Videophone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐น
videophone
[หvaษช.dษช.oส.foสn ]
Definition
communication device
A videophone is a telephone that transmits and receives video as well as audio. It allows users to see each other during conversations, enhancing the communication experience. Videophones are commonly used in settings such as family calls, business meetings, and telemedicine.
Synonyms
video call device, video conferencing tool, video telephone.
Examples of usage
- I used my videophone to have a virtual family gathering.
- The business meeting was much more productive over a videophone.
- Telehealth consultations are made easier with a videophone.
- I can see my grandmother clearly through the videophone.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Technology
- The first experimental videophone was created in the 1930s, but it took decades for technology to catch up.
- Today's smartphones and computers often have videophone capabilities, making the technology widely accessible.
- Videophones utilize technologies like VoIP and high-speed internet, allowing for clear and real-time video communication.
Pop Culture
- Videophones appeared in numerous sci-fi films, like '2001: A Space Odyssey', showcasing humanity's long-standing fascination with visual communication.
- In comic strips like 'Dick Tracy', characters used videophones long before they became a reality, highlighting our imaginative pursuits.
- Television shows often depict future societies with videophones as a norm, reflecting desires for seamless global connections.
Psychology
- Seeing someoneโs face during a conversation can enhance emotional connection, as facial expressions communicate feelings.
- Videophone communication may reduce feelings of isolation, especially during times of remote working or social distancing.
- The ability to see verbal cues helps improve understanding, reducing misinterpretations in conversations.
History
- The vision for videophones dates back to the 19th century, with inventors like Elisha Gray conceptualizing visual communications.
- In the 1970s, AT&T showcased the Picturephone, an early version of a videophone, although it was not a commercial success.
- By the 21st century, the implementation of videophones shifted dramatically with the arrival of internet-based platforms like Skype and Zoom.
Origin of 'videophone'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'videophone' combines 'video', from Latin 'videre' meaning 'to see', and 'phone', from Greek 'phone' meaning 'voice'.
- First used in the 1960s, the word predicted a future where people would communicate visually.
- The idea of connecting video with telephony goes back to early 20th-century inventors.
The term 'videophone' combines 'video' and 'telephone', reflecting its dual functionality. The concept of transmitting video over phone lines dates back to early innovations in the 1920s, but practical devices only emerged later. The first commercial videophone was introduced in the late 1960s, though it didn't gain widespread popularity due to high costs and limited technology. With advancements in digital media and internet connectivity, videophones began to proliferate in the 2000s, becoming more accessible to the general public with the rise of smartphones and applications like Skype and Facetime. The continued evolution of technology has transformed videophones from a specialized tool into a standard feature of modern communication.