For class on Thursday, please read the classic statement on Web 2.0 by technology-guru, Tim O'Reilly: "Web 2.0: Design Patterns and Business Models for the Next Generation of Software".
This will provide the theoretical and historical basis of our conversation for the next couple of weeks. Please read this article carefully.
Then, learn about Google's Android:
1. www.android.com
2. The developer site for Android
We'll be joined by Scott Ruston (PhD, Mellon Digital Humanities Postdoctoral Fellow, UCLA) and David Shephard (PhD Candidate, UCLA) to discuss mobile media and the platform.
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I am not at all technologically savvy but the implications of Android and its usefulness seems to be quite enticing. I like the personalization of applications and the maximal utilization of our technological tools. It is much better to use applications that are personally helpful than to have a set of applications with any relevance to your own life. I think the mobile capacities are going to make information even more widely accessible and transform our interactions with one another and with information in general. We will become more efficient and capable human beings by having instant access to information wherever we are. We will be able to navigate our lives with more fluidity because of the ease that applications can bring. Just my perspective, though the underlying mechanisms/technology behind these programs is somewhat foreign to me, I definitely see it as beneficial. [I apologize for my lack of sophistication regarding these matters.]
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ReplyDeleteThe one key concept behind Android that sort of took me by surprise, but then I realized that it all made sense, was the paragraph on the website under "What is Android?" entitled "Breaking down application boundaries". Android has the potential to allow information to be sent back to the internet from your phone, to be used to have more relevant ads and whatnot, but at the same time, this is just Google maintaining control over your life, even if you are not on the computer. I'm actually on Kevin's side around 90 percent of the time regarding privacy and everything that the internet has to offer, the only exception really being the whole making random friends online idea, but this is pretty funny/ creepy at the same time. It says that the phone can even reference your calendar or your contacts to provide a "more relevant user experience". What defines a more "relevant" user experience? To me, having a phone that is relevant to what I want to experience out of it is the idea that it will make calls, text message, and these days, allow me to check email... I know on iPhone applications that try to access information from your phone, there's an alert that pops up, asking if you are willing to send your information to an external server. This requires permission, while I'm not sure, but it doesn't seem as though it is the same case with Android. All of this being said, it is definitely a cool idea, seeing as its supposed to be a platform that works on multiple devices, not something like the iPhone interface, that is clearly specific to Apple's own product.
ReplyDelete...Until Android finds a way to get around Apple's patent on touch-screen technology...I don't think they will be competitive.
ReplyDeleteUnless...months ago there was talk about phones with Android being $0.99 so if we see a $0.99 cent iphone-esque device...that may find a place in the market.
One more thing...Does anyone else feel like Android has done a poor job of marketing? Why do I feel like I know nothing about it? And I'm on the internets...alot.
ReplyDeleteI agree that android should do a better job marketing as I have not heard anything about it either.
ReplyDelete@Kevin
ReplyDeletemaybe I'm not understanding what you mean by 'touchscreen' but the G-1 does have touch.
Also, I did hear about the G-1 when it came out, but perhaps it was merely easy to ignore the articles/blurbs since I remember most mentions about it merely commented on the open source nature and "Google expanding its empire" speculation. And unlike the iPhone, I don't remember seeing any ads for the G-1.
And on that note, to ponder Dr Ruston's question "why is Google going mobile?"...
Going back to the beginning of the class, Google's "10 Things" philosophy, number 5 states: "You don't need to be at your desk to need an answer."
I think Google sees the mobile becoming a vital part of everyday life. This viewpoint probably stems from two things: looking to other parts of the globe where mobile technology is advanced and important (such as in Japan, which is noted for it's mobile phone culture), and the convenience/ potential market value of having information & features in a single portable device.
Considering this, it would probably wise for Google to understand mobile users/ the mobile market to make sure they retain Google product users. Although I doubt American mobile usage would end up like Japan, where it is not uncommon for people to have 2-3 cell phones and no PC at home, if Google does not start getting a mobile market presence now, the usage of their products overall may decline.