7. What concerns/ considerations are there (if any) for the media institutions involved in your case study as a result of the impact of new and digital media? (e.g. deskilling or multi-skilling of the workforce/ decline in workforce etc)
A concern
for the impact of new and digital media on mobile phones is that people may
become too reliant on them which may in turn make them lazier and technology
reliant. An economic concern would be that the increase in use of smart phones
and the continuing development of them may mean that other institution - that
may have been market leaders in other sectors may be affected by mobile
technology. This includes companies such as Canon (cameras) as people aren’t
buying cameras as much as they used to due to the sophistication of cameras on
smart phones. This also affects gaming companies such as Nintendo as people are
using their smart phones to play games and therefore people won’t be as
interested in buying games consoles or games as smart phone technology may
increase and become just as sophisticated.
Additionally,
due to the fact that Apple is a well-known company, they have to consider their
public image. If they get bad press showing how their production lines
have a lack of working standards or their workers get paid a low wage,
this would give the company a bad image and reputation.
8. What are the political and social implications of the new technologies and the methods of their consumption? E.g. moral panics etc?
There are
various social implications of new technolgies and the methods of
consumtion such as it creating a means for moral panic. This may be down to the
fact that the technology is developing so quickly that consumers may not be
able to keep up. An example of this is the introduction of contact-less
payment, even with contact-less credit/debit cards, it is still not that
mainstream and the fact that they are predicting that 50% of Visa transactions
will be via a mobile device in 2020 suggests they are possible moving too fast
before people are ready of familiar with it.
Summary of Story: The popular Flappy Bird game which was removed over the creator receiving threats and hate mail may return. Some users did assume it was taken down due to copyright issues as it has a similar background and pipe design to super mario.
My view on story: Since its absence from smartphone app stores, a cottage industry in Flappy Bird clones has grown up, with dozens of games sporting titles like Hoppy Frog and Splashy Fish dominating the charts. There are also versions that run on PC and Mac, including one massively multiplayer take on the recipe. So whatever happens with the original title, we are assured of many flappy returns.
This article talks about the issue of whether advertising or paywalls are better in generating revenues. Mike Darcey believes that the Daily Mail and the Guardian as "digital minnows" Because, they focus on advertising to generate revenue which could lead to problems in the future and is a dangerous strategy. As a result, Darcey favours paywalls as free online "undermines the incentive for people to pay for print editions". Relying on adverting revenue is putting themselves in competition with global conglomerates such as Google and Facebook which may put them at a disadvantage. Significantly, he states: "If this is your only revenue source, then you need to think about the fact that you are head-to-head with the global internet titans". To conclude, I disagree with the Darcey's view that the Guardian and Daily Mail are digital minnow, because if companies included paywalls this could decrease their readership. Although there would be problems if the companies reply on online advertising as their revenue streaming, this may not effect their readership if they do not include paywalls.
4. Is the size of the audience any different now than before the impact of new and digital media (or has the pattern of usage changed)? E.G. consider for the impact of new and digital media on TV broadcasting the change in audience ratings for programmes as a consequence of the deregulation of TV. (Prior to deregulation audience figures could be 20m+ for Eastenders etc to a situation today where, due to the massive number of channels now available, audiences are vastly reduced and fragmented).
The size of the audience for mobile phones has increased largely since new and digital media made an impact on it. This is especcialy clear in teenagers who are the largest group of frequent mobile phone users - http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/2/prweb9194179.htm. However, this in the future, even younger people maystart to use smart phones as they have much more convergence and are multi purpose. Addionally, the fact that mobile phones/smart phones can be used for various different tasks now - prior to standard mobile phones - means that people are bound to use them more seeing as they can accomplaish many tasks - from phoneing/messaging people, to watching videos, visiting webpages and gaming. Furthermore, as they have more sophisticated software the settings can be changed to suit the user - and possibly to increase its ease of usability for people who may find them more difficult to use.
Who are the primary target audience now and has this changed? Who was it before and how do you know?
HOW DO YOU KNOW? Smart phones have become more advanced, have used convergence and have become largely multi-functional with various elements such as email, internet, planners, and various apps to aid people in their organisation.
TEXT
CURRENT TARGET AUDIENCE Teenagers/Young Adults
ORIGINAL TARGET AUDIENCE
HOW DO YOU KNOW Companies have introduced countless entertainment apps in order to make smart phones a gaming device - apps include Temple Run and Angry Birds which are very popular and raise a lot of revenue. Furthermore, Windows Phones integrate XBox live into their operation system allowing gamers to keep track of their gaming. Communication apps are also a way of encouraging young mobile users to use smart phones as it allows interaction among peers for free - this especially became popular when Blackberrys became mainstream.
