It was mentioned that one of the Ten Tech Trends was the idea of Convergence.
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“Convergence describes a process rather than an endpoint. More than just technological consolidation, the process of convergence is distinguished by changing consumer flows through the media landscape. It represents a tectonic shift that has altered the relationship between existing technologies, industries, markets, genres and audiences.
This altered relationship privileges 'expressions' over 'impressions'; engaged consumers draw together information across multiple media experiences creating new touchpoints for your brands. Convergence culture calls for a re-negotiation of the expectations of media content producers and advertisers, of media producers and audiences”
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Professor Stephens uses the iPhone to illutrate the possibilties of convergence in libraries.
Quote:
“The iPod on some level changed the world.
The iPhone will as well: user interface, ease of use, pulling together a seamless experience of voice, data, Web. Watch closely.
How does this impact libraries? A thread running through all of these trends is the idea that the general public to some degree has adopted tools and technologies that allow them to interact with media.
This will not stop as prices fall and more folks move to one device for access to information, the collection of data and communication with the world. How will librarians and their services position themselves in this world? Trust me, it won't be by taping a sign on the door of the library!
I'd urge some libraries to get an iPhone and experiment. Use the phone. use it in your library. What do your Web services look like? The catalog? Report out to the rest of us.”
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I agree in principle about the trying to realize the greatness convergence could bring and its potential promises.
However I the wireless carriers in the U.S. are thwarting the promises of convergence.
What do I base my thoughts on?
Take a listen to the podcast or view the transcripts of
Mobile Malcontent: http://www.onthemedia.org/transcripts/2007/03/02/04
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Sample excerpt:
BROOKE GLADSTONE: In the U.S. today there are two hundred million cell phone subscribers. The wireless industry has grown up in the last decade, so it’s a good time to ask, how’s it doing? Columbia law professor Tim Wu says, not so good. Yes, we have service at competitive prices, but we could have so much more.
We don’t, says Wu, because the big wireless carriers, Verizon, Cingular, AT&T, Sprint Nextel and T-Mobile have a stranglehold on product design. In a paper he presented to the Federal Trade Commission, Wu details many of the improvements we could enjoy if the wireless carriers let us.
For example, we could more easily transfer photos or browse the Net, or even keep track of how much we talk. We can’t, because the carriers are engaged in what Wu calls “feature crippling.”
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After listening to the this segment of On the Media, I felt cheated about how US Cellular companies are confining cellular users in the United States and the phone manufacturers to mediocrity.
I felt myself agreeing with points Professor Wu (a Columbia law professor) was making- that we are being short changed by the cellular companies!
Conversely, I felt Chris Guttman McCabe (the vice-president of regulatory affairs for CTIA, The Wireless Association.) was making poor excuses for the wireless industry's business practices.
Well, Mr. McCabe if you or anybody in from the wireless companies is listening then:
"Please, don’t stop progress by giving us mediocrity."
I hope that Convergence does happen. I hope that libraries will get to realize greatness through Convergence.
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