Case Study Presentation: The Amazon Kindle

Last Thursday I presented a case study answering the question, "What is 'new' about new media? I used the Amazon Kindle as an example of a 'new' piece of technology in the new media industry. I began by giving a brief history of printed word, explaining that printed word has been a major component in the history of our society, especially in the realm of media. I also gave a brief history of e-books and e-readers (electronic books and readers). This helped explain the beginning of convergence in the realm of books. I researched the beginning of convergence in the world of books and found that it began with Project Gutenberg in 1971. This was the first time that printed books were put into a digital format. Although in the beginning they were limited by file size, only having the capability to digitize a 300 page book, the technology continued to evolve creating the ability to digitize any text imaginable. I continued to dive into the continued convergence of traditional books by discussing Amazon.com's selling books online as well as the beginning of e-readers.

I then discussed the introduction of Amazon's Kindle and how it was the first e-reader to really take off. I gave an overview of the product, discussing its features and capabilities. This helped give a better view of how this product is an example of convergence. The Kindle is completely digital and wireless. It also has wireless internet capabilities with its own network so that there is no hunting for wifi hot-spots, which also makes its wireless capabilities accessable in over 100 different countries. I brought to light the advancements that the Kindle has made in its three models over the past few years and how it continues to converge in the new media atmosphere. The Kindle gives the user access to thousands of books that can be downloaded in 60 seconds virtually anywhere.

I also discussed the Kindle's competitors, the Sony Reader and the iPad. I explained that the Sony Reader was the first completely touch screen e-reader and that it was originally cheaper than the Kindle. But even with these exciting differences, the Kindle is still the more popular of the two. I then discussed the iPad and how Apple's hopes are to have a big e-book market. Even with this, the iPad does not come pre-installed with the iBook software, which gives users the decision on whether to download the free iBook app or Kindles free app. I explained that this gives Kindle a major opportunity to expand their market and make even more profit.

All in all, the Kindle has been a great example of something "new" about new media. This is because it has taken an old form of media and made it digital, while encorporating the internet as well as the telecommunications industry through its wireless network. This also makes it a great example of convergence. Below I have attatched a link to the Kindle's main webpage, which gives a full overview of the product, as well as all of its capabilities and uses. It also gives a look into new innovations that the Kindle wants to encorporate into their newer devices and explains the benefit to these new features.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015T963C/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=5222105697&ref=pd_sl_a6eh7sgtv_e

Skype: What is 'new' about new media?

Last Thursday, April 22^nd, I presented my case study answering the question, “What really is ‘new’ about new media and how is it impacting upon society?” I decided to answer this question by using Skype as an example. I started off my presentation by giving a brief definition and overview of Skype. I explained to the class that Skype is a free online telecommunication service that allows users to communicate all across the world via calls, video messaging, and instant messaging. I researched the usage of Skype in today’s society and applied it five of the six characteristics of New Media; digital, interactivity, audience generated, narrowcasting, and multi-media forms. It is digital because Skype’s use of instant messaging is computer compressed and readable. There is interactivity between two or more people taking turns responding to each other. Skype is audience generated because it gives each user the ability to personalize their account. Skype is a form of narrowcasting because it is geared toward people who wish to communicate over long-distance, like families and business men/women who need to make conference calls. Skype also has many multi-media forms including video messaging, instant messaging, and phone calls.

I then went over a brief history of Skype and how it has progressed to where it is now. I also gave the class a brief overview of some of the benefits and features of Skype including Skype’s use of contacts, calls, messaging, and the brand new Skype Mobile. Skype Mobile was created March 2010 when Skype partnered with Verizon to allow free Skype-to-Skype calls and instant messaging through Verizon Wireless 3G smart phones. Skype Mobile is a form of new media because it converges many different forms of new media. Also, in any form of new media, there are always mishaps and room for improvement. Because of this, I briefly went over the controversy Skype had with surveillance issues in China.

I concluded my presentation by adding a little pop culture. I used Brad Paisley’s lyrics to his song ‘Welcome to the Future’ to help me explain what really is new about new media and how it has an impact on our society. In his song, he talks about how his Grandpa in World War II had to send letters to his Grandmother, but today we now have the use of video chat where we can communicate with others all around the world in an instant. It is amazing to me how far technology has come. Technology and new media is the future, and the future is now. I’m very interested to see where our society will be technologically in just a few years.

