Accessing the Internet with the TV

| Sunday, November 20, 2011
By Eric James


For work and entertainment, the desktop computer continues to be an integral part of our daily lives. But while we make the initial steps into the twenty-first century, many humble household devices are getting transformed into lean, mean, multi-tasking machines of the future.

In recent years technology companies have begun to design HDTVs with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections allowing you to connect to the Internet wit your TV. This offers several kinds of multimedia functionality. Computer hardware manufacturers have been producing high-resolution screens for many years but until recently they have been too pricey for the home and personal market. But as with most technology, production costs lowered and large-screen HDTVs were ready for the home.

are no stranger to this process. People have become used to using multiple devices and gadgets for several different functions. However, manufacturers and designers are increasingly incorporating functions into a single device. Phones used to merely be phones, but now they have access to the Internet, have built-in cameras and may be used to listen to the radio. The Internet has been a key factor in making this possible, pushing the potential of technology further.

Online businesses and companies are eager to take advantage of these new markets. National broadcasters offer streaming through televisions and popular websites such as Twitter can now be accessed through your television. However, services such as social book marking will no doubt be available soon. Imagine being able to save favorites online and access all your bookmarked websites without turning on the computer. Personalization and customization have been integral to the success of the Internet. Imagine being able to design, create and launch a personalized homepage and then access it by a button on the remote control called "personalized home page".

Despite many people welcoming these technological advances, some people dislike the convergence of so many features into one device. Some people prefer to switch off from being constantly connected with the world, whilst others like having specific gadgets for specific functions. Indeed there is an argument that it is better to do one job well rather than many jobs poorly.

Nonetheless, conventional computers arguably offer the best web browsing experience. But you should not underestimate the novelty of new functions: touch screen interfaces and 3D technology are expected to be the next big thing.

The question arises: should designers embrace innovation or tradition? Is this a worrying indication of the encroachment of technology in every part of our lives?




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