What is m-commerce, and what are some of the technological innovations that fall under this type of commerce?

What will be an ideal response?

"Mobile commerce" or "m-commerce" is the term for conducting commercial transactions using wireless handheld devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs) and cell phones. Many companies are developing ways to provide Internet access without the need for a wired broadband connection. For example, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) permits laptop and PDA users to establish high-speed wireless connections to the Internet and corporate intranets via "hot spots" located in airports, cafes, or other public places. Wi-Fi networks have a limited range; an improved technology known as World Interoperability for MicroWave Access (WiMax) is being deployed in many parts of the world. A WiMax network can have a range of several miles making it superior to traditional Wi-Fi. In addition, mobile WiMax offers greater capacity and faster speeds than current mobile data networks; it is well suited for streaming music or video. Another mobile communication technology known as Bluetooth is gaining popularity in Europe; because it consumes less power than Wi-Fi, Bluetooth is well suited to use with cell phones. It, however, works over shorter distances than Wi-Fi. Bluetooth has been incorporated into automobiles and home appliances, such as microwaves and refrigerators. In the United States, T-Mobile also has deals with Borders bookstores, FedEx Kinko's business centers, Texaco service stations, and, of course, Starbucks and major airports. Current Wi-Fi technology commonly handles data, not voice. However, many industry observers expect that in the near future, hot spots will allow cell phones to switch to the Internet for telephone calls. Wireless technology is being used in other ways. In the automotive world, there is a trend toward "telematics," which is a car's ability to exchange information about the vehicle's location or mechanical performance. Cars are also being equipped with online access so passengers can send and receive e-mails. A new generation of smartphones has already penetrated the market.