Wednesday, June 12th 2013
Wednesday, June 12th 2013
The world of the Internet has always been in a state of flux, with few things remaining constant. A few years ago there was much talk about the concept of Web 2.0: this was not a literal upgrade, but rather the result of natural progress in various areas. The term covered developments such as social media and user-generated websites such as YouTube; if Web 1.0 was a stiff construction dominated primarily by the people who created the web pages, Web 2.0 signified something altogether more fluid.
Inevitably, then, once Web 2.0 settled in and became familiar, many people started to discuss what Web 3.0 would have to offer. So, what exactly is Web 3.0?
At this early stage, that will depend in large part upon who you ask, as there are currently several different definitions which do not always overlap. To some people, Web 3.0 signifies the pendulum swinging away from content generated by the masses and towards a more authoritarian structure, with experts and officially-sanctioned commentators gaining prominence – an idea which obviously has its down sides as well as its up sides. Others see it as an era in which there will be a greater amount of automation within software: machines will create at least as much online content as actual people.
Out of all the possible forms which Web 3.0 has been mooted to take, perhaps the easiest for most people to grasp will be the notion of a truly cross-media Web. For decades, we have been watching videos and listening to music on our computers; with Web 3.0, according to this theory, the process will be completed and the Web, television, music and any other forms of media will blend together. This sounds rather drastic, but in practice it is likely that we will see this process gradually begin, even if it never reaches its proposed conclusion. Increasing amounts of people will begin to watch television on their computers, and more and more television sets will be compatible with the Web.
In short, nobody knows for certain what the future of the Internet holds for us. All we can say for sure is that the Web as we currently know it will not last forever: it is a concept which has shifted in tides, and a new tide is due to come in any minute now.
Wednesday, June 12th 2013
Due to the fact that our lives are increasingly revolving around portable devices that provide us with the latest digital technology, we are now able to access untold amounts of information on-the-go and at speeds previously thought impossible. Thus, we are currently experiencing a revolution in the way with which we store, send and communicate information across the globe. Two such inventions that have taken this market by storm are the mobile tablet and the e-reader. Due to the impact that these devices have had upon our lives, it proves wise to have a brief look at both and the benefits that each provides.
Mobile Tablets
Also known as a tablet computer, mobile tablets give the user the ability to interface with various programs and software previously available only on desktops or laptops. These one-piece systems provide a durability and functionality that was previously unattainable. The use of a simple touch screen and a drop-down keyboard ensures streamlined methods to input data and the tablet uses familiar operating systems, thus there is little time involved in the transition from a laptop to a tablet. Videos can be watched, text can be entered and one can navigate the internet at speeds comparable to that of a traditional computer. Tablets are notably larger than smartphones; seven inches or more is their average size. Mobile tablets can also be connected to other systems with the use of a simple USB cord. As tablets have a robust memory capacity and boast a comparably high screen resolution, they are becoming exceedingly popular with the younger, more tech-savvy generation.
E-Readers
As opposed to the more flexible use of a mobile tablet, e-readers are primarily designed around uploading and reading textual documents. The need for these systems stems from the fact that previous portable systems such as the laptop were rather unwieldy while smartphones were not large enough to comfortably read text. Therefore, the e-reader attempted to bridge these gaps. Although similar in physical design to a tablet, the e-reader utilises a technology that reduces optical glare and allows text to appear much as it would in the real world. E-readers can be used in a variety of lighting conditions and they place much less strain upon the eyes than a LCD display. Their battery life is also much longer when compared to a tablet. Materials can be downloaded with the use of a wireless connection or a memory card. E-readers prove themselves popular with the older generation.
So, we can see that these two devices enhance our ability to access and store information while out and about. As more models and designs of tablets and e-readers enter into the marketplace, it is only expected that the popularity of these cutting-edge devices will continue to increase.
Tuesday, June 11th 2013
Although perhaps thought of as mere fiction a few years ago, the new technological leap forward known as Google Glass has taken the world of mobile interfacing by storm. While many may have heard of this product, the public is still largely unaware of what capabilities that this innovation can provide. Due to the fact that these devices will soon make their way into the public domain, let us briefly review some of their key aspects.
Google Glass Defined
This product is seen as the next step forward beyond tablets, smartphones and other portable computing devices. Google Glass will place information literally in front of the user’s eyes using a specially designed pair of glasses providing a “heads-up display” that can allow them to interface with data and resources much as they would have on a traditional computing platform. The resolution is reported to be high and there are already plans to integrate these devices onto traditional designer eyewear.
Functionality
Besides the rather apparent benefits of taking pictures or watching videos, Google Glass is reported to support a host of other functions. Video conferencing, translation, direction finding, real-time updates such as travel conditions or flight delays and even facial recognition software to help find a friend in a crowd are all said to be within reason. Some of this software will obviously require a GPS connection and Google offers an app that will allow the glasses and an Android phone to work in tandem. It is obvious that third parties are also quite interested in the possibilities for this device, so it should be expected that as Glass enters into public use, the list of functions will continue to increase.
