The future digital culture is a topic that raises many questions such as ‘where does the future of digital culture lie?’ and ‘how will human interact with technology in the future?’. Personally, I believe the future of digital cultures certainly lies with how technology develops, focussing on computers particularly. This links in with week 5 with the topic being ‘issues of interface’. Computers have become as common in the household as a television especially since the beginning of the 21st Century, so how human interaction with computers develop is important as people always seem to prefer simplicity.
The hardware of a personal computer has changed immensely since the 1970’s which has allowed people to use them for hours without feeling any physical strains. Small features such as adjustable monitors and chairs to allow comfort and prolonged time spent on a computer. This has become vital over the years as ICT jobs have been on the increase so products like mouse’s, keyboards, computer desk and chairs have allowed personal or desktop computers to become more ‘human friendly’.
Computers are becoming even more ‘human friendly’ which coincides with the fact that personal computers are found in many households. Since the introduction of windows 7 there has been more of an emphasis of touch screen computers. The development in both the hardware along with the software is important, allowing more simplicity for people. The continuation of personal computers becoming more ‘human friendly’ is vital for the future of digital cultures because many of the blog postings this year has been related to the internet or computers.
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Blog 3 - reflection on blog entries 2009/2010
Since the beginning of term digital cultures has covered a wide range of topics from convergence to artificial intelligence. Some topics I found more interesting than others and some topics I was surprised to see included in the unit for example ‘virtuality’ in week 9. This blog entry will be about the topics I found the most interesting and the topics I thought were irrelevant and hard to discuss and write a the blog.
This year in digital cultures I’ve learnt many new things, the most interesting topic for me being video games in week 12. This particular topic stands out for me as I learnt new terminology such as ‘balanced’ and ‘unbalanced games‘. It also caused me to look at what the future holds for video games based upon current popular video games and consoles. Another interesting topic was ‘issues of the body’ in week 7. I discussed the positives and negatives of an artificial body part, focusing on an artificial heart.
The topics I found the least interesting were in weeks 1,3 and 11. In week one was on ‘citizen journalists’ which I failed to understand what significance it had because I couldn’t how professional journalists could ever feel threatened by an unqualified and inexperience writers. In week three the topic was on ‘thinking about media change’ although the topic was relevant the title of the blog was hard to understand. In week 11 the topic was on ‘the aesthetics of digital culture’, I didn’t really understand the concept of the aesthetics of digital cultures and I struggled to come up with a question. Overall, the unit has been quite interesting and I feel I have learnt quite a lot about digital cultures this year.
This year in digital cultures I’ve learnt many new things, the most interesting topic for me being video games in week 12. This particular topic stands out for me as I learnt new terminology such as ‘balanced’ and ‘unbalanced games‘. It also caused me to look at what the future holds for video games based upon current popular video games and consoles. Another interesting topic was ‘issues of the body’ in week 7. I discussed the positives and negatives of an artificial body part, focusing on an artificial heart.
The topics I found the least interesting were in weeks 1,3 and 11. In week one was on ‘citizen journalists’ which I failed to understand what significance it had because I couldn’t how professional journalists could ever feel threatened by an unqualified and inexperience writers. In week three the topic was on ‘thinking about media change’ although the topic was relevant the title of the blog was hard to understand. In week 11 the topic was on ‘the aesthetics of digital culture’, I didn’t really understand the concept of the aesthetics of digital cultures and I struggled to come up with a question. Overall, the unit has been quite interesting and I feel I have learnt quite a lot about digital cultures this year.
Blog 2 - Review of Issues of Identity & intelligence: Robots & AI
In week 8 the blog posting was about ‘identity and intelligence’, the question of the week was ‘Do you think Sci-fi can ever come true?’. I concluded that I was undecided on whether sci-fi could ever come true, focusing on Cyborgs specifically. Since then my view on the topic has swayed towards Sci-fi technology not existing in the future, particularly in the less economically nations.
The phrase ‘science fiction’ in itself puts into question if it will ever come true as the word ‘fiction’ is defined as events or ideas that are not true or not factual. As these ideas are not factual, which in this case is Sci-fiction, Cyborgs in particular. A Cyborg is an idea or fantasy introduced by writers included in films. A Writer is a professional who uses language to portray an idea or an image. Therefore, writers are unaware how far technology will develop or how technology is currently developing. This, for me, means that Cyborgs are not destined to come true no more than a nuclear war.
To summarise, I think that the chance of Cyborgs being invented in the future is extremely slim as they are just ideas or fantasy’s, which have been created by writers. If Cyborgs where to be introduced into society I think there would have to be a major development in technology in order to support the argument of Cyborgs existing in the future. However, there hasn’t been a break through invention yet to sway my opinion towards Cyborgs existing in the future.
The phrase ‘science fiction’ in itself puts into question if it will ever come true as the word ‘fiction’ is defined as events or ideas that are not true or not factual. As these ideas are not factual, which in this case is Sci-fiction, Cyborgs in particular. A Cyborg is an idea or fantasy introduced by writers included in films. A Writer is a professional who uses language to portray an idea or an image. Therefore, writers are unaware how far technology will develop or how technology is currently developing. This, for me, means that Cyborgs are not destined to come true no more than a nuclear war.
To summarise, I think that the chance of Cyborgs being invented in the future is extremely slim as they are just ideas or fantasy’s, which have been created by writers. If Cyborgs where to be introduced into society I think there would have to be a major development in technology in order to support the argument of Cyborgs existing in the future. However, there hasn’t been a break through invention yet to sway my opinion towards Cyborgs existing in the future.