Below I have posted the official Skype website, as well as Brad Paisley's music video 'Welcome to the Future' if anyone is more interested in learning more about Skype or what Brad has to say about where our society is headed as far as new media is concerned.

http://www.skype.com/

http://www.cmt.com/videos/brad-paisley/428157/welcome-to-the-future.jhtml

Media in The Classroom

Last Thursday I presented a case study based on the question; what is new about new media? As a future educator myself, I felt the most effective way to answer this question would be to present something that would affect my future.
Over the course of the semester, we have discussed all aspects of new media and new technology that is in our lives today. Whether it be the new Ipad, satellite radio, 3d movies, or the explosion of social media, they are all intertwined in our everyday lives, but have any of us thought about where we are sitting right now, or where we spend the majority of our day? The classroom. The new media and technology is becoming a bigger part of our learning experience, even right now I’m using technology in the form of a PowerPoint and new media of YouTube to give this presentation and make a blog post. Online learning in the form of elearning, virtual worlds such as second life used to teach classes, social networks along with blogs, and multimedia presentations are making up a large part of the classroom, extending for the kindergarten age all the way to the college classroom, and it isn’t going anywhere.
Each one of these new media outlets is opening doors and presenting new opportunities to the future of our children and the future of the education world. Like I said in my presentation the technology is here to stay and we must get used to it and learn to incorporate it into our everyday lives. It is amazing how an elementary student is more computer savvy then I was the day I graduated high school. The question I present to everyone, is this too much too soon, and what will this technology craze at such a young age lead to in our societies future?

The Impact of the iPhone by Sandra Aderibigbe

For my case study I decided to evaluate the impact of the iPhone. I briefly explained the history of the iPhone, some of the features that make it stand out, and the impact it has on the consumer, manufacturer, and technology itself. My main point was to point out that the iPhone was revolutionary in the sense that it shifted the focus of cell phone companies from the network to the actual cell phone itself. Prior to the iPhone, most carriers were only worried about the network and services. The iPhone was one of the first phones created for the pure enjoyment of the consumer. It offered a mini portable computer, and mp3 player, and countless applications that you could download to personalized your phone to fulfill your needs.
The discussion question that I asked was “Why do you think the iPhone continues to stand out amongst other phones. Many people first pointed out the fact that the internet ran very fast and looked just like how the internet would on a computer. Others pointed out the fact that the iPod had countless applications that one could use. There is basically an application for just about anything including various games but also useful tools such as maps. Others liked the fact that it had an MP3 player on it but specifically iTunes. A few people pointed out the fact that you can sync your iPhone to your computer, and its very easy to back it up. Lastly, people pointed out the fact that when the iPod does update their phone you don’t have to go out and buy another one, you can just download the update from iTunes.
The iPod is a phone that continues to evolve in very many ways. Because the iPhone is so advanced, in order to keep up with technology, many cell phone companies are finding ways to make better phones that consumers will love and purchase.

AT&T and Communication Infrastructure by Lupita Salgado

The roundtable discussion following my presentation last Thursday, which answered the question: “What social and economic forces shape communication infrastructure”, answered a couple of questions and while raising others.

No, AT&T shouldn’t be hurt as the end of their contract with Apple approaches and they lose exclusivity to the iPhone. This is not only because they have many other high quality products and services to offer, but because they will not lose existing customers to other cell phone companies.

Recently, there have been several complaints about the quality of service AT&T has been offering and whether or not they can keep up with its customers (because of the network overload created by iPhone users). However, AT&T has responded quickly. They have launched Femtocell, a product that provides better cell phone coverage in your own home. However, what incentives has AT&T provided to its customers to go out and splurge $150 on a mini-cell tower whenever their families on the other side of town receive excellent service without paying for anything other than their standard monthly wireless bill? Although this may not be AT&Ts most economical idea, many students don’t believe that existing AT&T customers will leave for other service providers.

One major reason named by students is the expense of breaking a contract; it’s just not financially worth it. Some students have not experienced problems with AT&T at all. This may be because problems are occurring in densely populated cities, which AT&T is trying their best correct these problems. So if you’re currently experiencing problems with AT&T they are soon to be over anyway, no reason to switch just yet.

