Anticipated New Release Microsoft Surface

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/index.html

What is Microsoft Surface? Microsoft Surface™, the first commercially available surface computer from Microsoft Corp., turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, interactive surface. The product provides effortless interaction with digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects. Surface is a 30-inch display in a table-like form factor that's easy for individuals or small groups to interact with in a way that feels familiar, just like in the real world. In essence, it's a surface that comes to life for exploring, learning, sharing, creating, buying and much more. Soon to be available in restaurants, hotels, retail establishments and public entertainment venues, this experience will transform the way people shop, dine, entertain and live.
How does Surface work?At a high level, Surface uses cameras to sense objects, hand gestures and touch. This user input is then processed and the result is displayed on the surface using rear projection.

What are the key attributes of surface computing for Audeinces?

Surface computing has four key attributes:

• Direct interaction. Users can actually "grab" digital information with their hands and interact with content by touch and gesture, without the use of a mouse or keyboard.

• Multi-touch contact. Surface computing recognizes many points of contact simultaneously, not just from one finger, as with a typical touch screen, but up to dozens and dozens of items at once. Use by more than one person. Group social activity.

• Multi-user experience. The horizontal form factor makes it easy for several people to gather around surface computers together, providing a collaborative, face-to-face computing experience. - differs from current distant individual experience offered by computing.

• Object recognition. Users can place physical objects on the surface to trigger different types of digital responses, including the transfer of digital content.How does Surface benefit consumers?Surface breaks down the traditional barriers between people and technology, providing effortless interaction with digital content. Similar to the way ATMs changed how people got money from the bank, Microsoft is changing the way people will interact with all kinds of everyday content, including photos, music, a virtual concierge and games. Common, everyday tasks become entertaining, enjoyable and engaging, alone or face-to-face with family, friends or co-workers.

Free Choice OLED TV

V-Log Numa Numa

This is a youtube video by the man who has become known as the Numa Numa guy.

It is a video of him lip syncing to a romanian pop hit. It has been captured using a simple webcam, and microphone.

The user uploaded the video as it is an outlet for his creativity, and comedy. It has had over 12 and a half million views, one of the most popular videos on the internet ever.

The video has provided light entertainment for millions. It is a good example of how new media technologies are allowing for democratisation. As anyone can upload to youtube, and almost any content ( with some restrictions ). It is unregulated media in most senses as there are no real criteria for a video, it can be on anything.

It also shows personlisation.

As this is user or audinece generated media there are no real institutions involved, apart form the host site youtube.

Converged iPhone

Technology Used
Touch screen, wi-fi internet, mp3 , mp4 , camera.

Significant Technology - because it converges many other portable devices into one. It is replacing laptops, business PDAs, 2g mobile phones, mp3 players. It is revolutionary as it acts as a centre for all the latest technologies.It also has extremely smart factors, allowing it ot recognise when it is landscape or portait and adjust the display subsequently, using an accelorometer

Media Content

iPhone safari browser, google maps, news, games, music, films,

iPod
4 - 8 GB storage. 3.5" widescreen touch screen display.Adds music , video. films. podcasts
ciover flip of albums covers to select song.
same for films with screenshots.

Maps
Full function google maps.Save favourite locations, view buildings, get directions, find restaurants etc...

Phone
Scroll through contacts ( with full address book functions translated into Google maps ) touch screen on one whom you desire to call.Multi call and conference functions. On screen numpad if necessary.Full conversation view of SMS . Messages develop over time.16 main applications. Ability to add third party apps via pc.Camera 2,mp - store photos and email to others.

Updates
Software version updates from Apple to remove any bugs.
Increased precision of the technology comes in the form of iPhone now maps your place within a few metres if signals are clear.
Traffic updates- roads colour coded for congestion
rent films via iTunes - valid for a period of time then auto erase.

iPhone internet
Quad band GSM. Full function html browser. View all attachments and enlarge with pinch function.
On contract internet is instantly available anywhere, as long as there is network coverage
Memory of commonly used terminology when typing, auto suggests to save time and add convenience.
widgets - weather, stocks, and even applications for women to track period cycle - personalisation
online iTunes store, available instantly - immediacy.