Blog 1 - Is new media having a positive or negative effect on culture and human communication?
New media has definitely changed the way humans communicate. The new media has transformed communication, especially since the invention of mobile phones. The change in communication began when the world wide web, as this allowed people to communicate across the world. Access to the internet is now available on mobile phone or PDA’s allowing even more options of communication along with calling and texting. However, this has caused to question whether new media has had a positive or negative outcome for our culture and communication.
As communication has become much more convenient it has definitely improved communication, which can only be a positive thing. However, the ability to send an e-mail to the other side of the world I think has caused governments and officials to be much more observant of their citizens, especially since the beginning of the 21st Century. So what effect has this had on our culture? Well privacy has become much more of an important aspect in human rights passed down from the EU. There are now more rules and protocols for the police and secrets service in order to acquire personal information such as accessing personal e-mails.
I think as a whole new media has had a positive impact on human communication as there are so many different ways to communicate nowadays. Communication has improved vastly compared to what it was just 20 years ago. However, some may say new technology has reduced physical human interaction for example calling someone instead of meeting up. Whether this is has a negative effect on human communication or more convenient is a difficult to say but I personally think that new media has had more of a positive effect on culture and human communication than a negative affect and will continue to do so in the future.
As communication has become much more convenient it has definitely improved communication, which can only be a positive thing. However, the ability to send an e-mail to the other side of the world I think has caused governments and officials to be much more observant of their citizens, especially since the beginning of the 21st Century. So what effect has this had on our culture? Well privacy has become much more of an important aspect in human rights passed down from the EU. There are now more rules and protocols for the police and secrets service in order to acquire personal information such as accessing personal e-mails.
I think as a whole new media has had a positive impact on human communication as there are so many different ways to communicate nowadays. Communication has improved vastly compared to what it was just 20 years ago. However, some may say new technology has reduced physical human interaction for example calling someone instead of meeting up. Whether this is has a negative effect on human communication or more convenient is a difficult to say but I personally think that new media has had more of a positive effect on culture and human communication than a negative affect and will continue to do so in the future.
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Week 20 & 21 - Prosuming, Crowdsourcing and Free Labour & Globalization, Technicity and the Digital Divide(s)
Is the digital divide positive or negative?
The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to technology and those who don’t. The term is closely related to the knowledge divide as the lack of technology causes a lack information. As the internet is becoming a major source of information there has been more of an emphasises for people to have access to computers. However, arguments against the narrowing of the divide has caused to question whether the digital divide is an issue.
In 2005 according to the world bank the global digital divide between the rich and poor nations is narrowing fast. The UN hope that widening access to technology such as mobile phones and the net will help eradicate poverty. This links in with the idea of technology improving knowledge one of the main arguments for bridging the global divide, which the UN firmly believe. Access to technology also brings a sense of democracy as people are free to look at whatever they wish with no consequences. Bridging he global divide is also believed to encourage equality between the richer and poorer countries.
The bridging of the gap has brought up some consequences such as; lack of privacy, piracy, global control and the freedom of choice not to have access to technology. Piracy is more of an issue in the more developed countries the majority of the population have access to technology, computers and the internet in particular. People believe that piracy may be encouraged by governments as they wish for more people to have access to the internet. Personally, I believe bridging the digital divide either globally or within a country has a positive outcome as the internet is now a main source of information as its more convenient for people. This will improve knowledge as an outcome, which is vital especially with the less developed nations.
The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to technology and those who don’t. The term is closely related to the knowledge divide as the lack of technology causes a lack information. As the internet is becoming a major source of information there has been more of an emphasises for people to have access to computers. However, arguments against the narrowing of the divide has caused to question whether the digital divide is an issue.
In 2005 according to the world bank the global digital divide between the rich and poor nations is narrowing fast. The UN hope that widening access to technology such as mobile phones and the net will help eradicate poverty. This links in with the idea of technology improving knowledge one of the main arguments for bridging the global divide, which the UN firmly believe. Access to technology also brings a sense of democracy as people are free to look at whatever they wish with no consequences. Bridging he global divide is also believed to encourage equality between the richer and poorer countries.
The bridging of the gap has brought up some consequences such as; lack of privacy, piracy, global control and the freedom of choice not to have access to technology. Piracy is more of an issue in the more developed countries the majority of the population have access to technology, computers and the internet in particular. People believe that piracy may be encouraged by governments as they wish for more people to have access to the internet. Personally, I believe bridging the digital divide either globally or within a country has a positive outcome as the internet is now a main source of information as its more convenient for people. This will improve knowledge as an outcome, which is vital especially with the less developed nations.
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Week 19 - Aggregation, Disaggregation and Long Tail Effects
Why has the ‘long tail’ theory appeared?
The phrase ‘long tail’ came from a wired article written by Chris Anderson. The theory describes the wide selection people have of the niche market on the internet and the potential profits sellers could make. Traditionally, records, books, films and other items have created a popular or mainstream section as stores can only afford to have the most popular items on their shelves in order to make a large enough profit. However, the internet allows people to find less popular items or subjects as there is a profit in those ‘missed’ items. For example Amazon can sell unknown books and iTunes can sell unknown songs.
The emergence of online and shopping, of many different items, via the internet this has caused the long tail theory to appear as people can now have a wider selection online then in stores. However, this causes to question whether the long tail theory is accurate? In the 2007 the long tail theory was put into question as more then 10 million of the13 million available music tracks failed to find a single buyer. The chief economists of the MCPSPRS alliance suggested that the niche market is not the most profitable area and that the online sales still heavily relies on mainstream items.
