What are SMS and MMS?
SMS (Short Message Service) is used by mobile
phones to send and receive text messages. MMS (Multimedia Messaging)
is used by mobile phones to send and receive messages that include
multimedia objects such as audio and pictures.
What is my mobile address?
Your mobile address is the address used to send
messages from an email account on your computer to your mobile
phone. Contact your carrier or send a message from your phone to your
computer to determine your phone's mobile address. Note that some mobile
phone carriers provide separate addresses for text messaging and
multimedia messaging.
What is the difference between "Send as an attachment" and "Send
a link"?
"Send as an attachment" sends to your phone a
ringtone attached to a multimedia message. "Send a link" sends your
phone a text message with a link to download the ringtone, and
requires that you have have text messaging and web access through your
mobile carrier.
What kind of phone and service do I need to receive
WolframTones?
You need a phone with polyphonic ringtone capability, and with web access and text messaging enabled. The precise download
requirements depend on country, carrier, and phone model. When you request a download,
WolframTones will guide you through the process.
(Currently, Verizon phones require MMS capabilities enabled.) If you've successfully downloaded ringtones from any source, WolframTones will almost certainly work.
How can I tell whether my phone supports polyphonic ringtones?
Most phones currently in circulation in most countries
do. "Polyphonic" means that multiple notes can be played at the
same time. (Some models allow more simultaneous notes, giving better rendering
of some compositions.) WolframTones also works on newer phones that support
"realtones" such as MP3.
How can I tell whether my phone has web access and text messaging enabled?
Check the service plan you have with your mobile carrier. Many services require some form of setup before use, even if they are
included in a plan. Contact your mobile carrier for more information.
Do I need a cable to download WolframTones ringtones?
In almost all cases, downloads can be done over-the-air through the cellular network. However, with certain combinations of country, carrier, and phone model, the only way to get ringtone content is by direct connection of the phone to a computer.
What is the WolframTones download procedure?
The details depend on your country, phone carrier,
and phone model. You will be guided through the process when you request a
download. Most options involve text messages, WAP links (URLs) and/or an
MMS (email) message with a midi attachment being sent to your phone.
What should I do if nothing comes through on my phone?
First, check that your phone is switched on, and in a cellular service
area. WolframTones files are fairly small (a few
kilobytes) but may nevertheless take several minutes to download through the cellular network. (This could be the result of low signal strength, or network congestion.) Make sure that your
phone is download capable. If you are still having problems, check your mobile carrier's website or contact your
carrier's support line.
How do I go to a web address on my phone?
The details vary by phone model and carrier. When you receive a text message that contains a URL or WAP link, you should be able to use a softkey or menu item on your phone to follow the link. The softkey or menu item will usually be labeled "Find", "Go To", or "Use". Sometimes you may also have to pick "Web Address" or "URL". For more information check your handset User Manual or visit your mobile carrier's website.
How do I begin to use a new ringtone I have downloaded?
Every model of phone is unique. But typically, once you've followed the link to the WolframTones content, you should immediately be able to play it. Most phones will give you the option to "Save as Ringtone". (This option is often accessed through an options softkey.) If you are having trouble accessing your new downloads, refer to your handset User
Manual or visit your mobile carrier's website.
Can I send my friends a new ringtone when I've downloaded it?
Send them email from the WolframTones
site with the URL for the WolframTones composition that you
used to create the ringtone. From there, they can download a version
of the ringtone that will work on their particular model of phone.
(See also the Terms of Use.)
Can I download from WolframTones if my phone is roaming?
It depends on your phone carrier's roaming arrangements. The answer will typically always be yes within the country where your phone is registered, or for European phones within Europe. Between Europe and the U.S. you'll normally need to have explicitly enabled international voice and data traffic. Contact your phone carrier for more information.
Are cellular automata related to cellular phones?
No! It's just a coincidence of terminology. Cellular automata consist of
discrete elements called "cells," while cellular phone networks consist of
regions called "cells" served by single transmitters. Strangely, additive
cellular automata are actually used in CDMA technology for phones. One day
cellular automaton rules may well be used to control cellular phone
networks--but we'll leave that confusion for later.
How will I remember my WolframTones ringtone?
Different people work differently, but---like with the baby animals in nature films---it doesn't seem too difficult to get a unique personal signalling tone "imprinted". A good strategy seems to be to listen to the tone a couple of times immediately. Then wait ten minutes, and listen again. Then repeat this a few hours later. Some people say it helps to take a bite of chocolate every time you hear the tone!
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