6. How have the audience responded to the changes? Is there more customer choice? Is there evidence of a more pluralistic model? What evidence do you have to support this?
The audience have responded in a positive way to the changes as they constanly accept the various advancements mobile phones have; it may possibly be down to the fact that it may be making life - and certain tasks more ealier to accomplish - such as shopping, or finding places to eat, etc. Additionally, it also creates more entertainment for the audience as they can use them for gaming or streaming videos. However, theres the issue of; are audiences ready for the continuing developments? And the fact that it may bring about a moral panic.
There is quite a range in customer choice as companies aim to bring out new models to suit a range of different people. http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/shop/pay-monthly/mobile-phones/ However, there are dominant companies such as Apple and Samsung - who are in high competition with one another which is highlighted through the law suit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-20635961 - as well as HTC, Nokia and Blackberry - who are trying to re-emerge. On the other hand, there is a huge range in customer choice in terms of apps, which suggests that theres apps for everyone and everything and is a means of consumers creating revenue for the companies. Additionally, theres also competition in the operating systems - mainly with iOS and android.http://www.extremetech.com/computing/139458-android-now-powers-75-of-all-smartphones-sold-are-we-heading-towards-a-google-monopoly However, it seems that android is dominant due to the range of smartphones that has this operating system and the fact that its slightly more affordable.
There is attempts for a more pluralistic model due to the fact that there are various companies that manufacture phones, however the market leaders are Apple and Samsung. Oh the other hand, most smart phones more or less do similar things - such as checking news/weather, watching videos, playing games and now more recently some sort of voice commanding software. Competing companies aim to go above each other or at least become equivalent to the market leaders; so in this sense we could say that there is not much of a pluralistic model as the concept of smartphones from each company are quite similar in some aspects.http://www.qbn.com/topics/654022/
1. Has new and digital media had an impact upon ownership and control of the media institution(s) involved in your case study area? Explain in detail any impact and what exactly has changed.
New and digital media has had an impact on smartphones as we are now able to use our phones for a huge amount of tasks - this is due to convergence. However, there is dominance over this area, with the main competiors being Apple, Samsung and HTC. For example; there was a law suit going on between Apple and Samsung, with Apple claiming that Samsung had coppied various elements of their software.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Inc._v._Samsung_Electronics_Co.,_Ltd. Nonetheless, it seems as though the ios running system is the market leader. This is evident as many apps are available on ios before they are available on the android systems. Blackberry have also tried to regain a place in the smart phone market with their attempts to introduce a new phone and opperating system. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2013/jan/31/blackberry-bb10-z10-roundup This contrasts to a year back - or so - when blackberrys seemed to be the most popular phones. It now seems Apple is hegemonic as it is the leading company for not just the iPhone (smart phones) but also tablets and macs are increasing in popularity.
Furthermore, the market leaders in the mobile phone competition have completely changed from a few years ago when Nokia was the leading phone company, however as the use of smart phones is increasing, Nokia are slightly behind its competitors. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17769772
2. What impact has there been on the way in which the audience now consume the media products/ texts involved in your case study? How does it differ from what went before? Consider (SHEP)
The primary way in which the audience now consume smart phones is through contract plans, this differs from around 10 years ago when contract plans were primarily used by professional adults, whereas everyone else used pay as you go top ups. This shows how people have began to use their phones more as these plans are better value for money in the long term if you're going to be using your phone regularly. Furthermore, internet is usually included in these contract plans which allows consumers to always be connected and have the world wide web in their pockets. Additionally, the use of internet on smartphones allows users to download apps onto their phones which is also another means for making money. Some apps also are designed as some sort of replacement for texing such as Whatsapp which uses an 3G connection as well as iMessage which is designed for iPhone users.
3. What impact has there been on how the media institution now has to produce the texts and the way in which the texts/ products are distributed and exhibited? This should involve a detailed textual analysis of at least 3 texts to demonstrate the point.
The
iPhone (5) is the sixth
generation of the iPhone which is slimmer and lighter with a larget 4 inch
screen. It was released on 12 September 2012 and was available to pre-order on
the 14 September - and recieved over 2 million in 24 hours.
