You may have seen the internet slang term MID being used online in various different capacities, but what is the meaning behind this slang term? We are going to take a look into the meaning of the slang with the aid of some example conversations. We are also going to look at the origin of the term and where it originally came from.
Key Takeaways
- Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) provide wireless internet access and multimedia capabilities.
- MIDs emerged in the mid-to-late 2000s, filling the gap between smartphones and laptops.
- Their popularity led to the evolution and widespread adoption of tablets in the market.
MID Meaning
What Does MID Mean?
MID stands for Mobile Internet Device, which is a small, multimedia-enabled mobile device designed to provide wireless internet access. These devices fill the gap between mobile phones and tablets, offering a convenient and portable means for users to stay connected, enjoy entertainment, and take advantage of various services and applications.
Mobile Internet Devices facilitate real-time, two-way communication, allowing users to stay informed and share information with others. They are larger than handheld devices such as smartphones but smaller than ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs), making them a comfortable middle ground for users seeking a blend of functionality and portability.
MIDs typically come equipped with multimedia capabilities, which enable users to stream videos, play games, and engage in social media activities. Additionally, these devices often provide access to location-based services, assisting users in navigation and finding local businesses and attractions.
Origin of MID
The term MID, which stands for Mobile Internet Device, originated from the rapid evolution of internet and communication technology. As the internet became more accessible worldwide, the demand for portable devices capable of accessing it wirelessly grew significantly. This led to the development of MIDs, which are designed for multimedia capabilities and wireless internet access.
Intel played a crucial role in the advent of MIDs, as they introduced the Atom processor in 2008. This low-power, efficient processor enabled the creation of compact devices that could browse the internet and support multimedia functionalities without draining battery life too quickly. The Atom processor quickly became a popular choice for manufacturers developing MIDs, as it was specifically designed to meet the needs of these innovative devices.
The rise of the Android operating system also contributed to the proliferation of MIDs. Android offered an open-source platform for developers and manufacturers to create diverse MIDs with varying features and capabilities. As a result, the MID market expanded with devices powered by Android, further solidifying the importance of MIDs in the realm of mobile communication technology.
Related Terms to MID
A Mobile Internet Device (MID) is a multimedia-capable device that provides wireless Internet access and falls between a smartphone and a tablet in size. It is essential to understand some related terms to better grasp the concept of an MID.
Tablets are portable, touch-operated devices larger than smartphones, often used for browsing the Internet, watching videos, and other multimedia tasks. Although tablets and MIDs share similarities, tablets are primarily larger and feature more advanced capabilities than MIDs.
Smartphones are mobile phones with advanced features like Internet browsing, GPS, and app usage. While smartphones have smaller screens compared to MIDs, they are more versatile in daily use, as they combine the functionalities of basic mobile phones with those of a portable multimedia device.
Netbooks are small portable laptops with lightweight operating systems and less processing power than traditional laptops. They are designed for basic web browsing, email, and document editing. MIDs and netbooks both aim for portability and easy Internet access, but MIDs offer a more compact design.
Ultra-Mobile PCs (UMPCs) are another category of small, portable computers with a strong emphasis on portability and Internet access. UMPCs include a physical keyboard and are larger than MIDs but smaller than traditional laptops. They offer more processing power than MIDs but may lack the same level of multimedia capabilities found in modern tablets and smartphones.
WiMAX, short for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a wireless broadband technology that enables devices like MIDs to connect to the Internet. WiMAX provides a cost-effective and efficient method for accessing high-speed Internet over long distances.
Global Positioning System (GPS) technology allows devices like MIDs to determine their precise location on Earth. MIDs integrated with GPS provide location-based services, such as navigation, weather updates, and local search results.
Wireless Internet access is the ability to connect to the Internet without cables or wires. MIDs inherently support wireless Internet access, enabling convenient browsing and communication while on the go.
Location-based services are a significant feature of MIDs, using GPS technology to provide users with location-relevant information. MIDs can support real-time navigation, discover nearby points of interest, and offer contextual advertising tailored to the user’s location.