I personally believe that the long tail theory is accurate in the sense that it shows how wide the selection people have of niche items. However, I think the theory is inaccurate in saying the niche market is a goldmine for internet sellers, as most sale figures are of the mainstream items.
The phrase ‘long tail’ came from a wired article written by Chris Anderson. The theory describes the wide selection people have of the niche market on the internet and the potential profits sellers could make. Traditionally, records, books, films and other items have created a popular or mainstream section as stores can only afford to have the most popular items on their shelves in order to make a large enough profit. However, the internet allows people to find less popular items or subjects as there is a profit in those ‘missed’ items. For example Amazon can sell unknown books and iTunes can sell unknown songs.
The emergence of online and shopping, of many different items, via the internet this has caused the long tail theory to appear as people can now have a wider selection online then in stores. However, this causes to question whether the long tail theory is accurate? In the 2007 the long tail theory was put into question as more then 10 million of the13 million available music tracks failed to find a single buyer. The chief economists of the MCPSPRS alliance suggested that the niche market is not the most profitable area and that the online sales still heavily relies on mainstream items.
I personally believe that the long tail theory is accurate in the sense that it shows how wide the selection people have of niche items. However, I think the theory is inaccurate in saying the niche market is a goldmine for internet sellers, as most sale figures are of the mainstream items.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Week 18 - SEO, Packet sniffing and Astroturfing
Who controls the internet?
The management of the internet is an unknown by many people, the most common answer being governments. As governments are prioritising security, especially against the possibility of cyber warfare, they’re taking any form of measure to protect national databases, the USA in particular. So do governments have the freedom to change or alter the their own national websites? No each country does not have the final say as to whether a domain or suffixes can be created or changed for example, So who does have the final say?.
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is an American authority which oversees, allocates and manages the domain name system and suffixes such as ‘.com’ and ‘.org’. So if a country wanted to change its domain name, which is at top level, it would have to be checked by the US department of commerce whom the (ICANN) is monitored by. This practically means the US government can allow or block alterations or modifications to domains which gives them the power as to who is and isn’t on the internet. This power unofficially means the US are in control of the internet. However, this raises the question of who controls what we can see on the internet? To be more specific, who controls what we see in ‘Google searches’?.
The emergence of Google bombing, what we see on the internet can be heavily influenced for political or humorous reasons for example. Google bombing refers to the influence the ranking of particular pages in results returned by the Google search engine. So a website for example will contain a link of another website thus increasing its rank creating the website to have a higher ‘page rank’. This is a common use of media manipulation and is a possible loophole created by firms in order to gain more advertising. Will governments intervene and stop this vicious cycle or will they eventually use this to their advantage?.
The management of the internet is an unknown by many people, the most common answer being governments. As governments are prioritising security, especially against the possibility of cyber warfare, they’re taking any form of measure to protect national databases, the USA in particular. So do governments have the freedom to change or alter the their own national websites? No each country does not have the final say as to whether a domain or suffixes can be created or changed for example, So who does have the final say?.
Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is an American authority which oversees, allocates and manages the domain name system and suffixes such as ‘.com’ and ‘.org’. So if a country wanted to change its domain name, which is at top level, it would have to be checked by the US department of commerce whom the (ICANN) is monitored by. This practically means the US government can allow or block alterations or modifications to domains which gives them the power as to who is and isn’t on the internet. This power unofficially means the US are in control of the internet. However, this raises the question of who controls what we can see on the internet? To be more specific, who controls what we see in ‘Google searches’?.
The emergence of Google bombing, what we see on the internet can be heavily influenced for political or humorous reasons for example. Google bombing refers to the influence the ranking of particular pages in results returned by the Google search engine. So a website for example will contain a link of another website thus increasing its rank creating the website to have a higher ‘page rank’. This is a common use of media manipulation and is a possible loophole created by firms in order to gain more advertising. Will governments intervene and stop this vicious cycle or will they eventually use this to their advantage?.
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Week 17 - Metadata, Tagging and Folksonomies
Why has ‘digg.com’ been successful?
Digg.com is website for people to discover and share content from anywhere on the web. From the biggest online websites to the most obscure blogs, Digg surfaces the best stuff voted by the users. The aim of the website is to ‘To provide a place where people can collectively determine the value of content and we’re changing the way people consume information online.’ Digg.com works by people submitting news, videos and images to the site. Once submitted, other people can view and ‘digg’ what they like best. The best submissions that receive the most ‘diggs’ are promoted to the front page for millions of people to see.
In 2008 the domain “digg.com” attracted around 236 million visitors, so what has been the criteria for success?. Firstly, the website gives power to the people by allowing them to decide what news is important, which in most cases is decide by a small number of people. The website is designed in a simple way for newcomers to understand and start to make a difference quickly.
Personally, I think the main reason for the success of digg.com is the power the people are given which has seen the rise in the website in recent years. However, as many people are use to the conventional mainstream news were a certain group of people decide what news we consume, how long will digg.com be able to compete against mainstream news. Will ‘digg.com’ be able to sustain the interest and following in order to continue to be successful in the future?.
Digg.com is website for people to discover and share content from anywhere on the web. From the biggest online websites to the most obscure blogs, Digg surfaces the best stuff voted by the users. The aim of the website is to ‘To provide a place where people can collectively determine the value of content and we’re changing the way people consume information online.’ Digg.com works by people submitting news, videos and images to the site. Once submitted, other people can view and ‘digg’ what they like best. The best submissions that receive the most ‘diggs’ are promoted to the front page for millions of people to see.
