We discussed the ideas of 'convergence' and 'connectivity' in class last Thursday which led me to the realization of just how certain technologies keep me connected with our society, and around the world. There are two forms of technology that I am very very fond of, and would not know how to live my life without: The iPhone, and my MacBook Pro. As Dan Cohen says in his post about the iPhone, " My iPhone is my phone, calendar, email device, iPod, video player, gaming machine, GPS … and the list goes on and on." there are sooo(ooooooooooooooooo...) many technologies and replacements for other devises, in this one little 'thing.'
Dan's article
I personally use my so called "phone" for everything Dan listed, and more. One of the only technologies that the iPhone is currently missing and REALLY should have, is video chatting capabilities. When I make a call to someone, it would be incredible to be able to see the face on the other end of phone. This would allow for a much more personalized conversation, on the go.
As Patrick Dubroy mentions in his article about the iPhone, some people argue that "divergence is the way to go...", using specialized devices for their single or limited, intended use. (Donal Norman, 1986) But this leads to the problem of storage and ease of transportation. I personally and thankful that this iPhone I have in my pocket is no bigger than the wallet in my other pocket, but can do ALMOST everything my computer enables me to do.
Patrick's article
As far as connectivity on my MAC, Skype strikes me as one of the most impressive technologies I've personally experienced on the computer. The fact that I can log onto my FREE (yes, free) account and click a little camera button next to one of my buddies names and talk/see them, is beyond me. I have a couple friends that are currently studying abroad and I am able to stay connected and in touch via this fantastic technology. The possibilities are limitless... and becoming easier and cheaper to access every day. Who know what we'll be able to do in 10, 20, or even 100 years from now.
--David
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I find skype to be just as remarkable. I never realized how something like that could impact someones life until I traveled abroad to Australia and could talk for free to my family across the world everyday! It amazing how the things we use now to keep us connected, we cannot imagine not having before.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Skype, I use it ALL the time. I personally cannot live without skype. A big part of this is my boyfriend lives in Australia, and it is how we stay connected. Without skype, our relationship would not work or make it 10 years ago. I really think the only reason we have stayed together for 2 years is in a huge part due to skype and the ability to 1) talk for free 2) see each others expressions and so on. As for Skype, you can now download a skype application for the iphone, it is not quite up to the ability to video talk on it yet, but I am sure pretty soon it will happen on it too!
ReplyDeleteI personally became awestruck when I first found out about Skype and all of the free capabilities it had compared to other video accessory programs for the computer. Using this technology to talk to anyone around the world is one of the most beneficial products out there on the web, although I do have some problems with it and other technologies as well. Personally, I have found that cell phones, email, text messaging, Skype, etc...have all taken away some sort of personalization in communication. Do not get me wrong I use all of them, but I do like a good handwritten letter or a good chat in person with someone, and that is what I think a lot of society is missing out on with all of the technology out there now.
ReplyDeleteHooper...
ReplyDeleteI agree that technology has a detrimentally negative effect on the lack of personalization of communication as well. People these days resort to so many 'virtual' experiences, in place of everyday person to person, pen to paper encounters. The convenience factor of all the available technologies is quite incredible, but how detrimental are these negative effects to our society as a whole? Loosing these personal experiences and encounters seems to be a huge problem that is not being talked about and will not be resolved in the near future at the pace we are moving.