Technological convergence facts for kids
Technological convergence is when different technologies, which used to be separate, start to combine and work together. Think about how watches, phones, TVs, and computers were once very different. Now, many of these things are found in one device, like a smartphone! This shows how technology is becoming more connected.
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What is Technological Convergence?
Convergence means that different tools and ideas come together for a shared goal. It helps us find new ways to solve problems and create new things. For example, it can bring together phones, internet, and computers into one smooth network.
Another way to think about it is "digitalization." This means turning information into simple digital signals, like ones and zeros. When things become digital, they can easily combine.
Convergence is a trend where technology, services, and industries start to merge. It's like telecommunications (phones), computing (computers), and broadcasting (TV/radio) all coming together into one digital stream of information.
Cool Acronyms for Converging Fields
Here are some short names for fields that are combining:
- NBIC: Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Information technology, and Cognitive science.
- GNR: Genetics, Nanotechnology, and Robotics.
- GRIN: Genetics, Robotics, Information, and Nano processes.
- GRAIN: Genetics, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Nanotechnology.
- BANG: Bits, Atoms, Neurons, Genes.
How Biology and Tech Combine
Bioconvergence is when biology and engineering work together. This can lead to exciting new things like:
- Materials inspired by nature, used in electronics.
- Storing data in DNA.
- New medical tools, like tiny ways to deliver medicine.
- Creating new body tissues.
Digital World Coming Together
Digital convergence means that different digital tools and media become more alike over time. This creates new chances for companies and even for people who create online content, like vloggers on YouTube.
Think of it this way:
- Devices that used to be separate are now connected by networks and software. This makes them much more powerful.
- Different products are now on the same platform, creating "hybrid" products.
- Companies are mixing different areas, like hardware and software, to make new products.
An example is how the internet, smart TVs, cameras, and apps like YouTube all work together. The internet acts as a central "hub" that connects everything.
Cellphones: More Than Just Calls
Cellphones are a great example of convergence. They are no longer just for talking. They now have internet, video players, music players, games, and cameras. They can even replace other devices.
Some phones can even act like a desktop computer when you connect them to a keyboard, screen, and mouse. This is called mobile/desktop convergence.
Convergence also means that the same app can work on different devices. Developers can write code once and have it run on smartphones, TVs, and computers. This makes it easier to create apps for everyone.
The Internet: A New Media Hub
The internet started as a way to communicate. Now, it's a fast way to get information and services. Old media like TV, radio, and newspapers have all come together online. People can read news and watch shows from all over the world on the internet.
In the 2010s, the internet and regular TV started to combine. This led to Smart TVs. These TVs connect to the internet and have apps. They focus on online videos and streaming, not just traditional TV channels.
Social Movements and the Internet
The internet helps social movements connect and share ideas. Because the internet is open, it allows many different voices to be heard. For example, the Zapatistas in Mexico used the internet to share their message about land rights. This helped them gain support around the world.
However, online support is not enough. Social movements also need people to act in the real world. Social media helps organize, but real-life action is still important.
Media Convergence: Old Meets New
Media technological convergence means that as technology changes, different systems start doing similar jobs. It's about how computing, media content, media companies, and communication networks all link up. This happened because the internet became so popular.
Media convergence is when old and new media mix. It's a process where content flows across many different media platforms. Media companies work together, and audiences look for entertainment everywhere.
There are five types of convergence:
- Technological (devices combining)
- Economic (companies working together)
- Social (how people use media)
- Cultural (how media shapes our culture)
- Global (media reaching worldwide)
Convergence is not just about technology changing. It also changes how industries, cultures, and people interact with information. It's about how we use different media to connect with others and create new experiences.
History of Media Blending
In the past, communication networks were separate. TV and radio were for broadcasting to many people. But now, telecommunications technology lets us combine all kinds of information: voice, data, and video. This means audiences can be more involved, not just passively watching.
The idea of convergence started with mobile phones and the internet. At first, phone companies and mobile companies were separate. But over time, they started offering combined products.
In the 1990s, some people thought new media would completely replace old media. They believed the internet would take over broadcasting. But this wasn't quite true. Instead, new and old media interact in more complex ways.
Today, we live in a world where all kinds of communication are constantly changing. They adapt to new technologies, changing how we create, use, learn, and interact.
Convergence Culture: Fans and Stories
Henry Jenkins describes convergence culture as content flowing across many media platforms. It's also about media companies working together and audiences looking for entertainment everywhere.
Convergence culture is important for transmedia storytelling. This is when a story is told across different media, with each part adding something new. For example, the Matrix story started as a film. But it also became animated shorts, video games, and comic books. Fans even created wikis and discussion forums online. This shows how a story can expand across almost every type of media.
Convergence culture is also part of participatory culture. This means that everyday people can now access their interests on many types of media. They can also have more of a say. Fans and consumers can help create and share new content. Companies sometimes ask for feedback from customers on social media.
Convergence has also changed how we get news. We can get news from radio, TV, newspapers, and the internet. The internet allows more people to report news, giving us many different viewpoints.
Appliances: The "Black Box" Idea
Some people thought we would eventually have one device, a "black box," that could do everything. But this hasn't quite happened.
Here's why:
- People often end up with many devices that do the same thing. For example, you might have a computer and a game console, both with DVD players. This creates clutter, not simplicity.
- Converged devices can sometimes be harder to use than separate devices. For example, a microwave might have a TV, but you probably wouldn't use it as your main TV.
- People use different devices for different situations. You might check email on your phone while traveling, but use a full computer at home.
However, high-end mobile devices do combine many features. They have cameras, music players, GPS, and internet access. These "smartphones" reduce the need to carry many devices. For companies, this means staying competitive.
But there can be downsides. Early converged devices might not work as well as separate ones. For example, a phone's web browser might not show all parts of a webpage. As a device gets more functions, it might become less good at its original purpose.
Robotics: Helping in Many Ways
Robots are being used more and more in medicine. While robots are very common in factories, their use in service jobs is still growing.
Telecommunications: Networks Combining
Telecommunications convergence means that different communication services are moving onto a single network. This means devices like smartphones can make calls and also browse the web using the same connection.
Messaging: All in One Place
Messaging services are combining. You can send text messages that turn into spoken language for landline phones. This is popular in places where mobile and landline numbers are similar.
Companies also combine text messages with instant messaging. This helps businesses connect with customers more easily. Instead of having different numbers for calls and texts, you can use one number for both.
Mobile: Wireless Everywhere
"Mobile service provisions" means you can get mobile phone services and also wirelessly access everything: voice, internet, audio, and video. New technologies allow fast wireless information transfer over long distances.
Multi-play: Bundling Services
"Multi-play" is a term for offering different communication services together.
- Dual play means two services, like high-speed internet and phone service.
- Triple play means three services: voice, video (TV), and data (internet).
- Quadruple play adds wireless mobile service to the triple play.
This means you can get TV, internet, phone, and mobile service from one company. For example, in the UK, Virgin Media offers all four services together.
Home Network: All Connected
In homes, many devices like internet routers, wireless access points, and modems have combined into one box. This makes it easier to connect your computers to the internet. These combined devices are often called "residential gateways."
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See also
In Spanish: Convergencia tecnológica para niños