In 2008 the domain “digg.com” attracted around 236 million visitors, so what has been the criteria for success?. Firstly, the website gives power to the people by allowing them to decide what news is important, which in most cases is decide by a small number of people. The website is designed in a simple way for newcomers to understand and start to make a difference quickly.
Personally, I think the main reason for the success of digg.com is the power the people are given which has seen the rise in the website in recent years. However, as many people are use to the conventional mainstream news were a certain group of people decide what news we consume, how long will digg.com be able to compete against mainstream news. Will ‘digg.com’ be able to sustain the interest and following in order to continue to be successful in the future?.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Week 16 - Open Source Movement
Is open source technology good or bad?
Open source is free access to the source code of a program and extensive free redistribution rights for this software, examples of open source is Linux, Apache, PHP and MySQL. Source code is any collection of statements or declarations written in some human-readable computer programming language. Source code is used by programmers to specify the actions to be performed by the computer.
One prominent example of open source technology is Facebook with over 350 million users making it the world’s most popular social networking site. It runs on open source technology such as PHP, Memcached, MySQL and others. Facebook has become the most popular social networking site several English speaking countries which raises the question is opens source technology good?
Linux is a operating system based on open source technology which allows consumers to view the source code and even alter them. However, Microsoft are firmly against allowing consumers to view their source code and even have protected the right to keep it private. CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer describes Linux as being a ‘cancer’. The harsh description of Linux by Steve suggests they are familiarly against open source. Although it could also suggest that Microsoft may feel threatened by Linux as consumers may wish to have more control over the operating systems, which Linux offers. So is open source good or bad? I personally think it gives the consumer more control and freedom which can only be a good thing.
Open source is free access to the source code of a program and extensive free redistribution rights for this software, examples of open source is Linux, Apache, PHP and MySQL. Source code is any collection of statements or declarations written in some human-readable computer programming language. Source code is used by programmers to specify the actions to be performed by the computer.
One prominent example of open source technology is Facebook with over 350 million users making it the world’s most popular social networking site. It runs on open source technology such as PHP, Memcached, MySQL and others. Facebook has become the most popular social networking site several English speaking countries which raises the question is opens source technology good?
Linux is a operating system based on open source technology which allows consumers to view the source code and even alter them. However, Microsoft are firmly against allowing consumers to view their source code and even have protected the right to keep it private. CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer describes Linux as being a ‘cancer’. The harsh description of Linux by Steve suggests they are familiarly against open source. Although it could also suggest that Microsoft may feel threatened by Linux as consumers may wish to have more control over the operating systems, which Linux offers. So is open source good or bad? I personally think it gives the consumer more control and freedom which can only be a good thing.
Week 15 - Intellectual Property, Creative Commons & DRM
Should the government have the right to access private information?
Article 8 of the European convention is the Human Rights Act 1998 - the right to respect for private and family life. Article 8 covers issues such as interception of correspondence (telephone, letter, e-mail), search warrants (at home or work), access to information about a person’s own identity and many others. However, In the UK, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIP) Act of 2000 allows a limited group of authorities to demand private information about people's Internet and mobile phone activities from the companies that provide connections.
New technology offers criminals new opportunities as it is estimated that 600 million people have access to the internet therefore access to e-mail causing the internet to be a source of private information. The British Government has increased the police’s powers to detect crime on the internet allowing access to private information. Critics fear that security forces such as police, customs and secret services will invade the privacy of British citizens. Access to e-mail and mobile phone information for authorities also brings up the issue that personal information will be collected and monitored even if it isn’t criminal activity.
This then raises the question that is our privacy being breached by the government?. Since the September 11th security has become more of a priority then privacy giving a reasons for governments to introduce new laws making Human rights Acts less enforcing. I personally, believe that the government are not invading our privacy but will find a reason to intercept correspondence even without sufficient evidence.
Article 8 of the European convention is the Human Rights Act 1998 - the right to respect for private and family life. Article 8 covers issues such as interception of correspondence (telephone, letter, e-mail), search warrants (at home or work), access to information about a person’s own identity and many others. However, In the UK, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIP) Act of 2000 allows a limited group of authorities to demand private information about people's Internet and mobile phone activities from the companies that provide connections.
New technology offers criminals new opportunities as it is estimated that 600 million people have access to the internet therefore access to e-mail causing the internet to be a source of private information. The British Government has increased the police’s powers to detect crime on the internet allowing access to private information. Critics fear that security forces such as police, customs and secret services will invade the privacy of British citizens. Access to e-mail and mobile phone information for authorities also brings up the issue that personal information will be collected and monitored even if it isn’t criminal activity.
This then raises the question that is our privacy being breached by the government?. Since the September 11th security has become more of a priority then privacy giving a reasons for governments to introduce new laws making Human rights Acts less enforcing. I personally, believe that the government are not invading our privacy but will find a reason to intercept correspondence even without sufficient evidence.
Saturday, 6 February 2010
Week 14 - Intellectual Property, Creative Commons & DRM
Are 3D films being introduced to reduce piracy?
A 3D (three dimensional) film is a motional picture that provides the illusion of depth perception. A special motion picture camera is used to record images from two perspectives. 3D films have existed since 1890 but were a niche in the motion picture industry because of the high costs. However, 3-D films were featured heavily in the 1950’s and 1960’s in American cinema. These days 3D films are on a worldwide rise due the development in digital media and the invention of high-definition video standards.