Audiences
High purchase costs and contract rates of £200 and £35 a month eliminate lower classes from affording this technology. Therefore marketed at middle to upper class.Most portable converged technology released to date. Appeals to career driven males, with disposable incomes. It replaces all of the other portable devices prior used by them a PDA, MP3 player and a phone, and laptop. All available in iPhone. Ease of use....
Higher Status when seen with best gadget. Simplicity yet potential for lots of uses. immediacy with first ever html internet for a phone and also music etc..

Institutions
Symbiotic relationships between main institution Apple, Google, and Starbucks. Mainly with O2 in UK, which has exclusivity of iPhone.
The iPhone converges all media formats previously that were portable. New for apple is phones, and this convergence has bought them a chance to gain a market share in this industry.

Key Concepts

convergence, immediacy, personalisation, portability, miniaturisation, vertical integration and horizontal networking.

Personalisation
Can change interface fonts, backgrounds, call settings, bookmark sites, maps. Enhance specific features user users most to their needs.MiniaturisationDoes what larger devices do plays films, music etc no need for DVD players, CD players etc.

Vertical Integration

The iPhone offers synergy within apple , access and use iTunes where you download updates. uses Mac safari browser. Increases apple success and control over the technology plus loyalty to the institution as people use Apple more in their daily life.

Horizontal Networking

iPhone allow file Youtube lets you email friends with links of clips, send photos etc.Can open MS word excel files etc. form email attachments.

Msn Messenger

http://get.live.com/messenger/overview

Information and Technology Used

Windows Live Messenger is a software based on communicating via the internet.
Due to its ease of compatibility it has enabled millions of people across the world to communicate with each other instantaneously, and for free.
Those of all ages can use Messenger, and it is used by a vast age group, internationally with people keeping in contact overseas.

The technology is essentially replacing hand written letters, emails ( or offering an alternative) and phone calls. It uses voice, and video now with webcams, so is like a 3g conversation but free.

It is significant because it not only offers communication but encourages the consumption of many different media.

To use the software, it relies on a PC or Mac, and an internet connection

Media Used

Instant messaging is the main reason of the software.But it uses other media forms / encourages the use of them.

- You can use the product to consume media, such as music and movies
- Communicate with other people by leaving offline messages for them when they sign in
- Download music
- Share and send music and videos and files to people instantly (immediacy)
- Have video conversations and talk with friends using a microphone and webcam
- Produce your own videos using webcam

Institutions
The institution involved is mainly Microsoft who develop, and distribute the software. As well as hosting the converstations.

Provides new ways of reaching audiences for advertisements.

A permanent advert bar, hosting subsections and web-pages, for commercial sites as adverts for casinos and e-shopping. This encourages audience consumption of media sources, inviting them to download songs and to buy new clothes. Source of revenue for MS.

Audience
It lets users instantly communicate with friends, and is now portable, can be used on computer and 3G phones. Although only messages available on phone it is still free.

Windows Live Messenger is a good interactive service for the public which also promotes and distributes various other media forms.

Key Concepts
immediacy - can talk immediately, no need to wait for a letter reply or email

personalisation - can chose who to speak to and when or even where to use it

convergence - use on phones

Lost Fan Website

http://www.lostuk.net/

Technology used

Video clips, photos, podcast, internet.

The site is a fan site for the hit TV series lost. It documents and discusses the episodes and any news related to lost i.e. the cast landing in London to shoot for an episode.
The site is not truly replacing any form of media as before the interntet there was not this platform for niche groups of the same interest to interact. However it is replacing things such as fanzines.

The Media being used - videoclips and photos.

Video Clips - Put up by users linked form sites such as YouTube, for the community. To fire up discussion and interest in unravelling the plot. They are also used to inform others of when the next episode is on etc. They are interesting to the fan site member posting, and therefore will be to the other members of the site, as they share the same interest.

Photos - Uploaded by fans, of them with cast embers outside the world of the show. Stills from filming are previews of what's to come.

Audiences
The site appeals to all ages, any one that watches lost, and is intrigued by the plot and mystery of the island. There is no content age specific .

The site is by fans, for fans. To discuss the programme and consequently form an online community for the show. it is used by fans to catch up on the latest Lost news e.g. when the next episodes air date is. Or read up on interviews or appearances on other TV shows of the actors.

It benefits the audience as they have somewhere to discuss their interests and have a way to communicate with others who express the same interests.

Institutions - none involved as it is fan run.