MID Examples in Conversations
There are a whole variety of different conversations in which the internet slang term mid might be used, we are now going to look at some examples of conversations in which it appears in order to better understand the use.
The first conversation uses the slang term mid to reference cannabis.
- Person 1: “I need to get some more of that weed we smoked last week.”
- Person 2: “I’ll get in touch with my contact, he supplies some really good MID.”
The next conversation is taking place between two online friends on a tech forum which uses the term to reference the phrase mobile internet device.
- Person 1: “I am getting really tired of this tablet, I really need to get a new one.”
- Person 2: “What sort of thing were you looking for?”
- Person 1: “I think I am going to get an iPad this time but I don’t know where best to buy one.”
- Person 2: “There’s a great online store that I use which has some great deals on the latest MID.”
More about MID Terminology
Other Ways to Say the Slang
There are many other ways in which to express the meaning of the internet slang term MID, we are now going to look at some examples of other things you can say which mean the same thing.
- mobile device
- middle of the range of cannabis
- online device
Other Meanings
In addition to the term MID referring to a Mobile Internet Device, there are several other meanings and acronyms associated with this abbreviation. While browsing various resources, it’s essential to be aware of these other interpretations and clarifications.
MID – Middle: This abbreviation represents the center or midpoint of something. It is often used in casual conversation to describe a half-way point or balance between two points.
MID – Minimal Important Difference: In the field of research and statistics, MID can stand for Minimal Important Difference. This term refers to the smallest amount of change that has a meaningful impact on an individual’s life or on society.
MID – Manufacturer Identification: In the world of commerce, MID represents Manufacturer Identification. This identifier is usually a code assigned to companies by authorities or organizations for tracking and identification purposes.
MID – Midrange: In the context of computing and technology, the abbreviation MID may refer to midrange devices or systems. These midrange products often offer a balance between performance and affordability, making them popular choices among consumers.
MID – Monitor Identification: In computer systems, MID can also stand for Monitor Identification. This term is related to the identification codes assigned to display devices, such as computer monitors or television screens. These codes help devices communicate with operating systems and other components in the system.
MID Meaning Infographic
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common types of mobile Internet devices?
Mobile Internet devices (MIDs) are multimedia-capable devices that provide wireless internet access. They come in various forms, including tablets, e-readers, portable gaming consoles, and even some smartwatches. These devices bridge the gap between smartphones and larger computing devices, focusing on entertainment, information, and location-based services.
How do mobile Internet devices differ from regular smartphones?
MIDs are designed to provide a better multimedia experience than smartphones, with larger screens and often better processing capabilities. Although they offer similar wireless internet access, MIDs might not have all the features of a regular smartphone, such as making phone calls or sending text messages. In general, MIDs are larger than smartphones, but smaller than ultra-mobile PCs.
Can mobile Internet devices be used for home internet?
While MIDs are designed for on-the-go internet access, some devices can also be used for home internet by connecting to Wi-Fi networks or using compatible mobile tethering options. However, mobile internet devices are not specifically designed for home internet use and may not provide the same stability, speed, or features as dedicated home internet services.
What are some examples of mobile Internet devices?
Some popular examples of MIDs include the Apple iPad, Amazon Kindle, Nintendo Switch, and various models of Android tablets. These devices showcase the diverse range of mobile internet devices available in the market, catering to different user needs, from reading e-books to playing games and browsing the web.
How do mobile Internet devices access the Internet?
MIDs access the internet through a variety of connection options, such as Wi-Fi or cellular data connections. Depending on the specific device, some MIDs may also offer Bluetooth connectivity or require a separate SIM card to access mobile data networks. The type and speed of the internet connection will depend on the device’s capabilities and the user’s chosen network provider.
What is the role of cloud computing in mobile Internet devices?
Cloud computing plays a significant role in enhancing the capabilities and functionality of mobile internet devices. By leveraging cloud services, MIDs can store and access data remotely, allowing for seamless synchronization across multiple devices and platforms. This enables users to enjoy their digital content across a range of mobile internet devices without the need for local storage and ensuring their data is accessible wherever they go.
Last Updated on July 5, 2023