Auburn Engineering to host three pioneers of mobile revolution for Sept. 30 panel discussion
Published: Aug 30, 2024 1:00 PM
By Joe McAdory
Three architects of the mobile generation will share stories and experiences with Auburn University students and faculty as part of a Ginn Speaker Series panel titled “Signal Strength: Pioneers of the Mobile Revolution,” on Sept. 30 at 11:30 a.m. in the Brown-Kopel Center Grand Hall.
The panel will include Frank Canova, inventor of the first smart phone; Daniel A. Henderson, inventor of picture and video messaging; and Neil Papworth, who sent the first text message.
“This is a unique opportunity for our students to engage with three trailblazers who have shaped the mobile generation,” said Allan David, associate dean for research. “This panel discussion will be a gateway to understanding the transformative impact of mobile technology on our world. We believe their insight and experiences will inspire students to push the boundaries of innovation now and beyond Auburn.”
An electrical engineer, Canova was a senior technical staff member at IBM in 1992 when he recognized that chip-and-wireless technology had become compact enough to be integrated into other devices, such as handhelds. The IBM Simon, patented in 1996, featured 11 programs, including a notepad, calendar, maps, stock reports, calculator and address book. It also allowed users to send emails, faxes and make telephone calls.
While working as a developer and test engineer at Sema Group Telecoms in Berkshire, England, Papworth was part of a team tasked with developing a short message service center for Vodafone, a local client. On the evening of Dec. 3, 1992, Papworth’s work came to fruition when he sent the message “Merry Christmas” to Vodafone Director Richard Jarvis, who received the world’s first text message on a handset.
A former IBM salesman, Henderson mastered seven computer languages and conceived a groundbreaking idea: picture and video messaging. His 1993 prototype, the Intellect, incorporated technology that is now ubiquitous in cell phones worldwide. In 2007, his prototype objects for wireless picture and video messaging were inducted into the permanent collection of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
Click here to register for the event, which is open to the Auburn academic community. Lunch will be provided.
Media Contact: , jem0040@auburn.edu, 334.844.3447
The event is open to all members of the Auburn University academic community.
