The three different platforms I have chosen are mobile phones, digital billboards, and tablet computers. I feel these are all extremely relevant at the moment, especially so soon after Apple announced its new iPad.
These three platforms are all varied in the length of time they have been around, but they are constantly bringing out new technological advancements which enhance the experience of the user and make the different platforms seem newer.
Mobile phones have been around for some time, but it is only recently that the capabilities of them have really become amazing. This is primarily down to touchscreen technology and 3G which allows the user to connect extremely easily with people all around the world. Touchscreen allows the user to have the world literally at their fingertips and gives a more interactive feeling to using a mobile phone, the most notable phone in this category is the iPhone.
Apple has its own dedicated 'App Store' which users can access through iTunes, or directly from their phone and it allows them to instantly get new applications which have different capabilities. Apps can be produced by anyone around the world, and these can then be added onto iTunes and then freely downloaded by anyone, obviously they are checked before they are added to the App Store else it would make it very easy for someone to hack into the system.
Overall the whole touchscreen interactive feel has really taken off and made millions of pounds for various companies around the world. It also has the capability to do some really interesting and experimental things through apps.
I personally feel digital billboards will be something which becomes more and more apparent over time. This is due to different enhancements in the quality of picture available through things like HD, and Blu-Ray. Another thing which I can see big companies taking advantage of is 3d. Last weekend saw several pubs around the UK show live football in 3d, this is the first time anything like that has happened and I feel it will become more and more popular. Companies will be able to bring in exciting and intriguing advertising campaigns which will attract more customers. This once again brings interactivity into the picture as people will feel as if they are within the advert.
Finally I can see more and more tablet computers being created to compete with the launch of Apple's iPad. The iPad is a huge release for the tech world, and although its first model has major flaws, such as no flash player, eventually it will become as popular as laptops. Once again through the touchscreen it adds even more interactivity and people feel as if they are interacting with something real. The iPad also uses the same App Store used by iPhones and this indicates that apps will become more and more popular and the store will continue to grow with thousands of people adding their own content. This could have a negative impact on a web designer and force me to change my practice. If people are doing everything through interactive apps, then it could be the end of the browser.
I think in one years time the major digital platform will be a combination of these three things. Phone technology is so good now people are able to access the internet and connect with people instantly. Also the recent screenings of 3d football games will happen more often and eventually, in a decade or so, everything we watch will be in 3d and allow the user to interact more.
Personally I don't think tablet technology will take off for a few years time as they are not yet able to do the same things a laptop can. However, once people can install programs onto a hand held tablet computer then it will become very popular and lots of people will be using them.
Overall these different technological advancements will mean I will have to be constantly moving forward as a practitioner. I will have to learn skills in lots of different software packages in order to keep up with the latest device.
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