Specifications
The display boasts a respectable 640 x 360 pixel range and the glasses are equipped with a five megapixel camera. Batteries can last for approximately one day and twelve gigabytes of memory will be available for active data storage. Bluetooth and WiFi will be built into the glasses themselves. The frames are said to be both lightweight and robust while the glass will obviously resist breakage. The sound will actually be conducted through the bones of the skull to the ears, thus requiring no earphone.
Cost
The model that is currently being selectively marketed is known as the Google Glass Explorer currently costs approximately £985, but as the year progresses this price is expected to slightly drop. While versions designed for consumer use will be by no means considered “cheap”, the popularity of Google Glass may cause the price to decrease further.
So, it appears that Google Glass may represent the next great leap forward in mobile computing technology. It will be quite interesting to follow this innovative and unique device as it enters into the mainstream population.
Tuesday, June 11th 2013
It’s been predicted that 2013 is the year in which mobile phones will overtake PCs as the most common way for people to access the web worldwide – and so far, we seem to be right on track for that to be true. It’s now more common, globally, for people to have access to the internet via a smartphone than it is for people to have access to clean water and adequate sanitation, and it seems obvious that mobile devices are here to stay. So what are the current trends, and which direction do we seem to be moving in?
Operating Systems
Android has now overtaken its competitors as the most popular smartphone OS, currently holding an astonishing 75% of the market share. iOS accounts for a further 17.3%, leaving only 3.2% for Windows and 2.9% for the Blackberry OS. The remaining 1.6% is split between a variety of very small mobile OSs, with Linux being probably the most common of them. These statistics are susceptible to fluctuations quarter by quarter, but it does seem that Google have Apple pretty squarely beat in the smartphone market. In the first quarter of 2013 they also took this crown from Apple in terms of tablet OS use, now holding 56.5% of the tablet OS market share. This domination seems set to continue.
Carriers
Global carrier market shares are of course slightly unreliable, as carriers vary between countries. In the USA, however, Verizon is the clear winner – with a market share of 37.2%. Their main competitor is AT&T, who holds 27.9% of the remaining market. Sprint hold 12.3%, and T-Mobile’s share seems to be in decline – in the first quarter of 2013 it was at just 9.5%. The remaining 13.1% is split between a large number of much smaller and less well known carrier companies.
Over in the UK, meanwhile, the new network EE – which is actually a merger of Orange and T-Mobile, previously the two most successful network providers – holds 37% of the market share. O2 are at 28%, Vodafone at 23%, Virgin at 6.2% and while Three hold only 5.8% of the market, they’re also the fastest-growing network of them all.
Manufacturers
As the Android share is split, Apple are still in the lead here – they manufacture 39% of all smartphone devices sold worldwide. Their main competitor in this field is Samsung, who hold 21.7% of the market share; HTC have 9%, Motorola 8.5% and LG 6.8%. Small and lesser-known manufacturers account for the remaining 15%.
Tuesday, June 11th 2013
The tablet has been around for a good few years. Few people may be aware of this, but Microsoft brought out a tablet in 2002. While there was very little interest in the device back then, Apple’s iPad soon sparked enough interest for it to become a viable option for many people. The tablet has a number of distinct advantages over laptops. If you are interested in getting one of these devices then have a look at the advantages. This will help you to determine whether or not it is a good investment for you to make.
Portability
One of the main reasons a lot of people like the tablet is that it is a portable device. Due to its size, you can easily fit it in your backpack or even in a shoulder bag. This means that you can literally bring your work with you. Portable tablets are versatile as well. You can hook it up to your own computer at home and continue your work there. A lot of people who use the tablet are going to attach a keyboard to it. This means that you can use it just as you would a normal laptop computer.
Apps and More
The touch screen capabilities of your tablet are going to make it an incredibly versatile choice. You will be able to type and use the touch screen to navigate the interface. With a wide range of different apps to choose from, you can use your tablet for so much more. GPS will enable you to find out where you are going. Other apps will mean that you can check your bank statement and hook up to wireless Internet wherever you happen to be. For anyone who is busy and constantly on the go, this is going to be an invaluable piece of technology.
Entertainment is also possible with the table. You can hook it up to a set of earphones and listen to music as well as watch videos and more.
Memory
Depending on the age of the tablet and the model there is a wide range of different memory options. When you decide to go shopping for a tablet always make sure to ask about the memory capacity. On top of this, make sure that you find external hard drives that will enable you to save important information.
Overall a tablet offers a versatile and portable method of computing. Most people are going to have both in their homes. The tablet can then be used for when you are heading out for a long period of time. The tablet is truly paving the way for portable and versatile technology.