Communicator (Star Trek)
Communicator | |
---|---|
Star Trek franchise element | |
First appearance | |
Created by | Gene Roddenberry |
Genre | Science fiction |
In-universe information | |
Type | Communication device |
Function | Allows subspace communication |
The communicator is a fictional device used for voice communication in the fictional universe of Star Trek. As seen in at least two instances, the Original Series episodes "Tomorrow Is Yesterday" and "Day of the Dove," it can also serve as an emergency signaling device/beacon, similar to a transponder. The communicator allows direct contact between individuals or via a ship's communication system.
The communicator was designed by
The communicator in the Star Trek universe surpasses the capabilities of modern
In Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS), communicators functioned as a plot device, stranding characters in challenging situations when they malfunctioned, were lost or stolen, or went out of range. Otherwise, the transporter could have allowed characters to return to the ship at the first sign of trouble, ending the storyline prematurely.[2]
Development of communicators
Throughout
Wrist-worn communicators were used in Star Trek: The Motion Picture and remained in use by some Starfleet installations and vessels during the time of The Wrath of Khan. However, the traditional handheld communicator returned in later films. The reason for the switch was not explained, but the non-canon source Mister Scott's Guide to the Enterprise offered the explanation that Starfleet discontinued use of the wrist-worn communicators when they were determined to be prone to repeated failures after suffering minor impacts.
In
In Deep Space Nine, Bajoran officers and enlisted personnel also wear a small communicator badge that functions much the same as their Starfleet counterparts. However, Bajorans wear their badges on the right breast of their uniform tunics. Cardassians are shown wearing their communicators on their left wrist.
While wall and desk panels are still present, officers and crew consider them a secondary system, relying primarily on the badges. Viewscreens are used for visual communications. In Starfleet vessels and installations, communication can also be accomplished by verbally directing the computer to initiate communications with another person.
In the
Relation to current real technology
On July 12, 2010, CBS released an iPhone application, created by Talkndog Mobile, called Star Trek Communicator. The application replicated the design and iconic chirp of the communicator.[3]
In June 2016,
In December 2016, Fametek LLC. released the Star Trek: The Next Generation CommBadge[6] using Bluetooth 4.2 technology to enable it to pair with a Bluetooth enabled mobile phone or tablet to make and receive calls and utilizes voice commands via Siri, Google Assistant or Cortana. The Bluetooth ComBadge also has a Cos-Play mode which when pressed activates the same Chirp sound effect as seen on the show.[7]
No real-world equivalent to
See also
References
- ^ "Wah Ming Chang". Star Trek. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
- ISBN 0345340191.
- ^ "Star Trek Communicator App Returns to iPhone". iPhone Savior. Retrieved April 20, 2018.
- ^ "The Wand Company - Timeline". Facebook. June 14, 2016. Archived from the original on February 26, 2022. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
- ^ "Star Trek Communicator". The Wand Company.
- ^ Kooser, Amanda (September 8, 2016). "Working Star Trek 'Next Gen' combadge beams onto your chest". CNET. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
- ^ "Star Trek Bluetooth ComBadge Q&A". Fametek. Retrieved October 18, 2020.