3D films have benefited in the development of technology as it caused a resurgence in the film industry. However, the development in technology since the 1950’s and 60’s has also caused problems for the film industry as private or bootleg copies of films has been introduced because of it. Pirate DVD’s have been on the increase since the invention of camcorders which allow people to record films in theatres secretly. Introducing more 3D films or making a film available in 3D is a way for film companies to try and squash the piracy problem.
Films in 2009 were available to watch in 3D then ever before this coincides with the demand of 3D films together with film companies trying to persuade people to come back to watch films in cinema theatres. Avatar was a film released in December 2009 and was available to watch both in 2D and 3D. Avatar has now become in the highest-grossing film of all time. Personally, I think one the reasons why the film was a big success was because it was available in 3D. Although, 3D costs more then the standard viewing I think its been pushed to new heights because of Avatar and 2010 I think we’ll see a rise in 3D films. 3D may not eliminate piracy completely but I believe a major factor in reducing sales of pirate DVD’s.
A 3D (three dimensional) film is a motional picture that provides the illusion of depth perception. A special motion picture camera is used to record images from two perspectives. 3D films have existed since 1890 but were a niche in the motion picture industry because of the high costs. However, 3-D films were featured heavily in the 1950’s and 1960’s in American cinema. These days 3D films are on a worldwide rise due the development in digital media and the invention of high-definition video standards.
3D films have benefited in the development of technology as it caused a resurgence in the film industry. However, the development in technology since the 1950’s and 60’s has also caused problems for the film industry as private or bootleg copies of films has been introduced because of it. Pirate DVD’s have been on the increase since the invention of camcorders which allow people to record films in theatres secretly. Introducing more 3D films or making a film available in 3D is a way for film companies to try and squash the piracy problem.
Films in 2009 were available to watch in 3D then ever before this coincides with the demand of 3D films together with film companies trying to persuade people to come back to watch films in cinema theatres. Avatar was a film released in December 2009 and was available to watch both in 2D and 3D. Avatar has now become in the highest-grossing film of all time. Personally, I think one the reasons why the film was a big success was because it was available in 3D. Although, 3D costs more then the standard viewing I think its been pushed to new heights because of Avatar and 2010 I think we’ll see a rise in 3D films. 3D may not eliminate piracy completely but I believe a major factor in reducing sales of pirate DVD’s.
Week 13 - Privacy, Surveillance, Everyware & Ubiquitous Computing
Are the new British passports an invasion of privacy?
In 2006 the British government introduced a new biometric passports also know as an e-passports. The new passports physical appearance haven’t changed significantly however, the new biometric passports have had radio-frequency identification tags (RFID) inserted in them. The purpose of the tags is for identification and tracking using radio waves, the chips are also used for products and animals. The RFID tags contain information on the passport owner which can be read and processed. The purpose of the new passports is to improve security particularly with increase in numbers of fake passports. However the new e-passports has sparked much debate on the privacy issue and whether the passports are actually secure.
Privacy activists have, in many countries the passports have been introduced in, stated the lack of information on the what exactly are on the chips is a problem. There also is a issue of the passports being traceable which for some people is an invasion of privacy as the passports are able to transmit radio waves. There is also the issue of e-passports being cloned as the information and the passport numbers on the chips are not encrypted meaning the information can easily be read if in the wrong hands.
Personally, I think the e-passports are not an invasion of privacy rather a form of a security warning to other countries to warn of criminals or any threats. After the events of 9/11 entering another country has become much more restricted and controlled. So I think this is why the e-passports have been introduced to allow borders forces to have more control and knowledge on who is entering the county as the new passports now allow this.
In 2006 the British government introduced a new biometric passports also know as an e-passports. The new passports physical appearance haven’t changed significantly however, the new biometric passports have had radio-frequency identification tags (RFID) inserted in them. The purpose of the tags is for identification and tracking using radio waves, the chips are also used for products and animals. The RFID tags contain information on the passport owner which can be read and processed. The purpose of the new passports is to improve security particularly with increase in numbers of fake passports. However the new e-passports has sparked much debate on the privacy issue and whether the passports are actually secure.
Privacy activists have, in many countries the passports have been introduced in, stated the lack of information on the what exactly are on the chips is a problem. There also is a issue of the passports being traceable which for some people is an invasion of privacy as the passports are able to transmit radio waves. There is also the issue of e-passports being cloned as the information and the passport numbers on the chips are not encrypted meaning the information can easily be read if in the wrong hands.
Personally, I think the e-passports are not an invasion of privacy rather a form of a security warning to other countries to warn of criminals or any threats. After the events of 9/11 entering another country has become much more restricted and controlled. So I think this is why the e-passports have been introduced to allow borders forces to have more control and knowledge on who is entering the county as the new passports now allow this.
Week 12 - Videogame Studies
Why have balanced games been on the increase in the past couple of years?
Balanced games are usually novelty control interfaces such as a light gun, the Wii remote and a Nun-chuck etc. The advantages of balanced games are that it can improve immersion through ‘realistic’ control method. Also its very easy to understand because unlike unbalanced games there are no hidden moves and everyone can follow what’s going on with balanced games, a good example a balanced console is the Nintendo Wii. Since the release date on September 16th 2006 the Nintendo Wii’s monthly sales have been higher then its competitors. According to the NPD group the Wii sold more units in the United States than the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 combined in the first half of 2007. These statistics clearly show the Wii is the leading games console at the moment but why is this the case?
The Wii is the most developed recognised balanced console out at the moment which in itself makes it unique. I personally think this is the main reason why it has become so successful because its competitors such as Xbox, ps3 fall under the unbalanced category. Unbalanced console are usually targeted to a specific consumer. This usually means people who aren’t gamers will most likely not be interested in unbalanced games as there are too many rules and restrictions.
