Presentation regarding communication technologies of the year 2022 with references to the communication theories that shaped and influenced them.

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.