WAV is a file format developed by Microsoft and IBM for use on the PC. The format was built into the Windows 95 operating system and quickly became a standard. Ends with the .wav file extension. WAV files are typically large in file size due to the high quality the format and are used for CDs. This format is not widely used in cell phones as other formats are smaller in size and thus more suitable for cell phones.

   WAV files can contain CD-quality (44.1 KHz/16-bit) audio signals. WAV files can be made smaller and converted to MP3 through a process called encoding. WAV format is necessary for editing sound files. Technically, MP3 cannot be edited to remove defects or add effects, it must first be converted to WAV. WAV ring tones or WAV files can be downloaded or copied from PC to cell phone as any other audio media format. The WAV audio file can contain anything - voice, music etc. The WAV file is also easily converted via free software to other, more compact formats like MP3 or AAC.