Thursday, May 19, 2011

Can Your Television Tweet?

By Eric James


Computers continue to be an integral part of the daily lives of millions of people all over the world by offering the best platform for work, entertainment and multimedia. However, as technology advances and the world becomes ever more connected, many household devices, such as the television, are being transformed into multi-tasking devices of the future.

With the release of HDTVs with built-in Ethernet and Wi-Fi, you can now access the Internet whilst watching television shows. This offers various kinds of multimedia functionality. Technology manufacturers have been producing high-resolution screens for many years but until recently they have been too costly for the domestic and personal market. But with most technology, production costs lowered and the first large-screen HDTVs were ready for the home market.

When technology advances, consumer demands also increase which means manufacturers incorporate many more new features. Televisions (are also involved in this process. Considering the number of devices and gadgets we have to use daily, streamlining our lives has become a useful marketing strategy for technology companies. The telephone used to only feature calls and nothing else, but now you can access the Internet, take pictures and listen to music. The Internet is a key factor in facilitating this, pushing the potential of home technology further.

Online websites are itching to take advantage of the new markets. You can now access online television streaming and popular websites such as Twitter and YouTube, all through your television. However, features such as social book marking will no doubt be available soon. Imagine being able to store your favorites online and access all your bookmarked websites without turning on the computer. Personalization and customization have been key to the success of the Internet. Imagine being able to design, create and launch a personalized homepage and then access it by a button on your remote control called "personalized home page".

Whilst most people enjoy the convergence of features into a single multi-functional gadget, some people do not like them. Reasons range from wanting to "switch off and get away from being constantly connected to the world" to wanting to "use the TV as a form of escapism".

Nonetheless, conventional computers arguably offer the best web browsing experience. But you should not underestimate the novelty of new functions: touch screen interfaces and 3D technology are expected to be the next big thing.

The question arises then: should manufacturers embrace innovation or stick with tradition? Is this an indication of the encroachment of technology in every part of our lives?




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