Know your Lumia: mobile terms explained, part 2

Last week, we explained some of the little-known features that are part of your Lumia smartphone.

Now, here are more features that you may have come across but may not know their full capabilities.

RAM 

RAM stands for Random Access Memory, the same component that runs the programs stored in the hard drive of your computer. RAM makes it possible for a smartphone to access apps, games or other features quickly.

Higher RAM means more speed and fewer lagging issues. For Lumia smartphones, that translates to better multitasking and the smoother working of apps.

Clock rate

Clock rate is one of two main factors that determine the speed of a processor. Since smartphones are powered by high-powered and tiny microprocessor, the clock rate for a mobile phone is the speed at which a microprocessor executesinstructions. A powerful processor allows for faster data processing, which means you can open apps and load web pages quickly, for example.

BT LE

BT LE (Bluetooth Low Energy), more commonly called Bluetooth Smart technology, is the intelligent and power-friendly version of the old Bluetooth wireless technology. This technology has made it possible to connect devices, such as the Microsoft Band, to your smartphone for long periods of time without battery drain.

More about BT LE, here.

LED flash

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode and it’s the small light bulb on the rear of your Lumia. LED flash illuminates objects in dim lighting. They’re the preferred choice of flash for smartphones because they are so small. The LED flashes we use work in perfect harmony with our imaging algorithms and are used as focus assist light, too (if you have this setting turned on). The LED on your Lumia can also be used as a flash flight with a help of Flashlight app.

Ambient light sensor

The ambient light sensor adjusts the brightness level of your Lumia smartphone’s screen after sensing the light levels in your surroundings.

BeiDou

BeiDou is the name of the Chinese Global Navigation Satellite System.

And now here are a few terms you, our readers, asked about.

PureView 

PureView is our promise for superior imaging. It’s not any specific technology, but all of our imaging innovations combined including OIS, advanced optics, algorithms and apps, providing amazing sharpness to your Lumia images. These leading photography innovations have been carefully crafted into the Lumia 1020, Lumia 930, Lumia 1520, Lumia Icon and the Lumia 830.

OIS

Lumia smartphones have pioneered OIS in smartphones. OIS stands for optical image stabilization technology. It helps you get sharp images and better photos in low-light situations. OIS also makes it easy to capture blur-free pictures and videos every time you tap Lumia Camera.

Cortana

Cortana is your virtual personal assistant available on Windows Phone 8.1.We have been telling you all about this intelligent, personalized assistant and how it can simplify your life for you.For those of you unfamiliar with what Cortana can do, gohere, here and here.

SensorCore

SensoreCore is essentially two things: part hardware, part software, and both work in unison.

SensorCore technology lets applications use the sensors in a Lumia smartphone without using much battery life. SensorCore’s motion-sensing and tracking capabilities, combined with health-related apps, help us get fit and stay healthy.

For a detailed explanation, please go here and here. You’ll be happy to know that SensorCore is available on the Lumia 630, Lumia 635, Lumia 730, Lumia 735, Lumia 830, Lumia 930, and Lumia 1520 running on Windows Phone 8.1 with Lumia Cyan.

Hope you enjoyed learning these terms; we sure did. Share in the comments below if you’d like us to explain any other Lumia terms.