Many users of modern smartphones have come across the teletype option in the settings of their device. What this thing is, not everyone knows. Even worse: most modern users do not even imagine what this word means. Not to mention the function itself. Therefore, you definitely need to conduct a small educational program and explain what teletype is, why it can be used and why it is needed at all. But first, a little history.
Teletype in world history
During the booming development of telephone communications (even before mobile), teletypes became widespread among government agencies and various companies. It was a device that looked a lot like a standard typewriter with a display. It was used to transmit typed text over the telephone network. The subscriber at the other end of the wire was already receiving an audio version of the printed text. That's the whole essence of teletype apparatus. That this was a breakthrough in the field of telephone communications, and so it is clear. But what other main function did this device perform?
Such a device was invented in order to help people with disabilities. Suppose a person with a hearing loss is sitting behind a teletype. It’s easier for him to read the message on the device’s screen and type in the answer. And on the other end of the wire is a person who receives a message already in audio format. This is brilliant! But over time, the state began to use this device to encrypt its negotiations. However, in our time, teletypes have sunk into oblivion. Smartphone manufacturers suddenly remembered such devices and introduced the appropriate option in their phones to help people with disabilities. So there was a "Teletype" mode. What is this feature in a smartphone? Let's get it right.
Teletype function in a modern device
Teletype in the phone ... What is this thing and why is it needed? Suppose the user has hearing problems. He can only communicate using SMS, but it is very slow and inconvenient. Modern communication tools and applications (for example, Skype) also do not allow such a person to communicate comfortably. And not everyone connects mobile data. This is where teletype comes in handy. However, not all so simple. It is important that the mobile operator supports this option. Also, many smartphones may need special equipment. For iPhone 5, teletype equipment is easy to purchase from the Apple brand store. Is it worth mentioning that it will be very expensive?
How to enable teletype?
So, teletype. What is it - we have already figured out. Now learn to turn it on. If you have a smartphone on the Android operating system, then you need to do the following. We go to the "Settings" menu, the item "Phone" and look for something similar to TTY, "TTY" or "TTY mode". If it is, then simply move the desired slider to the "On" position. After activation, the option should work. Unless, of course, your operator supports this. If in the "Phone" section there is nothing of the kind, then you need to go to the "Accessibility" item and search there. Typically, options that make it easier for people with disabilities to work with a smartphone are there. If it is there, then simply move the slider in the desired direction. And if not, then your smartphone just does not support this feature.
Windows Phone Devices
But with devices on this platform, everything is not so simple. It seems like a useful option - teletype in Windows Phone. What are these smartphones without the support of this option? Only the most advanced models are equipped with it. Here we can trace the policy of Microsoft, which cares more about its own income, and not about the comfort of the user. In fact, all devices on the Windows platform support teletype. It's just that not everyone has this implemented in software. You can simply update the shell to the latest version, then such an option should appear. However, there is an obstacle: Microsoft has blocked the ability to update for older devices. And smartphones are not computers. Just changing the operating system does not work. It’s easier to change your smartphone. Moreover, the mobile platform from Microsoft is dead. The company itself announced this publicly.
Teletype Pros
A very useful option for people with disabilities is teletype. Communication with this function becomes easy and convenient: no need to connect the Internet, no need to wait until a message from the interlocutor reaches. Communication is carried out in real time. This is really a good help for hearing impaired users. In Europe and the USA, mobile operators have long supported such an opportunity for communication between subscribers. But in Russia and the CIS countries, this function is not so simple. Our operators do not understand one simple thing: you need to take care of the end user, and not about their own well-being. But progress will reach us too, you can rest assured. True, it will take a long time to wait, but this is no longer important.
Conclusion
What is a teletype? This is a feature in a modern mobile device that helps people with disabilities communicate in real time through the telephone network of a mobile operator. Its essence is this: the user types a message on the keyboard, on the operator’s servers it is transformed into sound, then in this processed form it is transmitted to the subscriber on the other end of the wire. The most interesting thing is that the Internet is not needed for this procedure. It is only necessary that the operator and smartphone support this option. If it is important to you, find out how you can connect it.