Researchers Predict Next Big Thing in Cell Phones – 3D Hologram

Cell phones have been a part of our lives for many years. This innovative technology creates an efficient tool in today’s society. I remember it being started out as a big black brick with an extendable antenna. The phone can barely fit into our pockets in our pants. As our generation continues to grow, new creative ideas such as different styles, colors, and shapes for cell phones are introduced to attract consumers. Back then, people who had cell phones often use it to talk through the other line. Nowadays, talking on the phone is not as popular as before. Texting to each other seems much more convenient.

Back when I was in high school, I was afraid of paying the extra $5 for an additional 150 texts per month because it was a tool that I knew I did not need. Five years later, I knew I had to get the unlimited text plan because I go through on an average of 400 texts a month. Another useful tool with cell phones I notice in today’s society is the data plan which allows consumers to go on the internet on their cell phones. Consumers are used to getting things done fast and efficient. They do not like to wait for a page to load for 5 minutes on their phones. The faster it loads the happier they will be. Before, there was 1g internet, but now correct me if I am wrong, 4g is out there. Not only does a phone must perform top notch to their desire, but it also need to look sleek, clean, and small enough to fit in their pockets. Every dimensions, ounces, shapes, and colors count. To me, the way I decide how to chose my phone is whether the device has a full QWERTY keyboard so that it will be convenient for me to text my friends and contacts.

What will happen in the next five years from now? How will the hype for cell phones continue? My mind automatically thinks of Steve Jobs and wonder what will his next innovative technology will be. Ever since iPhone came out, all other phones have become their competitor. In this interesting article I found, the word is that “holographic conversation” will be the hype. By 2015, researchers predict that a “3D image of the caller will be able to pop up, or be projected, out of your mobile phone”. To me, I have not grasp the benefit from the concept of have a 3D hologram projected from the mobile phone. I can see that there is a more intimate, face-to-face interaction with the person from the other line. It would be perfect if it is through long distance, maybe a (father and son relationship). Otherwise, I do see it will be very expensive to put everything in practice to make a futuristic innovation. 

http://www.npr.org/2010/12/23/132276811/The-Last-Word-In-Business

Technology and Social Interaction

The spread of technology in today’s society promotes social interaction more convenient and efficient. Because of Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and Tumblr, I rarely have face time with my friends anymore. How I see it, is that this actually benefits me more or less. Usually, I am so caught up with school and work that I rarely have time for my friends. I find it difficult to arrange a small lunch with my friends from a busy schedule of mine and theirs. At least with Facebook, we are able to see how our friends are doing and what’s been new in their life. This definitely makes me feel like I have not completely been out of their life.

In terms of using internet to meet other people, I feel like it is a good way of creating meaningful relationships and network around the community. I am a car enthusiast and I go on forums to meet with other people with similar interest. I feel like it is easier to connect with other people who have a common interest as I am. I have more topics to talk about instead of randomly asking questions about a stranger’s life that I have no I idea what their interests are. I believe that we are not neglecting our everyday relationships. We only neglect them if we chose to. I also believe that friends come and go. If we want something, then we must work for it. That being said, if we want to keep our friends, we must work for it. After all, “It takes two to tango”.

As a society, I do not think we need to focus on creating more “real” spaces/public spheres for people to connect and discuss meaningful political and social issues. We already have enough in our hands. I believe that the reason why so many of us complain that time has gone by so quick is because most of us wish we wanted more time to do things that needed to be done. Thus, internet technology today is the most convenient way to connect with others with similar interest. Most of us have cell phones and access to the internet. We live in a society that we are so good at multitasking. We can tweet and at the same time have lunch with friends, family, coworkers, etc.

Social Networking and Privacy

Social networking sites have become a modern trend in many people’s lives in today’s society. I don’t often use social networking websites just because of the privacy issue. As I grow older into my adulthood, I shy myself from using social networking sites. I do use Facebook but not as often like most users. I remember in junior high Xanga was the trend, then in high school I started using Myspace. Now, I have started utilizing Facebook. I think Facebook is a great social networking website for school, work, and personal usage. Unfortunately, it is a dangerous tool for some people. One lesson I learned from my experience is that messages travel quickly. It will start off from friends to family to acquaintances, and then even also to strangers. Without thinking of the consequences, users display their personal information. I prefer to connect with my friends through my phone than Facebook. Other than Facebook, I do not have Twitter or FourSquare account. I have a Tumblr account that I use to only read other people’s blogs, instead of writing my own. Again, I get paranoid of others reading about life, thoughts, and interest.

  

I’ve seen people who constantly check their phones for texts and updates on Facebook. Phone is one of the necessities that I need on the daily. I spend my time texting at least 20-30 times a day. Texting is more efficient to send a quick message regarding about school, work, or a brief message of “Hey, how are you?” I rarely leave my phone at home, and when I do, I feel as if a part of me is missing. Facebook is more efficient to connect with old friends and new friends. It is a tool to get to know them a bit more or catch up on old things.

A few years ago Myspace was on the news. The purpose of the news was to warn Myspace users that child predators make fake accounts to lure children into their hands. I believe the cultural move on teens brings about a negative trend on the whole. Teenagers are still naïve with a lot of curiosity in their minds. Even when I was young, I gave out my AIM screen names at twice a week. I even ask for their screen names too. At the time, I felt the need to fit in with the popular groups so I started making more friends on Myspace. Making friends online seemed to be easier and I actually had fun doing it. The question is, who was it really that I was talking to?

  

The positive side of it is that it someone once said that, “it is not what you know, but who you know”. In this business world, having a network of people you know and get in touch with can get your foot in the door if you are looking for a job. Most companies rather hire someone that is referred to than having a resume turned at the receptionist desk. At the same time, what you say on Facebook is never private, yet some users fail to be aware of it. I also find that social networking sites can be a distraction from their priorities. People begin to engage in “poking” their friends than to focus in school and/or work. 

I get paranoid of people going through my belongings without my consent. I have been very careful of what I say and what I post online. Even so, there are times that I have regretted the things I posted. Back in my high school years, I often blog about my emotions, especially when I get angry. I realized the things I have said in the past may offended or hurt other’s feelings.

I am careful of what I say either through text or Facebook. I know what I say is not private and that people do talk and gossip. However, because my work revolves around kids, I have to be extra careful leaving my phone on the table or leave my computer on. On some level I have the tendency to keep my eyes on who looks at what I do.