New media and devices
From Baruchnewmedia
Contents |
The Role of the Internet
Over time, advances in technologies enabled the masses to access the internet wirelessly. Therefore, an increasing amount of Web surfers are accessing the Internet via wireless devices, be they Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.[1] In response, Web companies are increasingly recognizing that they need to optimize the content and functionality that they offer to users of wireless devices.[1] Which in turn enables the evolution of new media.
Even though the internet is however far from being a mature industry. It therefore remains a space of opportunity where convergence (the coming-together of various technologies) and the human imagination should and certainly will continue to create opportunities for almost any type of company and lead to the integration of new media down the road. [1]
Devices
Devices and new media complement eachother. Indeed, devices are enablers of new media. Indeed, the advances in technologies enable people to use and create the newest kinds of media.
Computers
The evolution of computers
The first commercial computer was commercialized in the mid 1974. [1] This was way before the emergence of the internet to the public in the 1990s. During this couple decades, computers were essentially used for the creation of custom documents programmation, and for gaming.
Computers since the propagation of the Internet
Over time, computers have drastically shrunk in size and gained in processing power. Moreover, their prices have also rapidly declined. We can therefore find ultraportable laptop computers that are as powerful as desktop computers. [2]
Computers were the first devices that could use the world wide web. They were therefore the first new media devices. Their capabilities inspired the creation of most of the other devices that spread new media nowadays. [2]
The future of computers
We can infer from the current trend that computers may continue to shrink in size, and lower in terms of prices. Moreover, their
e-Readers
Books have evolved as a medium: they used to be available in hard copies only (old media), and are now transforming into e-books (new media), to a possible future where we will be able to download any book in less than a minute (soon to be new media)
Books as old media
However, books have for long had a main flaw. Once their information in printed on paper, it cannot be altered. The emergence of the e-book later helped erase this flaw.
The current emergence of e-books
E-books are now gaining in popularity and increasing their presence in the book market. Indeed, e-books now constitute about 20% of the market (Owen). Like Borders’s bankruptcy demonstrates, this emergence happens at the expense of the hard books retailers. However, despite these successes, one segment of the book industry is still lagging behind: the textbook industry. Although is has clearly started its transition from old media (hard copies) to new media (digital ones), the e-textbook industry still has not convinced the masses.
Future prospects for books
Furthermore, the probable emergence of e-textbooks in the future may also change the textbook industry and impact enable the emergence of even ewer kinds of e-readers.
Television
TV, or the televisiosn is defined as a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome (black-and-white) or colored, with or without accompanying sound. [3] The word " Television was first used in 1900, even though its concept was already imagined about a decade before [4]. The first TV-sets were sold to the public in 1928.[4]
Old Medium
Current status
People are however still spending “record amounts” of time in front of their traditional TVs. The reason why the “old-fashioned” TV is still that resilient, is because it includes so many different channels, and viewing opportunities that still are not replaceable on the Web. Indeed, not all TV channels' content are uploaded on the Web. Furthermore, time is often of the essence when events are broadcasted live on TV. For example, it makes no sense for an NFL fan not to watch the Super Ball while it is happening, because it would take away the thrill of watching the game live.
Some TVs are already starting their transition to new media however. Those are often the most technologically advanced ones available on the market, and therefore . These televisions have innovative capabilities like the possibility to display 3D images. More importantly related with new media,
Future Prospects
There are rumors stating that Apple is about to launch a new TV, which could be the start of the area of TVs as new media.
Smart Phones
Introduction
Smart Phones have allowed many people in the United States as well as individuals in emerging economies who cannot afford Personal Computers gain access to New Media. Before rising into popularity in 2007 with the release of Apple iPhone, smart phones were in development since the IBM Simon in 1992. They also went through various forms of development before becoming what they are today. [5]
What Makes a Smart Phone Smart?
According to the Wiki on Smart Phones. The Five features that make a smart phone smart are:
1. An Operating System 2. A QWERTY Keyboard / Touch Screen 3. Access to the Internet 4. Customized Software (Applicatoins) 5.Messaging Capabilities (SMS/MMS)
Early Smart Phones
The First smart phone was developed by IBM in 1992 called the IBM Simon. It had a variety of features such as the ability to send e-mail and receive faxes, a calendar, address book, world clock and a calculator. Afterwards there were a lot of products and innovations by companies such as RIM, Windows, and Nokia. In the late 90's devices known as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). PDAs mostly had high adoption rates among business people for their ability to send e-mails easily, prioritize events through calendars, and check e-mails.
Smart Phones Today
The release of the iPhone in 2007 has spurred the release of many modern smart phones. These smart phones allow people to enjoy new media anywhere with accessibility to mediums such as the internet, movies & video, e-books, pictures, and various means to communicate with each other such as Facebook or SMS/MMS messaging.
