Musical ring tones became popular when mobile phones went from big and bulky to smaller and fashionable, with the introduction of monophonic ring tones. Mono phonic ring tones were a series of single musical notes, but it meant that instead of the old 'ring ring', people could personalise their ring tones and have almost any tune they wanted. Most of these were free ringtones, and many came pre programmed into the phone.
The next stage of technological advancement came with the polyphonic ring tone. This meant a medley of musical notes could be played at the same time, making the ring tones more like music and less like a series of beeps. Later on, 'real tones' were introduced. These were actual melodies recorded fro audio. So for example, it could be the sound of an animal, or a guitar riff.
When the ring tone craze started, lots of phones came with the facility to record your own ring tones. There would be an application within the phone that would allow the user to compose a tone, and websites began offering free composition sheets so the users could program in a popular song or tune. Bearing in mind that this onslaught was also around the time that the internet was becoming popular, whilst still slow, and before the introduction of broadband and wireless internet.
There is a host of websites now that seem to offer free ring tones. You might also have noticed the barrage of television and magazine adverts for companies offering the latest chart music as real tones. Be very careful of these, as subscription fees may exist.
Companies offering free ring tones may very well do so, but with hidden charges. When you send a text message to order a ring tone, often they will add your number to a mailing list and charge a weekly fee. This will be taken out of your credit, or added to your phone bill and you may not even be aware of it until it is too late.
Be aware also of companies that charge for ring tones. You might think this means it will be a one off cost, but this is not always the case. Even these seemingly honest companies might charge a weekly fee, or a cost per text message received, which could add up to a lot of money. Usually, if you order one ring tone, you will have the option to opt out by sending a text message saying 'STOP'. Make sure you read the small print before sending messages from your phone, because once your number has been released it may be hard to get removed from their lists.
The easiest way to get a free ring tone, is to compose it yourself. On most modern phones, you can either make a sound recording with a microphone application, or you can connect the phone to your computer and transfer files across. Most ring tones that you can buy from the internet will be the most popular part of the song, which can be hard to get without audio editing software.
There may be websites around that can give you ring tones for free. Be very careful about entering your personal details into any website. Check the small print on any website that asks for your personal details, and ensure that you check your bill afterwards to make sure you have not been stung with hidden charges.
The next stage of technological advancement came with the polyphonic ring tone. This meant a medley of musical notes could be played at the same time, making the ring tones more like music and less like a series of beeps. Later on, 'real tones' were introduced. These were actual melodies recorded fro audio. So for example, it could be the sound of an animal, or a guitar riff.
When the ring tone craze started, lots of phones came with the facility to record your own ring tones. There would be an application within the phone that would allow the user to compose a tone, and websites began offering free composition sheets so the users could program in a popular song or tune. Bearing in mind that this onslaught was also around the time that the internet was becoming popular, whilst still slow, and before the introduction of broadband and wireless internet.
There is a host of websites now that seem to offer free ring tones. You might also have noticed the barrage of television and magazine adverts for companies offering the latest chart music as real tones. Be very careful of these, as subscription fees may exist.
Companies offering free ring tones may very well do so, but with hidden charges. When you send a text message to order a ring tone, often they will add your number to a mailing list and charge a weekly fee. This will be taken out of your credit, or added to your phone bill and you may not even be aware of it until it is too late.
Be aware also of companies that charge for ring tones. You might think this means it will be a one off cost, but this is not always the case. Even these seemingly honest companies might charge a weekly fee, or a cost per text message received, which could add up to a lot of money. Usually, if you order one ring tone, you will have the option to opt out by sending a text message saying 'STOP'. Make sure you read the small print before sending messages from your phone, because once your number has been released it may be hard to get removed from their lists.
The easiest way to get a free ring tone, is to compose it yourself. On most modern phones, you can either make a sound recording with a microphone application, or you can connect the phone to your computer and transfer files across. Most ring tones that you can buy from the internet will be the most popular part of the song, which can be hard to get without audio editing software.
There may be websites around that can give you ring tones for free. Be very careful about entering your personal details into any website. Check the small print on any website that asks for your personal details, and ensure that you check your bill afterwards to make sure you have not been stung with hidden charges.
