An Assessment of Current Technologies
- 1. An Assessment of Current Technologies Katherine Patterson December 2022
- 2. Introduction Throughout this past year, we have seen enormous strides made in advancements of technology. Not only have these improvements created new communication methods, they have further developed and changed the current communication mediums already present. This presentation will explore 3 communication technologies: tablets, wallscreens, and intercommunication rings.
- 3. Tablets: The Popularity Explosion *The release of the Apple iPad in 2010 was marked with slight apprehension as most were not sure exactly what a tablet was *However, the device quickly exploded in popularity, sparking a phenomenon *Within years, the number of tablet owners had skyrocketed and Apple was not the only corporation making them
- 4. Tablets: The Reason Behind the Frenzy *Uses and Gratifications Theory – describes what people do with technology *tablets have become commonplace because of the multitude of activities available *ability to read, write, speak face to face, browse the Web, play games, etc. *one of the most recent developments is the popularity of tablets in restaurants
- 5. Tablets Today Currently, tablets are achieving widespread penetration as menu replacements in restaurants around the globe Wait staff simply bring tablets out instead of menus Errors in orders have dramatically decreased and the tablet has created an entirely new interactive experience for consumers everywhere
- 6. Wallscreens: An Emerging Technology *The wallscreen was developed by Apple, Inc. to accomplish a combination of technologies through an aesthetically appealing medium *The wallscreen’s success depends on The Principle of Relative Consistency – states that “if a new media technology is introduced, in order for adoption to happen, the new technology has to be compelling enough for the adopter to give up something else” (Grant and Meadows, pp. 33) *In this case, Apple’s long-term goal is to replace televisions – why purchase a television when you can own your own wallscreen that includes not only a wall-sized television but so much more?
- 7. Wallscreens: What Can They Do For Us? *The goal behind the wallscreen is for users to have their own in their bedroom *The wallscreen is able to carry out voice commands that control settings in the room such as temperature, lighting, audio, vide o, and scent *The wallscreen uses digital imaging to create a crystal clear floor to ceiling image *Technologies include high- definition television, face-to-face communication, artificial intelligence, and daily organizations and scheduling
- 8. Intercommunication Rings: Initial Development This technology is currently being developed by Verizon Wireless in conjunction with Nike The concept behind these rings is the ability to send and receive short messages without carrying a cell phone in an easy and inconspicuous way The rings use the same signal as cell phones but require much less power and data to function – they are also rechargeable by a small power mat (simply lay the ring on the mat)
- 9. Intercommunication Rings: What are they? *An intercommunication ring will have the ability to send and receive short verbal messages through a small ring to be worn at all times *Any person who owns a cell phone would have the opportunity to purchase a ring because the device would simply be another “part” of the phone *The benefits: you do not have to have your phone to be able to send quick messages and it’s extremely portable and easy to use *To operate, one simply twists the ring and speaks for the allotted time period, then denotes the receiver of the message
- 10. Intercommunication Rings: The Diffusion Theory Because this technology is still in development, we can relate it to Everett Rogers’ theory of diffusion, specifically the main point of innovation According to Rogers, there is a five-step process a consumer uses before adoption of a new product 1) knowledge 2) persuasion 3) acceptation or rejection 4) implementation 5) confirmation
- 11. What comes next? The year 2022 has been one of many improvements in communication technologies. As we continue to test the boundaries of technology, we must remember to keep in mind the value of in-person communication. The methods of communicating are becoming more and more creative, but we must make sure that we preserve the medium that is human contact. Without this medium, we have the potential to experience serious consequences.
- 12. References Apple - iPad. (2012). Apple. Retrieved December 6, 2012, from http://www.apple.com/ipad/ Bale, C. (2012, May 24). CarltonBale.com » A Home Theater Projector Screen for Any Budget. CarltonBale.com. Retrieved December 6, 2012, from http://carltonbale.com/a- home-theater-projector-screen-for-any-budget/ Lammle, R. (2012, February 3). Tablet History: 14 Devices That Laid the Groundwork for the iPad. Mashable. Retrieved December 6, 2012, from http://mashable.com/2012/02/03/ipad-history-devices/ Meadows, J. H., & Grant, A. E. (2012). Understanding Communication Technologies. In Communication Technology Update and Fundamentals (13rd ed., pp. 27-33). Waltham, MA, United States: Taylor & Francis Group.