The Nintendo Wii on the other hand, is much more free, simpler and easy to use. Features such as the Wii lightgun, wheel and the balance board brings a completely different experience even for people who are not gamers. Games such as ‘Wii Fit’ have been very successful as people can now play games and exercise at the same time, something you can’t do with unbalanced games. The freedom and the simplicity of playing a Nintendo Wii together with the ability to exercise whilst being in your living room for me is the reason why the Wii has been successful over the past couple of years.
Balanced games are usually novelty control interfaces such as a light gun, the Wii remote and a Nun-chuck etc. The advantages of balanced games are that it can improve immersion through ‘realistic’ control method. Also its very easy to understand because unlike unbalanced games there are no hidden moves and everyone can follow what’s going on with balanced games, a good example a balanced console is the Nintendo Wii. Since the release date on September 16th 2006 the Nintendo Wii’s monthly sales have been higher then its competitors. According to the NPD group the Wii sold more units in the United States than the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 combined in the first half of 2007. These statistics clearly show the Wii is the leading games console at the moment but why is this the case?
The Wii is the most developed recognised balanced console out at the moment which in itself makes it unique. I personally think this is the main reason why it has become so successful because its competitors such as Xbox, ps3 fall under the unbalanced category. Unbalanced console are usually targeted to a specific consumer. This usually means people who aren’t gamers will most likely not be interested in unbalanced games as there are too many rules and restrictions.
The Nintendo Wii on the other hand, is much more free, simpler and easy to use. Features such as the Wii lightgun, wheel and the balance board brings a completely different experience even for people who are not gamers. Games such as ‘Wii Fit’ have been very successful as people can now play games and exercise at the same time, something you can’t do with unbalanced games. The freedom and the simplicity of playing a Nintendo Wii together with the ability to exercise whilst being in your living room for me is the reason why the Wii has been successful over the past couple of years.
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Week 11 - The Aesthetics of Digital literature
Will books be overtaken by computers?
Books vs. computers has been a topic of much debate. The introduction of the computer was said to eventually take over the book as a computer would also have the information that could be found in a book however, this has been far from the case. Books have been around since western Roman Empire in the 6th century. Books have been an integral source of research and information. The format of a book makes it very easy to use as there are pages numbers which means you can keep track of where you are in the book.
However, since computers have also been a source of information, in recent times especially since the introduction of the Internet, it has brought the idea that they will overtake books. An example were books can be found and read on the Internet is ‘Google books’. This saves a lot of time as the book is available to read on the Internet which is very easy to find instead of searching for the publication in a library.
Nevertheless, books have survived the development in technology and are still being used even with the computer and Internet. One of the main reasons being the aesthetics of the book. With a book you can follow your progress with page numbers which you can't do when reading off a computer. Also the simplicity of turning a page over to the next one which is something you also can't do when reading off a computer. Personally, I believe books will continue to remain integral for many years to come as information and research found from them is said to be more reliable and trustworthy.
Books vs. computers has been a topic of much debate. The introduction of the computer was said to eventually take over the book as a computer would also have the information that could be found in a book however, this has been far from the case. Books have been around since western Roman Empire in the 6th century. Books have been an integral source of research and information. The format of a book makes it very easy to use as there are pages numbers which means you can keep track of where you are in the book.
However, since computers have also been a source of information, in recent times especially since the introduction of the Internet, it has brought the idea that they will overtake books. An example were books can be found and read on the Internet is ‘Google books’. This saves a lot of time as the book is available to read on the Internet which is very easy to find instead of searching for the publication in a library.
Nevertheless, books have survived the development in technology and are still being used even with the computer and Internet. One of the main reasons being the aesthetics of the book. With a book you can follow your progress with page numbers which you can't do when reading off a computer. Also the simplicity of turning a page over to the next one which is something you also can't do when reading off a computer. Personally, I believe books will continue to remain integral for many years to come as information and research found from them is said to be more reliable and trustworthy.
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Week 10 - Web2.0
Why are there privacy issues on web2.0?
‘Web2.0 refers to what was perceived as a second generation of web development and web design’. As web2.0 is bringing an increase of peer to peer interaction sites like Youtube, Wikipedia, Myspace and Facebook have become incredibly popular, these sites are also known as ‘cool sites’. As more people have joined Facebook especially, this has brought the issue of privacy. Facebook have pushed for changes that will ‘set a new standard in user control’, another goal is clearly getting users to share more information publicity. The purpose of this is to make searches with Google and Bing more valuable. This means far less privacy for Facebook account users most not knowing how public their accounts have become.
‘Web2.0 refers to what was perceived as a second generation of web development and web design’. As web2.0 is bringing an increase of peer to peer interaction sites like Youtube, Wikipedia, Myspace and Facebook have become incredibly popular, these sites are also known as ‘cool sites’. As more people have joined Facebook especially, this has brought the issue of privacy. Facebook have pushed for changes that will ‘set a new standard in user control’, another goal is clearly getting users to share more information publicity. The purpose of this is to make searches with Google and Bing more valuable. This means far less privacy for Facebook account users most not knowing how public their accounts have become.
Week 9 - Virtuality, Immersion, simulacra and Avatars
Will the human life become represented as an ‘avatar’ in the distant future?
