ICT and Simple Living
Gabriel Mendoza Sanchez
IT 103, Section 009
October 7, 2010
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Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is a set of skills, expertise, methods and technologies used to facilitate communication and interaction between and among people locally and globally. It brings about greater and enhanced connectivity, as well as quick and free accessibility to information.
ICT has practical applications in all sectors, from the academe to government to businesses. In the personal computing and entertainment realm, the technologies to support ICT have evolved very rapidly over the years, from mobile phone calls and services offering short messaging to social networking.
Traditionally, separate devices would be required to perform different tasks. For example, telephones would be required to handle voice communication and a stand-alone PC for computing. Although each device would perform the tasks effectively, this multiple device model posed a lot of disadvantages. Aside from high costs tied to the purchase and maintenance of multiple devices, user mobility and multi-tasking were restricted due to the various physical devices. Now, according to Bernabo, Garcia-Bassets, Gaines, Knauer, Lewis Nguyen, and Zolfaghari (2009, p. 13), “the world is increasingly becoming smaller as technology evolves.”
A recent innovation that maximizes the benefits of using ICT is a ‘Convergence Device’. A convergence device attempts to interlink computing and other information technologies, such as multimedia and networking, into a singular device, creating new efficiencies. This convergence device is portable, easy to use, and scalable. In a single device, many kinds of technologies are integrated to support many kinds of computing and information access and dissemination, from data to audio, video, images, games, and other applications. These kind of devices ensures that the goals and benefits of ICT: ease of communication, access to information (whether online or offline), e-mailing are readily available and accessible by anyone, anytime and anyplace. General kinds of devices include mp3 players, net books, digital cameras, e-readers, cell phones, and personal digital assistants.
General Advantages to Modern Society
Convergence devices affect modern society in many ways. For example, they can have political and social influence with quick and dramatic effect such as the case of the removal from office of former Philippine President Joseph Estrada. When allegations of his corruption led to massive discontent in 2001, “text messages flashed throughout the metro Manila area calling on all anti-Estrada Filipinos to GO TO EDSA” (Sandra, 2001), In a short time, a million people had gathered to call for Estrada’s removal. Through text messages, more people arrived from surrounding provinces to show unity in the cause. In a few days, he was compelled to leave office. This showed that a simple technique such as texting can make a huge difference in a country.
Social networking has also become very popular on convergence devices as people “can use a network-friendly cell phone to relay stories, pictures, and videos instantaneously” (Kharif, 2006), eliminating the need to go to a computer to update others, when all that can be done from a single handheld device. The fact that it has a global reach, that it can also be used to keep in touch with different people all over the world. has allowed not just personal news to reach a far greater number of people, but media and entertainment as well.
These features show why the use of a convergence device has helped people in modern society. However, such a kind of device is still not without its drawbacks.
Challenges in Development
There are general drawbacks to developing and selling a good convergent device. One such example is that with many kinds of applications, the internal components such as the central processing unit, the memory size and -- can be very expensive, especially for consumers in developing countries. For example, the current iPod Touch’s price ranges from $200 to $400 (“Apple – iPod Touch,” 2010).
Another disadvantage is that common distractions arise, especially of its applications are overused, even abused. According to the National Safety Council (2010), “at least 28% of all traffic crashes – or at least 1.6 million crashes each year – are caused by drivers…texting.” Another type of distraction can occur in school. According to Glater (2008, pg. FP.3), devices like the iPod Touch “practically beg a user to ignore the long-suffering professor struggling to pass on accumulated wisdom from the front of the room,” simply using the iPod Touch whenever a lecture is boring. This can be a disadvantage, especially if the student has trouble paying attention in lecture.
A third type of challenge is compatibility. The first issue is that devices tend to be proprietary between brands. Proprietary software is “software that is owned by an individual or a company (usually the one that developed it)” (“Proprietary software,” 2004). Most makers have yet to agree and develop devices based on a platform and standard that is both open and globally accepted. This approach severely limits the interoperability and interchangeability of software components on the devices. In addition, “its source code is almost always kept secret” (“Proprietary software,” 2004). The user’s selection decision on the type of device usually dictates both the possibilities and limits to the features of the device. The second compatibility issue is aligning with the user’s lifestyle. Consumers will find it difficult to find the device suited for their individual needs. Even if there is an industry leader, such as Apple, “it's possible to sum up the tech industry's engine of progress in four words: Apple vs. everybody else” (McCracken, 2010), indicating that there are other brands of convergence devices, such as the Android, the Blackberry, and the Treo, each of which offer the consumer many other options.
iPod Touch
A good example of the convergence device is the iPod Touch, a fairly new type of iPod developed by the company Apple. It serves not just as a music device, but also contains a multitude of features that a regular computer would normally have, making this iPod different from regular iPods. It does not have a lot of buttons, so the whole screen serves as a control for the user. The iPod Touch consists of programs called apps that can be used for everyday life, such as a calculator, clock, weather, and taking notes. This can be beneficial to many types of people, including those who are at work and those who are in college. This iPod is also notable for being very similar to the iPhone as both use touch screens, an innovation brought about by Apple.
iPod Touch has a very useful built-in Wi-Fi network, so the user can access the internet straight from the iPod with one touch. With this they have a whole variety of options: check the applications for good or bad weather, traffic, news, and checking e-mail quickly. For those who want to browse the internet for quick facts, they can use Safari. If they need to know where to go, they can use the Maps feature. If they want to record someone, whether it be a college professor or client, the Voice Memo feature can be used.
