OCR AS Media Studies Unit G322: Audiences and Institutions
DJ Hero, Activision
Technological Convergence
The iPhone is a great example of Technological Convergence. Why?
This is another example....why?
So are these.....
What is Technological Convergence? Convergence refers to previously separate technologies such as voice (and telephony features), data (music, apps, games), and video that now share resources and interact with each other, synergistically to create new features and offer more choice from a single device. Today, we are surrounded by a multi-level convergent media world where all modes of communication and information are continually reforming to adapt to the enduring demands of technologies. This covergence is changing the way we create, consume, learn and interact with each other.
Media industries have had to respond to changes in media technology. Media convergence means that today a lot of TV programmes, films and music exist across a range of media and are the products of several industries. Music is available across a huge range of formats; the music industry has converged with other media industries. Examples are: Convergence of game and music industry: Guitar Hero, DJ Hero, soundtrack for X-Box and PS3 games - bands making money from licensing their image and music to games companies. Convergence of TV, internet and music industry: X-Factor, Britain's Got Talent, Susan Boyle, You Tube, Scuzz.tv.
You're the star! Convergence of music and games industry has allowed you to be an avatar of your favourite star
Technological Convergence has altered the way we listen to; access and produce music. It has radically altered our expectations as consumers of music. It has radically altered the music business. Research activity: 1. Review your research into devices that can store and play music phones, games consoles, MP3s etc. 2. What other functions do your devices offer (e.g. watch movies, Internet, Apps etc) 3. Are your devices examples of technological convergence? Give reasons for your answer. 4. How can you listen to music on your devices - can you download, You Tube, live stream/ etc? 5. What web sites offer music for your devices (including live streaming)? 6. Do you have to pay to download music to your devices? If so how much? 7. From the devices you have researched: which would you like to own the most and why?