Teletype - what is it and how to use it?

To begin with, the teletype function in the modern world is practically not used, and if used exceptionally rarely. Social networks and the Internet have completely replaced it, but it has remained in the factory settings of many smartphones. What is this - a teleprinter, and how to use it? And is it really necessary?

What is the teleprinter mode in "Android" or in iOS?

This function is also called a text phone mode, and it is used to send messages over a telephone line. Of course, modern teletype has nothing to do with the huge device that was previously this unit. In order for this mode to work in iPhones, you need to install a special adapter, which you can buy in the Apple Store. For owners of Android-smartphones there are other alternative applications. Although often they just do not need.

Shortly this mode is called TTY (teletypewriter). This option, which in modern smartphones is realized for people with weak speech or auditory capabilities. Now it is more or less clear what it is - a teleprinter. But the questions still remained.

How it works?

The principle of work is extremely simple: communication takes place between two interlocutors. One person with weak speech capabilities is able to print text on the phone. This text the person on the other side receives in the audio format. It can also be the other way around: a person speaks, and his interlocutor at the other end sees the text.

That is, the teletype converts speech into text and vice versa. For people with weak audio and speech capabilities, this option is very useful.

Do all phones support a teleprinter?

Many models of modern smartphones support this mode, but not all. To make it available in iPhones, you must first buy a special adapter. After that, the very option will need to be activated in the settings.

If you need this mode, then when you select a phone you need to go into the settings and look for this option. If you ask about this sales consultants, it is unlikely to answer you in the affirmative and definitely, because very few people are familiar with such a function. But we note that most modern smartphones support the mode.

How to enable and disable?

Given the fact that the mode is not relevant, and its activated state consumes the battery charge, it will be useful to know how to disconnect the teletype on the iPhone. It is disabled by default. But in the settings in the "Phone" section there is a TTY mode. There it is possible both to disconnect the teletype, and to include it. But most likely, this option will work only with a special cable adapter. And in general, the mode should be supported by the communication operator.

What is a teletype from history?

This device was developed a long time ago, and it was used in the Soviet era. It is a special electromechanical machine for printing and transmitting messages (text). If you give a modern analogy, then it's something like SMS.

The honor of inventing and improving devices belongs to such engineers as Charles Cram, Royal House, Emil Bodo, David Hughes, and others. The predecessor of teletype is the so-called ticker, developed back in 1870. They were able to print the text transmitted over the wires.

Later, a global network was created, which was called the Telex network and was used during the 20th century in the field of business communications. Some countries still use it for calculations, broadcast news, shipping and even for military command. It is noteworthy that prior to the beginning of the 1970s, thanks to the teletype, it was possible to exchange messages between the US president and the leadership of the USSR.

In the age of advancing computing, teletypes were used as interactive computer terminals. At first they were without displays, and users could enter information only after a special signal. So the command line interface and text terminals were formed.

The popularity of teletypes began to fall from the 90s, but even today there are radio amateurs who use this equipment. But today this is not necessary, because faxes, computers, high-speed networks and the Internet have superseded these outdated devices.

So next time, when there is a dispute about what it is - a teleprinter, remember that this device hides a big story, and this word indicates not only the mode of communication in a mobile phone.

By the way, in smartphones TTY has almost nothing to do with the classic teletype. It remains only the name itself, but in fact the function is completely different. The mechanism of signal processing and transmission has changed.

Conclusion

In smartphones teletype is used extremely rarely - either for pampering, or really to simplify communication between deaf-mute people. The relevance of this technology is doubtful today, so there will be no progress in terms of developing and improving this regime. On some new phones this function is no longer available. Given the rapid development of 3G and 4G networks and the capabilities of modern smartphones, you can transfer transformed text / voice using special applications. It will be faster and more convenient. What can we say about social networks, thanks to which even people with normal speech / listening abilities prefer to communicate in text format! Well, about programs like Skype, too, can not be forgotten. They also open up opportunities for broad communication, including for deaf-mute people (sign language, lip-reading). And with all the wide choice of possibilities, it's no wonder that the teletype has sunk into oblivion.

Now you know what it is - a teleprinter. Most likely, you do not need it, so disable it. The activated mode consumes the battery of the smartphone completely in vain.