After its launch,
Samsung filed a law suit against Apple claiming that it inflinged some of its
patents.
Components and
labour to construct the most basic model cost US$207 (est) - which is
US$19 more than components for the iPhone 4S model.
This iPhone5 advert
mimics the simplicity of the iPhone - although it is very
multifunctional, it is designed quite simplisticly and is quite easy to
use in order to attract a wider audience. The advert uses large
images to make the advert eye catching and attractive as theres no text - we
can connote the institution is allowing the phone to speak for itself or that
is all people need - they dont need to carry anything else - this is reinforced
by the basic, functional apps that are visiable on screen. The images are
central to the iPhone marketing campaign as near enough every year they release
a new one - people always want to see whats so different about it and get
annoyed if it looks more or less the same. By using images from various angles
makes it clear for people to see. The picture at the bottom displays the iPod
function which shows that they still havent forgtten about their origins and
the initial purpose of the iPhone - to not have to carry a phone and an MP3
player around at the same time. Lastly, the text and ambiguous but clear slogan
infers that it is a quality phone and is what people have been waiting for.
Samsung Gallaxy
S III runs of the
Android operating system and is designed developed and marketed by Samsung
Electronics. It has additional software features and is redesigned from the
Gallaxy S II. It has a 4.8 inch screen.
This US advert for
the Samsung Galaxy SIII suggests and aims to portray that it is far more
superior than the iPhone 5 - its rival. The large bold text at the top draws
people in to reading further on in the advert. The text is inferring it is
obvious which phone is better. The images of both the phones allow people to
compare the phones against each other, however, the fact that the iPhone is
black against the dark blue background doesnt allow it to stand out and draws
people attention to the SII due to its complementing colour against the background.
Lastly, the small print attracts readers as they will want to know exactly
what it says and the fact that the lists are side by sides makes the comparison
obvious and what one has more features and better spec. The fact that it is
these phones compared together infer that these are the two market leaders and
main rivals. By comparing them, the audience can easily see what one is better
(for them).
HTC
This advert for the
HTC Sensation 4G differs from the previous two as it seems much more personal
to its audience. The large image shows the front of the phone however playing a
music video - from this we can infer that its primary (extra) function is as a
music/media player. The use of the illustrated letters of the word
"you" makes the advert more personal to the people and makes them
feel included - especially from the text which draws attention to the word
"innovation" being followed by "inspired by you". This is
intentional from the institution as they recognise that their rivaling
companies attract consumers by boasting about the spec, whereas HTC aim to draw
and audience in subtly and friendly. The mention of the compatibility of
"Google Goggles" also allows people to identify something familiar
and reliable and will associate it positively with this phone. Lastly, the HTC
slogan in the bottom right hand corner with the short slogan; "quietly
brilliant" connotes that HTC have recognised that their competition -
Apple and Samsung - are great, but suggests they are over-rated and although
HTC aren't as overt as its competitors, there are just as good and come across
as an underdog.
My case study will involve the impact of new and digital media on smartphones.
I have chosen this topic because it is a very current issue due to the rapid growth and dependency society has on smartphones. I will be able to explore convergence, economic consequences and the continuing and constant development in its technology.
Summary of story: This article talks about the issue of whether advertising or paywalls are better in generating revenues. Mike Darcey believes that the Daily Mail and the Guardian as "digital minnows" Because, they focus on advertising to generate revenue which could lead to problems in the future and is a dangerous strategy. As a result, Darcey favours paywalls as free online "undermines the incentive for people to pay for print editions". Relying on adverting revenue is putting themselves in competition with global conglomerates such as Google and Facebook which may put them at a disadvantage. Significantly, he states: "If this is your only revenue source, then you need to think about the fact that you are head-to-head with the global internet titans". My view: To conclude, I disagree with the Darcey's view that the Guardian and Daily Mail are digital minnow, because if companies included paywalls this could decrease their readership. Although there would be problems if the companies reply on online advertising as their revenue streaming, this may not effect their readership if they do not include paywalls.
Jasmine Gardner: News travels fast in cyberspace but can we trust it?
The article states how news over social media spreads quite rapid making stories become viral in a matter of seconds e.g. Morgan Freeman dying three times: once on twitter and twice on Facebook. Another example being tigers were let loose during London 2011 riots and most recently David Moyes (ManU boss) was apparently sacked. These all were of course rumours and lies which was what inspired the article to be written. We cannot believe everything we read on the internet which is why King's College Lonodn are creating a project called Pheme which over the next 18 months will be a built web app that will determine the likeliness of a statement being true or false.
