convergence.
Technological convergence is the tendency for different technological systems to evolve toward performing similar tasks. Previously separate technologies like voice over the telephone, data through applications, and video now share the same space and interact with each other. As communications expert and author states, convergence is "Each and every story and image playing itself out on the maximum number of media channels."
Convergence consists of two types of shifts.
1. Technological Shift. That is, the shift in technology where one type of content that was once available on only one device now has various forms, and one device gives access to various different types of content.
2. Cultural Sift. That is where one device can result in information sharing; audiences now pull media towards them rather than having it pushed onto them.
These shifts result in the three main parts of convergence culture:
1. Technological Shift. That is, the shift in technology where one type of content that was once available on only one device now has various forms, and one device gives access to various different types of content.
2. Cultural Sift. That is where one device can result in information sharing; audiences now pull media towards them rather than having it pushed onto them.
These shifts result in the three main parts of convergence culture:
- Circulation of media content: because content is broadcast on so many different media planes, more people see it faster than ever before, all around the world.
- Integration of media industries: different media industries are coming together to reproduce their content through different forms of media to gain the maximum amount of use.
- Development of participating audiences-information sharing and collective intelligence combine to gather information and spread it across the globe; each person can share at least one piece of info and when all of those pieces come together, that is when we have successful media convergence.
This video below illustrates some of the facts about convergence and how it is changing and shaping us and our culture everyday.
convergence and the mobile phone.
Now that cell phones are used for much more than calling-almost everything-they have become one of the main examples of convergence. Mobile phones have been called the "electronic equivalent of a Swiss army knife," with all of their features. Even if you walked into a store and asked for a phone that just made calls, you would not be able to get one. They all come with cameras, camcorders, Internet, mp3 players, customizable ring tones, games, and not to mention the thousands of applications available to download that can do just about anything. Customers have demanded phones that embody all of these features and no one wants a phone just for calling anymore. This fact goes to show just how central mobiles have become to the process of media convergence. These commercials below illustrate the extent to which convergence culture can be seen on a 3G smartphone.