Embodiment, Restructuring, and Codependency

While explaining his concept of embodiment, Kevin Kelly (2008) mentions, “the web is a black hole that is sucking everything into it”. I agree with this statement because I believe the web is comparable to libraries in recent past and folklore in ancient past.

While explaining the restructuring of the architecture of the web, Kelly (2008) mentions that we are transitioning from the stages of  “linking computers,” to “linking pages,” to “linking data”. I agree with this statement because I believe the web is comparable to the mail system of in recent past and hieroglyphics in ancient past.

While explaining codependency, Kelly (2008) mentions, “our environment will become the web”. I agree with this statement because I believe that the interconnectedness of our current society, (due to computers), is comparable to that of the developed connectedness of ancient societies through the development of language and discovery of mathematics.

References

Kelly, K. (2007, December). Kevin Kelly on the next 5,000 days of the Web [Speech]. Speech delivered at the EG 2007 Conference, Los Angeles. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_kelly_on_the_next_5_000_days_of_the_web.html

Touch-Free Computers

Touch Free Computers Tetrad

Some would say the iPad, (or similar touch screen tablets), are simply bigger smartphones. Others would argue that they are smaller laptops. Although iPads utilize the same operating system as the iPhone, I believe that iPads are closer in relation to, and will ultimately obsolete the laptop computer. This is because iPads are less expensive than computers. They are also more easily accessible.

Many executives need computer access while working away from the office. Many who use computers for fun frequent social networking sites all throughout the day, which also require Internet access. This generation of computer users needs their information on the go. Touch-screen computers, such as the iPad make tis significantly more convenient.

Ultimately, I do believe that touch-screen computers will be reversed by touch-free computers. This technology has already in the process of emerging with technology such as Apple’s Siri. However, I would not consider this technology emerged as of yet. This is because the current technology on the market leaves much to be desired.

Video-conferencing for Business Needs

Photo by: Telepresenceoptions.com

Video-conferencing for Business Needs

A current technology that has recently emerged for the second time is video conferencing. According to Mark Mathias (2013), video conferencing was quite expensive when it initially emerged about 30 years ago. However, our recent advances in technology have made forms of this technology free to anyone with Internet access.

This technology has reshaped my industry because it has changed the way that applicants interview for jobs. For instance, a recent manager in my store was a resident of Michigan; however, when an opportunity became available in Memphis, TN, she was able to interview with our local district managers via video conferencing. In recent years past, those who wanted to interview for opportunities out of state had to either travel on the company’s dime or on their own. Now, the cost of a plane ticket and hotel can be saved due to the investment in teleconferencing.

According to Mathias (2013), problems associated with this technology include poor images and inconsistent sound. However, Mathias touts the new Polycom RPX system, which provided excellent results using “immersive telepresence”. The only thing needed to make this technology better is making high bandwidth speeds more accessible for all whom choose to use the Polycom RPX.

References

Mathias, Mark. (2013, June 12). Living with technology / 'immersive telepresence,’           videoconferencing on steroids. Westport News. Retrieved from http://www.westport-news.com.

Payatagool, Chris. (2010, January 26). The best telepresence solutions of the year 2009;ediotrs choice awards announced by telepresence and videoconferencing insight newsletter. Telepresence Options. Retrieved from www.telepresenceoptions.com.