Avatar is a Hindu term meaning divinity into flesh, in English it translates as ‘incarnation’. In the 21st century avatars are described as virtual characters which people create in order to represent themselves. The avatars they create is to the creators discretion e.g. tall, short, fat or skinny, this however brings up the issue of deception. As the internet has allowed more interaction then ever before it has caused the creation of virtual worlds. Virtual worlds are where people are able to socialise over the internet but are represented as an avatar. Virtual words can be social sites, learning centres such as universities and gaming worlds e.g. ‘World of Warcraft’ and ‘the Sims’.
The creation of avatars in order to socialise with other avatars have proven to be very popular. One of the possible reasons for this is that people may perceive themselves in a different way mostly in a better way, examples being a man creating an avatar which may be slim instead of being fat. As people’s appearance are not accurate this rises the issue of deception, which then leads to problems such as paedophilia.
Avatars are now very much seen as the future as recently a film called ‘avatar’ was released showing a man who was unable to walk as a human but as an avatar was strong, fit and healthy. The man was then able to explore a foreign world as the avatar, which he wouldn’t of been able to do as a human. I personally think that humans will stay as humans. However they may represent themselves as avatars if their human form is hindering them.
Avatar is a Hindu term meaning divinity into flesh, in English it translates as ‘incarnation’. In the 21st century avatars are described as virtual characters which people create in order to represent themselves. The avatars they create is to the creators discretion e.g. tall, short, fat or skinny, this however brings up the issue of deception. As the internet has allowed more interaction then ever before it has caused the creation of virtual worlds. Virtual worlds are where people are able to socialise over the internet but are represented as an avatar. Virtual words can be social sites, learning centres such as universities and gaming worlds e.g. ‘World of Warcraft’ and ‘the Sims’.
The creation of avatars in order to socialise with other avatars have proven to be very popular. One of the possible reasons for this is that people may perceive themselves in a different way mostly in a better way, examples being a man creating an avatar which may be slim instead of being fat. As people’s appearance are not accurate this rises the issue of deception, which then leads to problems such as paedophilia.
Avatars are now very much seen as the future as recently a film called ‘avatar’ was released showing a man who was unable to walk as a human but as an avatar was strong, fit and healthy. The man was then able to explore a foreign world as the avatar, which he wouldn’t of been able to do as a human. I personally think that humans will stay as humans. However they may represent themselves as avatars if their human form is hindering them.
Week 8 - Issues of Identity & intelligence: Robots & AI
Do you think there is any Sci-fi that can come true?
The word ‘sci-fi’ comes from the word science fiction, which is a genre of a fiction or a fantasy. Science fiction usually involves technology that contradicts the laws of nature or stories that involves the discovery of a scientific break through such as time travel or new technology. Classic examples of these are aliens, robots or cyborgs, which featured heavily in the ‘Terminator’ film series. The setting of a sci-fi is usually in the future, in alternative timelines or space.
In terms of sci-fi ever coming true its quite hard to make a prediction, as most of the storylines are fiction, which means it, isn’t true. However, some writers could just be predicting of how technology will develop in the future. Cyborgs may be an example of this and how one-day machines can be made to be almost human like.
A film, which presented this idea, was ‘A.I’ or artificial intelligence. The involved robots created to replace humans, as there was an ecological disaster. The film was set in the future and showed robots, mechas, which were advanced human robots capable of emulating thoughts and emotions of a human. This idea of robots having the same characteristics as human maybe what the writers predict that one day technology will become so advanced robots will be made to replace humans.
Personally, I am undecided whether ‘sci-fi’ will ever come true because as sci-fi stories are being written there is an element of imagery and fantasy created. This for me casts doubt on whether ‘sci-fi’ such as time travel or alien invasions may ever be possible as its fiction. However, films involving asteroids destroying the earth may come true one day.
The word ‘sci-fi’ comes from the word science fiction, which is a genre of a fiction or a fantasy. Science fiction usually involves technology that contradicts the laws of nature or stories that involves the discovery of a scientific break through such as time travel or new technology. Classic examples of these are aliens, robots or cyborgs, which featured heavily in the ‘Terminator’ film series. The setting of a sci-fi is usually in the future, in alternative timelines or space.
In terms of sci-fi ever coming true its quite hard to make a prediction, as most of the storylines are fiction, which means it, isn’t true. However, some writers could just be predicting of how technology will develop in the future. Cyborgs may be an example of this and how one-day machines can be made to be almost human like.
A film, which presented this idea, was ‘A.I’ or artificial intelligence. The involved robots created to replace humans, as there was an ecological disaster. The film was set in the future and showed robots, mechas, which were advanced human robots capable of emulating thoughts and emotions of a human. This idea of robots having the same characteristics as human maybe what the writers predict that one day technology will become so advanced robots will be made to replace humans.
Personally, I am undecided whether ‘sci-fi’ will ever come true because as sci-fi stories are being written there is an element of imagery and fantasy created. This for me casts doubt on whether ‘sci-fi’ such as time travel or alien invasions may ever be possible as its fiction. However, films involving asteroids destroying the earth may come true one day.
Monday, 30 November 2009
Week 7 - Issues of the body
What are the concerns with an artificial heart?
An artificial heart is a extra pumping chamber which helps to pump blood around the body for people who have failing hearts. Artificial hearts are used only on a temporary basis for those waiting for donor hearts or recovering from heart damage. An artificial heart is made up of metal and plastic and is powered by electricity which is connected by a thin cable to a control console that is worn outside of the body. The control console is used to regulate the functioning of the pump, it can be worn by a person either by a belt or a vest.
