though I’m not sure about tmob & O2. I’d appreciate any info you have, thank you.
john 06/04/2012
Please confirm that i can dial 0300 numbers on my 1 plan and it wont be charged as an extra (chargeable)
Yoni 06/04/2012
I was told that if I get the HTC one x from Three UK, it wont come with Beats headphones, and also it wont come with the media link HD device. Is this true?
Adam J 05/04/2012
How come my question still has not gone through the Mods, whereas others comments who have posted after mine have?!
Moderator: Kaz 05/04/2012
@dimic1985 – Really sorry to read that. Please can you provide a full postcode and I’ll check for any network issues in your area.
dimic1985 04/04/2012
I haven’t had 3 coverage all day and its really annoying as my wife is pregnant with our twins and there’s no way she can get hold of me. Not only that I’m paying for a service I can’t even use so I think you should make a discount off my next bill otherwise u can have my phone back and I won’t be paying for my contract.
Bob X 04/04/2012
@Neil: “When Sony upgradeing to gingerbread”
Which phone do you have? Quick run down (afaik) is:
X10 – 2.3.3′s been available for 8-9 months, highly recommended (this is what I’ve got);
2010 X10 Mini/Mini Pro – not available officially, get a suitable 3rd party ROM from from xda-devs;
2011 X10 Mini/Mini Pro – these have 2.3.5 available (ICS May/June);
Neo V/Ray/Arc S – 2.3.5 available (ICS available before the end of the month);
Ray/Play/Arc/Pro – again 2.3.5 available (ICS May/June);
Xperia S – ships with Gingerbread, (ICS due “Q2 2012″).
ICS ship dates are (obviously!) dependent on carrier, so fingers crossed (for other folks because my X10′s too old now) that Three will just sign it off when they get it, and so not keep their customers hanging around waiting for it.
This information is available via Sony’s Product Blog feed – http://blogs.sonymobile.com/products/
Adam J 04/04/2012
I’ve been on three for a bit now, and at first signal wasn’t that good, so I posted on here December time saying I was only getting 1 bar/no service and 1-2 bars outside. After the post a mod said for me to email the executive team but they never got back to me. But the signal did improve to 3 bars inside (most areas, some places in the house were still 1-2 bars), and around 3 bars outside too. But recently my signal has been 1-2/no service everywhere, I don’t know if bad weather has damaged the mast, but still according to my local store and your website I should have full signal, I have Never had this! I hope you can at least get it to 4/5 bars please, and if that involves replacing the mast then it should be done. Hope you can look into this and get back to me. Oh and my post code is (REMOVED). Thanks once again.
Moderator 03/04/2012
@Paul M – Hi there, we don’t have an exact date confirmed as yet I’m afraid but we always announce our software updates pro actively as they become available through our Twitter and Facebook pages
Moderator 03/04/2012
@doug bramwell – We welcome both positive and negative feedback and try to provide resolution through this channel where we can. We are quite often able to identify and fix network issues through our Blog for a lot of customer. Unfortunately with regards to yourself there are no issues indicating any faults in your area, therefore we recommend you’d benefit from some troubleshooting with our technical team in order to rule out any issues with your actual device.
Moderator 03/04/2012
@Neil – Hi there, what phone is it you have?
Paul M 02/04/2012
How about some timelines for ISC on the HTC sensation please?
doug bramwell 02/04/2012
If you are experiencing difficulties with reception ( ‘phone or internet) please bombard this site with complaints – they will listen eventually. 3, we do not complain for the fun of it – listen & act , ur coverage is poor , if ur info tells u different then it’s inaccurate & misleading.
neil 02/04/2012
When Sony upgradeing to gingerbread
Moderator: Johanna 02/04/2012
@Christine – They are usually chargeable, costs here.
Moderator: Johanna 02/04/2012
@Stan – I’m sorry but we have no plans to range this phone
Moderator: Johanna 02/04/2012
@Paul – Sorry to hear that, if you leave us a full postcode we can check the network for you.
Moderator: Johanna 02/04/2012
@Jennie Charman – It was released a little while ago now… info on updating here.
Moderator: Johanna 02/04/2012
@Kevin – hmm thanks for the feedback and advice
Moderator: Johanna 02/04/2012
@Syed Harris Ali – I’m sorry you’re disappointed, we don’t offer loyalty discount as we try and keep our plans low cost and great value to all.
christine 02/04/2012
Are 0845 numbers not free on contract phones?
Stan 02/04/2012
I hope to God you guys are getting the White Lumia 900 The Americans are selling out of preorders and AT&T are about to laugh an advertising campaign on a larger scale than the iPhone. The lovely body, screen, and the OS are making me drool and my speaker has blown on my Radar
Perfect excuse to coax a new phone though 
Paul 01/04/2012
Please help. For the last 3 nights at about 11. I cannot connect to the internet “cannot activate mobile data network” iPhone 4s My mum dad and girlfriend “iPhone 4″ all have this same problem… But it’s fine all day…
Kind regards
Paul
jennie charman 31/03/2012
Could you tell me when the new ice cream sandwich up date will be avalible for my samsung galaxy s2 1900 on 3 network
ginym1 31/03/2012
My head doesn’t all this technology
Kevin 31/03/2012
Just one more thing.. talking about innovations 3… people being people will switch networks if they can’t get the phone or tariff they want. I noted quite a few on the blog etc. saying they would because they couldn’t get the Galaxy Note for instance. Remember you heard it here first… and I did note that feedback I had given before about longer contracts which were cheaper than the old 12 month type. What about what I would call the no switch bonus.. another first for 3 where by you would give and discount to existing customers based on the length of years they had been with you, similar to insurance. It would be totally up to you what exactly was the bonus but don’t forget to give the long term loyal customer say the full 5 years NSB when introduced. Therefore giving another incentive to keep your customer base while gathering more market share.. I was talking to my friend the other day, who works at an lets say the O network call centre and he said that they described 3 as a non threat, not even in the opposition list. I couldn’t believe what he was saying.. I said are they mad? 3 are far better than them and they are nearly up to speed now with flakey network coverage they use to have, plus YCED, iphone for the sheep, HDSP+ rollout etc. So there you go.. 3.. a full free lifetime contract plus new phones for the idea please
Kevin 31/03/2012
I remember the days before 3 when everyone wanted smaller and smaller monochrome phones that they use to lose regularly in the back of taxi’s at the weekend clubbing sessions. I also remember them calling my phone a brick but it was still smaller than the 3 launch phones
I had the Nokia 7650.. ahead of the crowd by years.. It was notable for a number of firsts: first Nokia smartphone with the Symbian OS (version 6.1); first Series 60 (Now S60)) platform device; first Nokia with built-in camera. I still have it in the cupboard and I have quite a few photo’s in the old archive taken with it. Some people have no idea.. look at the Galaxy Note I was really excited when this was launched… All the blogs and tech pages slated it even 3 wouldn’t stock it but look at it now.. quite a successful phone and even 3 had to get it in the end… LOL
Syed Haris Ali 30/03/2012
Very disappointed with the customer service and companies polices. I have been with them since last 2 year and now when i wanted to upgrade my contract they refused to give me any loyalty discount. As soon as my contract finishes i won’t continue my contract again with this company ,i suggest every one to choice o2 or T-mobile or any other company but definitely three is not right option because they don’t value there customers.
I spoke to candy this evening in upgrade department very rude customer adviser, i won’t call you back guys for any help.
Syed Haris Ali (Last 4 numbers 5838)
Bill G. Bennett 30/03/2012
I had (and still have, sitting on my desk!) an NEC e808