Ringtones are short audio files used to alert a cell phone user of an incoming call. They can be any type of music, but typically no more than 30 seconds long. They can be downloaded for free or purchased from a number of sites.
The earliest suoneria gratis were electromechanically striking bells, but technology has evolved quickly. Today a ringtone can be anything from a recording of a telephone bell to a clip of a song.
There are two main types of ringtones: monophonic and polyphonic. A monophonic ringtone is comprised of a series of sequential tones at different frequencies. This type of ringtone is the most common on cell phones but newer models have the ability to produce polyphonic ringtones that sound more like songs.
A monophonic ringtone can be very simple or very complex. Some of the more popular ringtones have been songs by popular artists. However, you can create your own ringtone using software and digital aggregators that allow you to upload your favorite music or even audio clips.