There are a few problems with artificial pumps the biggest being the risk of infection, which is high as the cable is needed to connect to the control console. There is also the problem of bleeding as pills must be taken in order to reduce the risk of blood clots causing blood clots to form more slowly. I think artificial devices are not practical for the human body as there is a risk of infection as naturally the body rejects foreign objects as its is not use to them, which could be fatal. However, I think this drawback will be a small price to pay as I think the artificial heart is vital as life expectancy will rise in the future for the human race and will continue to increase if more devices such as the artificial heart are invented.
An artificial heart is a extra pumping chamber which helps to pump blood around the body for people who have failing hearts. Artificial hearts are used only on a temporary basis for those waiting for donor hearts or recovering from heart damage. An artificial heart is made up of metal and plastic and is powered by electricity which is connected by a thin cable to a control console that is worn outside of the body. The control console is used to regulate the functioning of the pump, it can be worn by a person either by a belt or a vest.
There are a few problems with artificial pumps the biggest being the risk of infection, which is high as the cable is needed to connect to the control console. There is also the problem of bleeding as pills must be taken in order to reduce the risk of blood clots causing blood clots to form more slowly. I think artificial devices are not practical for the human body as there is a risk of infection as naturally the body rejects foreign objects as its is not use to them, which could be fatal. However, I think this drawback will be a small price to pay as I think the artificial heart is vital as life expectancy will rise in the future for the human race and will continue to increase if more devices such as the artificial heart are invented.
Sunday, 22 November 2009
Week 6 - The birth and death of Cyberspace
How large is Google’s monopoly and how does it relate to Jari Peltola’s theory?
Google was founded in 1996, has become the overwhelming dominant force on the internet. It conducts 85% of searches and nets half of the UK‘s £2.8bn online advertising. Ten years later Google become available for people to use on their phones which launched ‘Google mobile.’ Google’s search engine is undisputed with its nearest rivals with Yahoo just having 10% to of searches in the UK.
Jari Peltola believed that one of the features of cyberspace is that its made of information, offering great power to those who can manipulate information. As Google have an 85% stake in the UK’s searches it gives them great power as they are receiving a lot of information. Many people search personal topics in Google’s engines giving Google an enormous amount information on people’s lives. This therefore gives Google them the option to manipulate information which they receive through the search engines. By taking the information from searches they can see what websites people go on by tracking a person’s I.P address of someone searches information through a Google search engine . By an individual using Google’s search engines they have the ability to tell what may be happening in the person’s life.
Google’s enormous monopoly relates to Peltora’s theory as they have the ability to manipulate information given to them through people’s searches which they can then use to view their personal information.
Google was founded in 1996, has become the overwhelming dominant force on the internet. It conducts 85% of searches and nets half of the UK‘s £2.8bn online advertising. Ten years later Google become available for people to use on their phones which launched ‘Google mobile.’ Google’s search engine is undisputed with its nearest rivals with Yahoo just having 10% to of searches in the UK.
Jari Peltola believed that one of the features of cyberspace is that its made of information, offering great power to those who can manipulate information. As Google have an 85% stake in the UK’s searches it gives them great power as they are receiving a lot of information. Many people search personal topics in Google’s engines giving Google an enormous amount information on people’s lives. This therefore gives Google them the option to manipulate information which they receive through the search engines. By taking the information from searches they can see what websites people go on by tracking a person’s I.P address of someone searches information through a Google search engine . By an individual using Google’s search engines they have the ability to tell what may be happening in the person’s life.
Google’s enormous monopoly relates to Peltora’s theory as they have the ability to manipulate information given to them through people’s searches which they can then use to view their personal information.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Week 5 - Issues of Interface
Why has user interface become easier to use?
User interface is a means by which people interact with a particular machine, device or computer. User interface has developed and become a lot easier to use in the past 15 years. Punch tape, command lines and Ivan Sutherland’s sketchpad seem almost caveman like compared to what’s available now such as touch screen computers. Other key features were the introduction of the keyboard and mouse making usability easier.
Small features such as being able to tilt computer screens and adjusting chairs for comfort, has allowed tasks to be completed much quicker and more efficiently. This has become important as computer related work has increased more than ever before. Products like mouse’s, keyboards, computer desks and chairs are used for a extended period of time so its important they become more ‘human friendly’.
The more ‘human friendly’ products become the more goals can be achieved allowing the interaction between human and computers more effective making it more enjoyable for people. Making interfaces more interesting has also become more important such as colours on a website or the format of it. This has lead to websites having a generic format that they stick to in order to make it seem interesting. Personally, I think that user interface has become easier to use as there has been more of an emphasis to use them for longer periods of time thus causing simplicity to keep on developing both with software and hardware.
User interface is a means by which people interact with a particular machine, device or computer. User interface has developed and become a lot easier to use in the past 15 years. Punch tape, command lines and Ivan Sutherland’s sketchpad seem almost caveman like compared to what’s available now such as touch screen computers. Other key features were the introduction of the keyboard and mouse making usability easier.
Small features such as being able to tilt computer screens and adjusting chairs for comfort, has allowed tasks to be completed much quicker and more efficiently. This has become important as computer related work has increased more than ever before. Products like mouse’s, keyboards, computer desks and chairs are used for a extended period of time so its important they become more ‘human friendly’.
The more ‘human friendly’ products become the more goals can be achieved allowing the interaction between human and computers more effective making it more enjoyable for people. Making interfaces more interesting has also become more important such as colours on a website or the format of it. This has lead to websites having a generic format that they stick to in order to make it seem interesting. Personally, I think that user interface has become easier to use as there has been more of an emphasis to use them for longer periods of time thus causing simplicity to keep on developing both with software and hardware.
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