Convergence

Technological convergence is the tendency of different technological systems to be evolved towards performing similar tasks. Convergence can be referred to many different previously mentioned separate technologies such as voice, telephone and mobile phone features, data, and video where they share their sources and interact with each other systematically. Like Jenkins mentioned “media convergence is more than simply a technological shift”. It is more of a relationship between the existing technologies to its audiences. Convergence is considered more of a process a flow instead of a conclusion.

In the late 20^th century, due to the evolving and rising of the digital communication, it is possible for media companies and as well as individuals to deliver text, audio and video materials through internet connection provided by the same wired or wireless connections. Also at the same time, this gives some organizations ideas to explore opportunity of multimedia delivery of information. In another word, the digital convergence of news media where we are surrounded by a multi-level convergent media world where all the points of communication and technology are continuously to evolve and reform to the next stage of something more advanced depending on the demands of the technologies from the public and societies. This growing enhancement definitely changes the way we create, consume, learn and interact with one and another. We can identify this as simply being the tip of the iceberg.

According to Jenkins, “black box” is a media where we will eventually believe to access all kind of contents through a single device, the creation to perform all tasks in a single device which suit the consumer’s physical position, such as social status, class and etc. Due to many different tools of portable technology, convergence occurs and ended up in high end mobile phones. They incorporate functions such as multimedia services, GPS, internet access, and mobile telephony in a single portable device, in another term for it, the “smart phone” a device where it is created and designed to remove the need of carrying multiple devices.

Convergence of media occurs when different functions of different products put together because of their unique individual advantages. For example, the PlayStation 3 game console, it is not only a game console, but also a web browser, social networking tool and DVD player. Mobile phones are also another good example where it has been increasingly equipped with digital cameras, mp3players, and video recorders and so on. This type of technological convergence is gaining its popularity and as for the consumers, it is the definition of more media qualities in less space required. However, for media firms, it means non-stop competitions.

However, there’s a disadvantage for convergence. Usually converged devices are less functional and reliable than their component parts itself. For example, a DVD player performs better on a traditional DVD player comparing with a game console. As the growing number of functions on a device, the ability and quality of that device comparing to its original function actually decreases. Another example, Iphone does not have the traditional key pad to make phone calls or write messages. Instead it has the new touch screen technology where some people actually find it troublesome not user friendly.

In today’s world, it is important to reach multiple audiences at the same time around the globe. Television, radio and newspapers have been the world’s leading mediums to reach to people in terms of news and entertainment. Now, in the 21^st century, all these 3 mediums have converged into one and people all over the globe now can read news, watch videos and listen to music on the internet. Also, all these media can be downloaded as well. All these are updated instantly at the point when it is happening. People don't have to wait till the next day to read about news anymore. It can reach out to the whole world audiences in just seconds.

In conclusion, media convergence is definitely not just a technological shift or the process, but it is an idea within organizations, individuals, social and as well as the culture that are encourage to find out new information. It can be simply identified as how an individual consumer interact with others on a social level using various of media platforms in order to create experiences which connects us socially.