Technology - The Mass Murderer

Is technology killing off our old fashioned ways? Do you find yourself sitting in front of a screen all day instead of interacting with actual human people?
The report below shows how technology has replaced some of our less practical but traditional ways.

The 50 things tech killed off:
1. Ring the cinema to find out times
2. Going into the travel agents to research a holiday
3. Record things using VHS
4. Dial directory enquiries
5. Use public telephones


Click the link for more...

http://tech.uk.msn.com/features/telephones-boxes-and-writing-letters-the-things-tech-has-killed-off

Bad times for convergence in USA

Banned in Philadelphia! Texting While Walking Philadelphia officials next month plan to use more “stick” in a program that takes a carrot-and-stick approach to bad behavior by people in cars, on bicycles, and on foot. The program, dubbed “Give Respect, Get Respect,” was launched at the beginning of May, aimed at reining in bad behavior by motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians in Center City (see previous story). Since then, some tickets, but mostly warnings have been handed out. But Deputy Mayor Rina Cutler says starting in August, more citations will be issued... Pedestrians who text while they walk without looking ahead will also be targeted Banned in Philadelphia! Texting While Walking - Philadelphia - Fox Nation http://www.alldeaf.com/current-events/92630-banned-philadelphia-texting-while-walking.html

Is media convergence taking over...

 are we even risking our own health and safety?

Thats what people in Philadelphia seem to think anyway, but are we becoming too reliant on technology as a society. People can be distracted by Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and the latest news and weather just on their phone alone. With voice command on Xbox because were too lazy to reach for the remote, and talking to our iphones looking slightly crazy because we can't be bothered to press a few buttons, maybe the Philadelphia officials are right. Eventually our phones will be making our dinner too by the sounds of it!

Sarah 

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Media Convergence = Viral Marketing Tool

I was browsing Youtube the other day, listening to some music video's when i noticed an advertisement at the top of the homepage that i recognised. Mercedes-Benz recently launched an advertisement on the TV, that could also be found online. This sounds normal obviously, but the online campaign was in fact an interactive video called 'Escape the map' created by AMV BBDO, aiming to attract younger consumers. The audience had to play along to save themselves from being 'captured by the camera and regulated'. The people who took part in the online video or 'mission' were entered into a prize draw to win one of the new cars being advertised. I think this is a good example of media convergence in action, and how it can be used as an advertising tool within the industry.

The competition is now closed, but you can still log on and have a go of escaping the map yourself at http://escapethemap.com/

Sarah 

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Interactive Media

Media convergence is constantly helping the viewer become more involved in the media they are experiencing. Inventions such as simple things like comment and feedback sections, blogs, and user generated content help viewers get their point across. Also their are more complex idea's like You-view TV incorporating internet and television, so viewers no longer need to two screen (being on a computer/smartphone whilst watching TV at the same time) as it will all be in one place. Therefore viewers can Tweet and Facebook the latest gossip on reality TV shows like 'X Factor' and 'I'm a celebrity' on just one screen. During a recent talk from Alex Connock (co-founder of Ten Alps), he showed us an interactive online video. Viewers can choose their own path and ending to the story, and the video has over 20 different versions the viewer could choose to watch. This is another example of media convergence and the audience having more control and input into what they see and hear.

http://yonibloch.co.il/pretendtobehappy/

There's the website, so log on and give it a try :)
Sarah
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Internet Shopping

I needed a dress for this weekend to go to a party but because of assignment deadlines I've not had a chance to go shopping so I turned to internet shopping, what a saviour! I browsed several websites such as asos.com and boohoo.com for different style dresses and to compare the prices. After finding the perfect dress it was the easiest thing to place my order, all I had to do was fill in my details and card number and that was that, I ordered next day delivery so it arrived today just in time for tonight and I couldn't be happier.

Without media convergence I wouldn't have found that dress so I'm very grateful for it!

Mediamorphosis

Mediamorphosis, Understanding New Media, by Roger Fidler helped me in finding the opportunities for the industry as a part of our group essay, as it explains how the media has adapted to the new technologies that constantly get developed. One of the relevant quotes I found in this book was,
   
     'All forms of communication media coexist and coevolve within an expanding, complex adaptive system. As each new form emerges and develops, it influences, over time and to varying degrees, the development of every other existing form.'

This helps to explain my points that I made in the essay of how news media has developed from paper, to the television and radio, and now onto the internet and phone applications, and I see this technology developing further into new forms that will change the industry, and society, again and again.
     Technology is unstoppable, and as long as there are scientists and experts to create it, it will continue to evolve and shape our industry.

Convergence At a Concert!

Last night I was lucky enough to go to the Key 103 Jingle Ball, and get VIP wristbands to go backstage. Whilst we was there, pieces were being recorded to be broadcast for the radio station such as interviews with the performers and backstage gossip. I thought this was really interesting and showed how media technology is growing, enabling radio to be broadcasted from outside a studio. As well as this, the audience were recording videos on their phones, meaning that there is less need for normal cameras, as it is all included in one device, however my problem with this was that the battery life runs down extremely quickly, so if you end up stranded in Manchester, this could be a problem!

Me and my friend backstage with JLS!

Romy :) x