Understanding Digital Device Convergence in Detail
Digital device convergence of digital convergence has a varied set of definitions. Before moving forward in this article, let’s understand what convergence is. The simple meaning of convergence is combining two different things. In computing and technology, convergence is the connecting two or more technologies in a single system. The best example to elaborate convergence is a mobile device made with communication and imaging technology integration. The mobile device we used for calling and taking pictures explains the two different technologies converging on a single machine.
Digital Convergence is the phenomenon of combining different media, information, voice telephony, television, etc., into a single service. One of the best examples of Digital device convergence is surfing the Internet on smart tv, i.e., high-definition TV. Today, digital convergence has become very important for media and journalism. There is no such department present in the media which do not use digital convergence technology. In other words, digital convergence is the merging of industries.
In late 1970, the idea of different modes of communication and data combining to single digital devices came into the picture. The idea was first expressed by Nicholas Negroponte, the technologist, and founder of MIT’s media lab.
Digital device convergence is a set of varied meanings, as it is integrating technologies of telecommunication, computing, broadcasting, Printing, etc. Consequently, the concept of digital convergence is nearly three decades old, and it is related to the digital revolutions.
In general, technological or digital device convergence is integrating two or more technologies to form a new digital device or service. The three closely associated convergence are Technological convergence, Media Convergence, and Network convergence. Let’s understand some essential features of all of them.
There are three essential characteristics of technological convergence. First, technological convergence executes multiple functions to deliver the final product. Second, the converged products can provide information in various formats and use machine learning technologies for a better user experience. The third characteristic of technological convergence is that it is directly connected to the network and interconnected with many devices to provide easy access to users. Moreover, with the help of technological convergence, it is possible to interface the system to the end-user.
Most importantly, the primary function of this convergence is to merge different technologies into a single device. For an instant, a smart television combines available tv, a computer, and many other technologies. On the other hand, all the including technologies have a specific purpose. Smart TVs are used to surf the Internet, view photo-taking from smartphones, etc.
Media convergence is described to show content that we can see from different devices, from multiple formats, multiple access points, etc. With the help of media convergence, analog media become digital. For example, the newspaper. Earlier, the content of the newspaper will only be available in print. But currently, the same content is available in the image and in digital form such as Audio, video, on TV, and social media.
Network convergence is a type of single network that handles multiple media types and distributes them accordingly. This type of convergence comes into the picture when combined with telecommunication and information networks. However, the best example to explain network convergence is when mobile devices with cellular communication are built to access the Internet. Therefore, internet service on a mobile device has become widespread. As a result, many companies process data in audio, video, and information on one network.
Innovations make our lives easier. There are many benefits of digital convergence, including:
- Firstly, Digital convergence is cost-effective and time-saving technology.
- Secondly, it improves human performance
- With this technology, we can watch media on a wide range of devices.
- One set of infrastructure is cheaper to operate.
- Digital convergence encourages new product acceptance.
- It allows new ways to communicate.
- Provide information in digital form.
- In addition, Deliver multiple functions in a single piece of technology.
- Above, Carrying more features in fewer devices like taking pictures, listing music, reading the document, etc.
Below mentioned are some of the examples of digital convergence.
Computers and Entertainment Merge:
The significant convergence happened in computers and in entertainment. CDs and DVDs are replaced with the Internet and home computer for music sources. Smart TV is used for multiple options. This convergence is started when the two crucial companies, such as Microsoft and Apple, introduced Windows media center and iTunes, respectively. But, both are using to organize pictures, music, and videos.
Smartphone:
One of the best examples of digital device convergence is the smartphone. In addition, with Internet and web browsing, music and movies, cameras, etc., incorporated in the smartphone. With GPS and many other software programs, one device has everything with people all the time.
E-books:
The E-book is another critical example of digital device convergence. To clarify, with the help of e-books, we can read novels or different types of books on digital media.
News Websites and Apps:
Digital convergence technology transforms modes of communication. Take an example of new reporting. From the print media, it converted to online, digital media. We can read the news or listen to it on different Internet channels. Further, there is a massive transformation as it led to cross-media due to portable devices. Hence, news media is independent of print.
Conclusion
In conclusion, from this article, we can say that digital device convergence is nothing but the integration of different types of technologies such as telecommunication, computing, Printing, and broadcasting. This concept also revolutionizes media and journalism as it converts to digital nexus. It provides the instant availability of news which is the primary transformation of the media unit. Online radio is available with internet facility which is the excellent convergence in media unit. Digital convergence technology is a broad trend transforming our culture and society.
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