Digital Convergence

Digital convergence is something that has taken over media and technology, especially within the last decade. With so many new devices that people can use for various purposes, it's very difficult to keep up with the newest technology. Digital convergence refers to the convergence of the four industries: Information Technologies, Telecommunication, Consumer Electronics, and Entertainment. Some example's are Microsoft's Xbox from IT to entertainment, and Apple's iPhone, from IT to Telecommunications. Digital convergence also refers to the digitalization of traditional media. Media outlets such as magazine and newspaper articles can now be found online instantly.


One new neat gadget that will be available is the Microsoft Courier. The Courier function as a "digital journal", with an interface that is pen-based and centered around drawings and writing. It also has a built-in handwriting recognition tool and a corresponding website that allows everything to be entered into the device in a blog-like format, which can be very useful, especially for this class when writing blogs! Of course, there's a built-in camera and a media player as well.



Digital convergence is also making its way to television. Now, all televisions require using signals from digital converter boxes when watching programs on regualar television, and all channels are now made digital on cable as well. But, there is talk of something that can make TV even better. Intel, in a joint effort with Netgear, will have a convergence device that will "use Netgear's adapter that uses Intel's wireless display technology to wirelessly connect laptops with TVs so users can watch HD videos and other content as well", according to Intel President & CEO Paul Otellini. The device is called the Push 2 TV.



One gadget that a lot of people have that's taking the world by storm is Apple's iPhone. The new iPhone 3GS has so many cool features. The applications range from going on Facebook and Twitter, checking your email, watching videos on YouTube, staying updated with live sports scores, GPS and navigation compatibility, paying bills and depositing checks, making restaurant reservations, and much, much more. Here's the link to the apple website to get a look at all of the cool features:

http://www.apple.com/iphone/iphone-3gs/

Media convergence has definitely transformed media in a major way. But, everyone wonders, "What will media be like in another 10 years"? Well, since many media sources are shifting to the Internet, radio may be the next medium that will come to the internet completely. Also, there may be possible mergers with big companies such as Google and Amazon as well, which will help form some more new ideas with digital convergence that would be beneficial to everyone. Here's a video that will help to explain this:



Digital convergence will only make media more simplified than it already is in the future, and will be very helpful to everyone.

Information from this blog can be found at the following links:

"Digital Convergence"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_convergence

"Intel's Otellini to Unveil 'Digital Convergence' Device"
http://www.macworld.com/article/145480/2010/01/otellini_ces.html

"Playing With the Instinct" photo by flckr user Global X using Creative Commons:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/globalx/2593139689/

Videos from YouTube found at the following links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNU-UoDHdTo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43L2fYV_wrE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xj8ZadKgdC0&feature=player_embedded#