The built-in cameras are useful in different jobs. For example, it can serve as “an essential tool for photographers, despite its camera's limitations. With direct access to email, shooters can stay in touch with their clients at any time of the day (almost) anywhere in the world.” (Olivier Laurent, 2010, p.83). By having the capability to send pictures, the iPod Touch gives photographers the ability to give clients a quick look into the project immediately. The iPod camera also can call other people online, which is referred to as FaceTime, a Videoconferencing program. The iPod’s portability ensures that the user will be able “to easily see what their friends are up to, [and] share important moments” (“Apple – iPod Touch,” 2010). For example, if a user’s friend could not make it to a wedding or a dinner party, the user could include the friend through FaceTime,
This iPod continues to target at a wide range of demographics, from those of all ages to those who are disabled to different professions. This is shown in the Accessibility options which attract different users. One of the most useful features includes zooming, for those who are farsighted and cannot see up close. This feature “works everywhere, including the Home, Unlock, and Search screens, and with every app you purchase from the App Store” (“Apple – iPod Touch,” 2010). Another useful feature is the “white on black for higher contrast,” where the whole iPod’s colors invert, making it easier for the user to see due to a darker background and less white test.
Conclusion
Convergence devices are now integrated in today’s world. The promise of a singular device to combine multiple technologies and enable a digital lifestyle will spur rapid product development and users’ adaptation to the innovations. While the immediate benefits are apparent, it is interesting to see what the long term success would be in terms of the ultimate device and its assimilation to the user’s lifestyle.
References
Apple - iPod touch - Video calls, HD video, Game Center, and more. (2010). Apple. Retrieved
October 7, 2010, from http://www.apple.com/ipodtouch/
Apple’s website for the iPod Touch. Includes every feature of an iPod Touch and examples on why each feature is good. Comes from a reliable and well-known company.
Burton, Sandra. (2001, January 29). People Power Redux. Time. Retrieved October 7, 2010, from <www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/2001/0129/cover1.html>
An archived News Magazine article. Includes a history of Joseph Estrada’s history and how people have overcome his presidency by texting. Fairly recent (2001).
Glater, J.D. (2008, August 22). iPhone goes to college; Giving the teacher an Apple has
taken on a whole new meaning as some universities are dispensing iPhones and iPods to
students this fall. National Post,FP.3. Retrieved October 7, 2010, from Banking
Information Source. (Document ID: 1546698381). <http://mutex.gmu.edu:2048/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1546698381&Fmt=3&clientId=31810&RQT=309&VName=PQD>
Newspaper document. Very recent (2008). Comes from a reliable news source (National Post). Shows detailed information of the effects of an iPhone in college lectures and other types of education. Author works in the New York Times, a newspaper source.
Kharif, O. (2006, May 31). Social Networking Goes Mobile. BusinessWeek - Business News,
Stock Market & Financial Advice. Retrieved October 7, 2010, from
News analysis web site. Shows statistics for use of social networking by portable devices. Recent article (2006). Published by Bloomberg Businessweek, a business news website.
Laurent, O.. (2010, July). iPhone apps. The British Journal of Photography, 157(7778), 83.
Retrieved October 7, 2010, from Arts Module. (Document ID: 2079908631).
Electronic magazine source. Periodical source. Shows information on each iPhone app. Very recent (2010). Written by an author who works for the British Journal
of Photography.
Maria Bernabo, Ivan Garcia-Bassets, Laura Gaines, Christian Knauer, Alfred Lewis, Liem
Nguyen, & Leila Zolfaghari. (2009). Technological convergence throughout the eras: Part 2 - Cellular and computers. Business Strategy Series, 10(1), 12-18. Retrieved October 6, 2010, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 1626382801). <http://mutex.gmu.edu:2048/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=1626382801&sid=2&Fmt=3&clientId=31810&RQT=309&VName=PQD>
Written by more than five scholars. Includes a full list of references and further
reading references. Author credibility shown for each author in a list. Document is very recent (2009).
McCracken, H. (2010, October 5). iPhone vs. Android: Apple and Google's Smart-Phone War –
TIME. Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews –
TIME.com. Retrieved October 7, 2010, from
News website. Contains information of Apple’s competition with other brands.
Recent article (2010). Published on TIME, a reliable news website.
Proprietary software is opposite of free software. (2004, Martch). The Linux Information Project
(LINFO) Home Page. Retrieved October 7, 2010, from
Web site. Written by an organization known as the Linux Information Project. Fairly recent source (2005). Explains how not all software is free, but instead is proprietary.
National Safety Council. (2010, January 12). NSC estimates 1.6 million crashes caused by cell
phone use and texting. National Safety Council. Retrieved October 7, 2010, from <http://www.nsc.org/pages/nscestimates16millioncrashescausedbydriversusingcellphonesandtexting.aspx>
News website. Written by an organization known as the National Safety Council. Received media coverage by various news stations such as ABC, CBS, and FOX. Includes contact info at the top. Recent (2010).
