This document discusses convergent technologies, which combine multiple technologies into integrated devices or systems. It provides examples like the iPod, which combines music playback hardware with iTunes software. Digital data and widespread connectivity have driven convergence by providing a common way to handle different types of information across devices. Both business and consumer needs and trends have contributed to the growth of convergent technologies. Emerging technologies like RFID may further convergence by allowing remote identification using radio waves.

1. Convergent Technologies APIT 268 – Web and Media Technologies Fall 2008 Preparatory Set for in-class session: Objective 1 Narration by: BNapoli

2. What is convergent technologies?

3. What technologies enable convergence? … has the whole distribution channel: e-commerce, sell, share …. … purely wireless, information and data is pushed around via a router… … satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit … Internet Example: iPod (hardware) iTunes (music) Satellite Example: GPS Wireless Example: in-home

4. Combined technologies that enable convergence? Cell phone with GPS Google Earth

5. What is driving convergent technologies? First and foremost The proliferation of digital data This provides a common base for handling diverse types of information – numbers, words, pictures, video, etc. using similar devices, processing techniques and media.

6. What is driving convergent technologies? Second… Widespread connectivity Widespread connectivity helps to bring diverse information together. It extends the value and capabilities of a device beyond its out-of-the-box functionality.

7. What is driving convergent technologies? Last but not least… Continuous advances in technology From battery life… … to processor speed

9. … growing stronger with consumer convergent technology What are some examples of consumer convergent technologies? Cell phone with Internet Mobile messengers Motor vehicle ‘ On Star’ Internet services delivered to TV sets Web casting of radio and TV programming on the Internet

12. … what to look for in emerging convergent technology RFID Radio Frequency Identification RFID is an automatic identification method, reliant on storing and remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders An RFID tag is an object that can be applied to or incorporated into a product, animal, or person for the purpose of identification using radiowaves. Its initial enterprise seems to be focused on supply chain management (like inventory tracking). amplifies or transmits a signal