Mobile Phones as a Tool for Journalists
Mobile phones have long emerged as an important
communication tool for journalists. Some of the latest models offer
more to journalists than just being a device to contact their sources
and remind them of appointments.
Camera
Many mobiles, as you know, can double as a camera. But what
distinguishes the latest models from various makers such as Sony
Ericsson is that they provide images of acceptable quality for most Web
applications and even for print. Sony Ericsson’s Cybershot 790i, for
example, features 3.2 mega pixel camera with autofocus, digital zoom
and flash. It can provide good day light shots. Flash yields good
results at short range. But you would wish for a professional camera in
extreme conditions and when you need to zoom in.
The document mode will come handy for journalist to take a quick copies
of reports and other documents. The macro facility will help copying
at close range. The images can then be viewed on a computer or
printed on to plain paper.
Email support
Besides Internet, the phone supports email (direct connection to your
email server), which reporters can use to send pictures instantly to
their news sites. However, you have to cut down on pixels as it would
not send a large sized pictures. (Of course, you can add a flash
message or even a small report. Voice mail is also possible.)
Transfer of the files to computer is easy except for a software glitch
that would snap your connection when transferring a large number
of files with Windows 2000 operating system using USB cable. It easily
connects to Windows XP and latest versions of Linux flavours as an external disk. The phone
also supports Infrared and Bluetooth connectivity.
Recording
The phone provides for recording interviews or phone conversations for
long durations. The playback, however, may not be to the liking of the
reporters as review is cumbersome. However, the voice file can be
transferred to a computer and played back using Quicktime player.
RSS Reader
The built-in RSS reader can be used to keep track of news sites. One
can also track news using the FM radio. The organiser can synchronise
with email client Outlook on the Windows system.
Other mobile manufacturers have also come up with models featuring
voice recorders and email. However, the camera is yet to catch up with
Sony Ericsson in its price range.