AT&T has always provided communication services and they have continued to provide services as new technological advances in communication are created. They not only make it a point to provide people with what they need, but they also do their best to maintain connected to the different facets of technology that have come together to create communication as we know it today, (such acquiring McCaw Cellular Communication and their relationship with NPR-a computer maker). We now can call, text, email, IM, tweet, and do all sorts of instant forms communication from a single device. It's thanks to service providers like AT&T that we are able to do so.

Universal Service Goes Mobile, By Lacy Muntean

On Thursday, April 15, I did my presentation on Universal Service. Universal Service is the idea of providing quality telecommunications services at just, reasonable and affordable rates for all consumers. The question of the week was, "What social and economic forces shape communication infrastructure?" I answered this question in my presentation by showing how Universal Service is being carried out what what the future plans are. Free cell phones are now being offered to low-income Americans. Our government is working to provide free high speed internet to this same group. As more and more telecommunications services become available to everyone, newer technologies will need to be created to satisfy consumers. People want the newest and coolest things, and when everyone has access to them, they lose their appeal. As things that were once considered luxuries become more readily available to everyone, no matter what social class, there will become a recurring need for new and more advanced technologies within telecommunications.

During my presentation I defined Universal Service, stated its goals, and gave two examples of telephone providers that are providing free cell phones to low-income Americans. These two examples showed the difference between the first provider of free cell phones and the most recent provider to offer the same service. Safelink provided only 60 (or more depending on the state) minutes to low-income Americans, but Assurance Wireless has increased the number of minutes to 200. As the realization that a cell phone is a necessity increases, providers work harder to provide low-income Americans with more services related to their cell phones.

The discussion question I posed to the class was "Do you feel that a cell phone is a luxury or a necessity, and should they be provided to low-income Americans?" A majority of the class felt that cell phones have really become a necessity. They are needed in case of an emergency, if someone loses a job and for many other reasons. One student stated that if someone already has the tools needed, such as a cell phone, the service should be provided for free. He felt that a cell phone is not a necessity. Another example he gave was if you already have a computer, internet should be provided, but if you don't have the means to purchase a computer, the services should not be provided.

To learn more about Universal Service, go to:
http://www.fcc.gov/wcb/tapd/universal_service/welcome.html

Last Thursday on April, 8^th I did my case study presentation on the up a coming sources of Wi-Fi and where it is headed in the future. To answer the question of the week, “Who controls the network?” I proposed the idea that although Wi-Fi doesn’t have direct control over who controls the Internet, it indirectly controls the Internet by giving consumers (us) more access to the internet. I believe that no particular person or organization has complete control over the Internet. The government can keep putting more restrictions over the Internet, but inevitably we are the ones who control the Internet because we are the ones who keep changing it.

I went through the different phases of the Internet from the WiFi form 802.11 to 802.11g to WiMax. To me the most interesting form of wireless Internet, or the one I believe will have the most effect on people the years to come is WiMax. The thought of having wireless Internet available to a whole city, and eventually even a whole country in the years to come amazes me. Wi-Fi technology has a lot of security issue that pose a problem with owning a wireless Internet, but if it is password protected you should be OK, but it is good to keep in mind the different risks you are taking as well as how you are protected under Wi-Fi. (For example, with the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and with the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.) With technology like this, and more and more people having access to the Internet requires more restrictions by the government, but a more versatile and changing Internet in the end.

“Will the future of Wi-Fi cause the Digital Divide to get larger or smaller?” This is the question I proposed to the class during my presentation. I got very interesting feedback, but this seems to be an overall concern with how fast technology is growing. I believe that with more access to Wi-Fi that there will be a number of people where the Digital Divide’s gap will close especially among the older generation because the Internet will be even more prominent in society and even a bigger number of people have access to it. I also believe that with fast growing technologies, technologies are only going to be cheaper. Soon I believe a computer could be like a radio where almost every family owns one, and in fact they are even putting computers and Wi-Fi in vehicles, like the radio. One thing that I do think is discouraging for the Digital Divide is the facts that as technologies keep advancing; it is hard to keep up with it if you are just beginning to learn.

My case study presentation really taught me a lot about Wi-Fi, more than I ever thought I could know about it. I’m really interested to see where the 802.11 technologies will lead us in the next 10 years and what Internet access will be like. In the end I will be more and more restrictions placed on the Internet society, but its quick advancing and educated users will lead government protection in the dust.

Here's a quick video with more information on Wi-Max -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chlGqhRKVjQ

Robyn Wooderson