Key Concepts

Interactivity and Non-linear - audience interact with site choosing video clips and interviews .
Audience consume parts of the show from trailers to interviews on demand ( personalisation). No longer watch interviews aired but access when they want, time shifting.

Horizontal Networking- Information and opinions shared about Lost on the Site. This includes video clips and photos as well as the latest information on plot twists etc.

Narrowcasting- Website is niche. Only covers Lost , so only lost fans visit. But with its content and communal feel ensures loyalty to the fansite.

Lost Podcast

Information

What is it - podcasts are a recorded audio show ( commonly in mp3 format ) usually on a specific subject. In this case the TV show lost.

Podcasts are now replacing radio shows as they can be put onto portable audio devices, and also magazine articles, as rvideo podcasts are now also made in mp4 format, such as Ricky Gervais.

Podcasts are a new form of distributing information through the media utilising new portable converged technologies potential.

Podcasts are convergence – combining the effects of internets and computers with the convenience of iPods. They let viewers keep up to date with the show on the move, as they may now have less time.

Audiences

The target group for the podcast is anyone interested in lost. But probably benefits teenagers more as teenagers are gernerally those that use iPods most.

Audiences use the podcast to gain extra insight into the programme and possible plot twists.

The podacast provides an oppurtunity to produce media on a new platform, providing viewers with extra information and insight, pondeirng to the need for personalisation.

Institutions

Those involved are ABC . Disney and the makers of Lost (Damon Lindelof, Carlton Cuse)

They use podcasts to give viewers a greater insight in to the show, and create show loyalty.

Podcasts are a good example of vertical integration , allowing institutions to market their product on different media platforms. increasing the reach to viewers. It is also a cheap method.

Key Concepts

Convergence - the internet, computers, and mp3 players are all sed with podcasts.

Convenience - the podcast works on any mp3 player which is portable, so can be listened to at any time.

Vertical integration - Lost is marketed now on many platforms, Podcasts being the newest.

Shipwrecked Myspace Blog

Technology involved - Internet, flash, didital video, blog.

Why significant - offers democratisation, and all viewers of the show a chance to have their say, and interact with others, forming a community around the show and institution.

Media Texts & Audiences

Blogs - people on their Friends List can comment on, blog entries referring to a competition for fans. blogs encourage audience involvement and because of this, are more likely to gain customer loyalty – in a sense that people will return to the site again and again as they feel that going on the site is beneficial. Users get their say, democratisation with questions posted to contestants.

Video - unique to this myspace page, and rare on most myspace blogs. The videos encourage people to watch the show more.

News - The profile posts news about the show, and lets viewers keep up to date. Also lets viewers interact with the show contestants letting viewers find out more information about the actual members.

Events - The profile successfully distributes and promotes events. Competiotions for viewers. portray it as welcoming, and trying to target the current audience of teenagers but older as well in 20s.

Institutions - Channel 4 and myspace.

Builds up a shipwrecked community for channel 4 increasing brand loyalty.

Lets myspace charge higher advert rates as the sites receives large amount of internet traffic to the shipwrecked page.

Key Concepts

Democratisation
Interactivity

Radio One - Westwood

The website is a website dedicated to providing extra information regarding radio 1 DJ Westwoods show.

It is replacing - radio stations, magazines, music channels

Significant/ relevant - because it displays the use of the internet to distribute music and radio shows. & The site is explicitly designed to cater for one genre of music and the fans of that genre

Technologies involved are the internet, webcam, video/music player.

Media texts - podcasts, , music ( hip hop/r'n'b), webcam footage, articles, news, Westwood soundboard, tour/guest photos, show tracklistings, message board.

Users are able to stream interviews, and previous shows, with ease and shows the site utilises the demand for immediacy, and also acts as a form of time shift.

Audiences
Target audience - young people, people interested in RnB, Hip Hop and Urban music.

It lets audiences access music, podcasts of radio shows, news about upcoming artists, webcam of the studio, entering competitions for prizes (e.g. music gig tickets), events, news, forums

Viewers are uses the site to consume the media by downloading music, reading/listening to articles/shows on various different topics, watching the goings on in the westwood studio, viewing guest photos etc.