In the US a third of all adults under 30 are said to get their news from social media, with half of all Twitter users receiving their newsflashes in 140 characters.
According to FastCompany, social media has overtaken porn consumption as the number one activity on the web.
More significantly, a survey late last year by market researcher Populus showed that in Britain, Twitter is now an everyday news source for 55 per cent of opinion formers. In other words, a majority of influential people get their information from a potentially unreliable source.
I do agree that the article by Jasmine Gardner is correct, we do get news quite fast and it does spread quite fast especially due to twitter and not every piece of the news sent and spread around is going to be true. But I don't believe an app will be enough to prevent rumours from spreading. It'll most likely help in some way e.g. if Morgan Freeman tweeted a few mins before his fake death or after his fake death then it'll most likely pick that up and state the statement is a lie.
Feminism: McRobbie / JudithButler - Gender as performance
Broadcast
Traditional-female
This
advert is very traditional as it is a make up advert and the audience
will know that they are going to see a female character on their as
the product is a mascara. This advert does not challenge the gender
performance is reinforces it because it has the right character with
the right product.
Alternative female
This
advert of women's fitness suggests that gender is only a performance,
that chan be challenged. This advert is a fitness advert and the
audience would normally suggests that it would have male characters
on it, but in this case we have females. This challenges the Butlers
theory that gender is a performance as we have women doing something
which a male dominant will do.
Traditional - Male
This
advert is fully traditional because we would normally see a male
character of an fitness advert because they want to show the strong
and macho men. This why the use a male character to fully the gender
performance because if they had a female on their no male character
would watch it and it would have been a alternative advert.
Alternative- male
This
advert challenges the gender performance as it has a male character
using a domestic product. This advert is showing a male character
using a domestic cleaning product which challenges the gender
performance because people would normally associate a female
character using this product.
E-media
traditional-female http://www.girlgamesxl.net/romper-barbie.html This
game is an traditional game as it reinforces the gender performance
as it has all the colours which associate with females. This game has
colours like pink and yellow on them as they want it to realate to a
female. This is why this advert reinforces the gender performance and
it suggests that gender is a performance and everyone does follow
it.
-alternative-female http://www.games2girls.com/p/fitnessrush This
game is very alternative because it challenges the gender performance
as they have females fitness game. Normally men will be associated
with fitness in this case we have a female, which is why this
challenges the gender perfoamcne and it suggests that we dont have to
follow the gnder performance. Nowdays any one can do anything, this
is why this game is very challengable.
traditional-
male http://www.addictinggames.com/action-games/electricman2.jsp This
game reinforces the gender performance as we have a fighting game
which normally represents men as they are very aggressive and are
ready to fight at any time. This is why this game follows the gender
perfomance and it does not challenege it. So it suggests that gender
is a performance.
alternative- male http://www.clubpenguin.com/ I
think that this game challenges the gender performance as male
characters have been seen playing it. The reason why this game
challenges the gender performance because its a female game as
females would use to to cut time. They will use it to meet friends
and do all the girly things, but in this case we also have men
playing this game. This means that gender is not a performance as any
one can do anything.
Print
Alternative
This
example of Bend It Like Beckham reinforces Butlers theory that gender
is a performance. It follows his theory that gender is a performance.
This poster follows his theory as we have a female dressed up in a
football kit. This poster represents the female character in the
poster as a tomboy. This challenges Butlers theory.
Traditional
This
Barbie Magazine front cover follows its traditions as it has a girl
and all the colours which a girl will like so mostly pink and some
yellow. All these colours reinforces the gender performance of
females and how it relates to them. if this same front cover had
girls on with dull colours or more to a male side then it wouldn't
have been accepted in society, as they are not the colours which
match the feminine side.
Alternative
This
magazine front cover which has David Beckham on it challenges Butlers
theory because as a male character has been appeared on a female
magazine. The fact that David Beckham is been seen on a fashion
magazine suggests that he doesn't mind being touched by the feminist
side. The fact that he is seen on an Fashion magazine challenges that
eh is taking a different gender performance.
Traditional
This
print advert of Chanel is very traditional as we would want to see or
assume that as it is a mens perfume a male character will be
advertising it. This poster has a male character which is very
traditional because thats what the audience will think of as well. If
the poster had a female on their then it would have been an
alternative as it will not follow the gender performance.
