Old media are not being displaced. Rather, their functions and status are shifted by the introduction of new technologies (Jenkins 2006).
Convergence alters the relationship between existing technologies, industries, markets, genres, and audiences (Jenkins 2006).
If we expand Jenkins' idea of media to go beyond the platforms that facilitate cultural interactions, if we go beyond that to any traditional object or appliance that allows a cultural function and think about the way these objects are being integrated with new technologies, we arrive at the subject for my next post. The convergence of cutting edge technologies and traditional home appliances.
It's not hard to apply the idea of convergence, in the purest meaning of the word, to everyday appliances that are evolving to do more than their original function. But applying the idea of convergence in a media sense, moving away from simply entertainment and news is a little harder. Or I thought so until I discovered objects like this:
The iBasket is a conceptual appliance that functions as a laundry basket, washing machine and dryer all in one. How does that relate to convergence culture apart from the obvious? Glad you asked. Once the iBasket has finished it's cycle it informs you via email or text message to your smart phone. It also has WiFi capability, so you can monitor it's progress from your computer.
These added capabilities change our relationship to this appliance and forge a new relationship between 'old' technologies (laundry basket/washing machine) and 'new' technology (smart phones/internet/laptop). Dr Teodor Mitew talked of old technologies dying or 'mutating' in a lecture (Transglobal Entertainment and Media Convergence) given at the University of Wollongong. While he was referring largely to sound content, the same can be said about this appliance (2011). Just as Vinyl mutated to stay current in the era of the CD, so to do other objects. The iBasket is a convergence of three appliances, however it was not conceptualized to keep current with any of the three. This appliance was conceptualized to replace them and with the added draw card of being compatible with the most widely used digital technologies, this 'mutation' of traditional objects alters it's relationship with it's audience and ensures it's advantage over it's lesser digitally capable competition.
That's not to say that everyone will want one. In the words of Jenkins himself: "I didn’t want the electronic equivalent of a Swiss army knife... I just wanted a phone (2006)." Just because objects have the ability to converge and create new consumer-product relationships, doesn't mean those relationships are always welcomed.
Further Readings concerning media convergence specifically:
Nice and quick at just over 3min, in this video Trevor Barr (Professor of Media and Communications at Swinburne University of Technology) discusses media convergence in an Australian context, telstra, Telecom and TV channels online.
Media Convergence Matters: Media Convergence blog discussing Journalism, Social Networks and the Internet. A handy source.
For an Australian context and a more no-nonsense read there is always:
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)'s speech by Graeme Samuel (Chairman) for the Henry Mayer Lecture. Entitled Media Convergence and the Changing Face of Media Regulation it deals with just that, media regulation in Australia. ADSL, Free-to-air TV channels and 3G mobile networks are all discussed.
In short, is the technology making many of our existing concerns about media regulation irrelevant? ...As I've made clear today, it is not the job of the ACCC to decide whether it is better for people to access their news and entertainment through the TV, or ADSL2+ or fibre or wireless or even through the mobile phone. But it is our job to ensure that existing players not be allowed to use their market power to close down new forms of competition, and that, as far as possible, it be left to consumers to decide what form this revolution takes and
what services and content they wish to access.
- Graeme Samuel, Media Convergence and the Changing Face of Media Regulation, 2005.
Blog Sources:
Jenkins, H 2006, 'Introduction: Worship at the Altar of Convergence' in Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide, New York University Press, New York, pp 1- 24
Mitew, T, 2011, Transglobal Entertainment and Media Convergence, Lecture, DIGC202 Global Networks, University of Wollongong, delivered 29 August.
I cannot believe noone has commented on this yet! Great idea of using not just your regular internet example, the iBasket is clearly a result of convergence and technological innovation. Honestly, I think as a product its a bit overboard but it certainly has the wow factor! Having said that, I do often forget about my washing so I'm sure theres a market out there for it! Good job on the other resources too, the post provides a really good idea of the notion of convergence and provides extra information to help us understand.
ReplyDeleteI love how you've used the example of the iBasket! Never even new it existed! and suck a great example of media convergence and how it is make our life so much easier. Kudos!
ReplyDeleteWhat a ridiculously un-necessary invention. haha. i love it. This is media convergence at its best. A washing machine with wi-fi capabilities is close to the dumbest thing ive ever heard of yet people will buy it. Hell, i'd buy it just to laugh at it. I think im going to invent a blender that you can play angry birds on.
ReplyDeleteGreat post
I also loved how you used the iBasket example and explained how it related to convergence. I really want one of those! People would say it's overboard and i'd probably agree although how would that not motivate people to do their washing more often! I definitely agree that it alters your relationship with the appliance. I enjoyed reading this thanks :)
ReplyDeleteLOL @ Angry birds blender (I would like to see that), as for the iBasket, I would probably by it.
ReplyDeleteI usually forget that I have laundry in the washing machine. we have bought a new one recently which makes an annoying sound until you turn it off. I think I would like the iBasket more, and I do think it would make my life easier. I think this is an awesome convergence between an everyday machine and the internet.
I also quite enjoyed this post. I'm now quite taken by the iBasket. :)
Great post I really want an iBasket, it would make my room so much tidier, one basket for everything washing related who'd of thought. I though the convergent nature of it sending you an email when it's finished is a little OTT but I would still definitely buy one if i had the cash...
ReplyDeleteI feel that media convergence is creating a whole entourage of unnecessary inventions, that include functions that are usually harder, if not impractical to use. For instance, Intel has created a surfboard with an in-built laptop and LG has created a microwave with a television screen. I'm not sure about the ethics of creating these often pointless technologies, but I guess if we never experimented we would never evolve! And yeah, I kind of want an iBasket!
ReplyDelete