Audience Benefits - become more involved with the station by being able to see the presenters, contribute on the forum, time shift of shows, more interactive personalised experience, detailed insight in to the DJ ( Link to westwoods biogrpahy)

The Site offers audiences a new way to access information regarding the radio station, new artists or tracks , current hits and easy choice provided to accommodate personal taste.

Institutions
BBC Radio 1 Westwood show.

The station uses the technology available to o create an institutional image for itself as a show which represents all urban and hip hop etc music tastes. It offers news, downloads and extras focussing around the Westwood genre.

Key concepts
Convienience - the media is consumed easily by the clearly defined sections
Convergence - radio, the internet, webcams and music all represented under Westwoods site.
Personalisation - viewed content can be chosen
Democratisation - meesage boards give all users their say.

The Apprentice

http://www.bbc.co.uk/apprentice/

Technology Used
Flash design, picures rotate on banner - previews of next show, and memorable moments.
The internet and streamed video clips of the last programme as well as previews of the next.

Significant because - replacing technologies, TV guide reviews, special in depth follow up shows ( although exists for Apprentice still due to shows popularity in form of The Apprentice You're Fired)

Website provides new service to audience. Unique insight given to show, with content only available on the BBC site. Draws in viewers giving large website hits.

The Media being used
Related websites, video clips, interviews and a blog.

Video Clips - informative and provide extra more interactive informed experience. Draw in current viewers ( loyalty built for the BBC) and give prospective viewers show insight.

Tre's Blog - gives audience informed view other than their own.

Audience - Carreer motivated people. Those young about to enter a carreer or pepole looking to better their current job. Age range form 13- 50.

Site benefits - catch up clips, previews, and exclusive interviews give a detailed experience, more interactive and tailored to the user.

Institutions
BBC - site content gives user unique insight into show, and experience. More information and exclusives make it more of a part of their lifestly. Thus recommend the ahow to friends, increasing BBC brand loyalty and viewing figures.

Key Concepts - interactivity, fragmentation, convergence.

BBC One

1. The Technology

Technology involved - the internet, broadband technology (higher bandwidth - so allows for the media content)

Replacing - teletext services & television guides as all this content is now published on the site, and in more detail. Plus broadband making dial up obsolete.

Significance of the Technology - Internet Technology not used this way before, expanding on television programmes, more detail, more interactivity. Greater detail and bonus content free to viewers. Improved experience. Shows internet can be used as a platform to advertise a product and build a customer fanbase







2. Media Content

The site contains - reviews, articles, clips, trailers, interviews, news, tv listings, full-length programmes.


Video clips and programmes - Video clips make it interactive, and more exciting. They extend the site from just plain text utilising the new faster broadband technologies potential.

The video previews of new dramas such as Miss Austen Regrets , entice viewers into watching a clip. Previews like this encourage them to watch the full on air broadcast increasing viewing figures.

Full programmes on the site allow personalisation. Vieiwing fits around the viewers lifestyle. Allows for instant gratification, no longer must we wait for the air date to see some of the show.


Audiences

The BBC One Homepage has such high hit rates as the channel has content for a diverse audience. Wide age ranges , with wide spanning interests are targeted throung the content, and subsequent subsections.

Therefore wide variety of content for all ages, to technology lovers with videos and preview clips, to technaphoibs with articles

The convergence is responsible for the viewers visiting the site.
previously they would have had to check TV listings in the paper or Tv Guide. Read interviews in magazines, or searched for some one who had recorded a programme they missed. Now it is all done under one site. Modernisation has meant peronalised experiences, instant gratification around ones lifestlye neccesseties.

Institutions

BBC - technology used to gain loyalty to institution, justify license fee etc.
The content lets viewers find programmes of interest and subsequently when they are on, then watch them - higher viewing figures for BBC.

Key Concepts
Interactivity - the inclusion of the audience in the various aspects of BBC

Immediacy - broadband speeds , instant gratification , ease of access and use.

Personalisation - watch what you want when you want.

Time-shift - website is accessible to you whenever you want it , breaks scheduling of tv.

Vertical integration - linked access to other areas of interest news, certain prgrammes, weather etc.

Narrowcasting & Fragmentation - Homepage links to other niche genres. Drama, documentary, and certain programmes where nicher audiences are drawn. It attracts all these audiences togethor and offers them access to their site from the homepage. Fragments the audience to each niche programme or site. so overall high web hits for BBC One page.