Last week
in class we spent some time talking about the microcomputer and learning about
its introduction into the market, as well as its capabilities. As we discussed
in class, the computers released in the 80s were much different in comparison
to the computers we use today. Streeter talks about how microcomputers were
part of their own technological class. Prior to the microcomputer, the average
household was unable to afford one of these machines for personal/home use. Streeter
continues to explain that the microcomputer represented a major breakthrough
for society, and that people never imagined it would progress as quickly as it
did, if at all.
I found
a video of the microcomputer so that I could see for myself how different these
machines were compared to where we are now with computer technologies, and in
comparison to what I remember using for a computer as a child. I came across
this video of millennium kids (aged 6-13 years old), who have only ever been
exposed to the modern computers/desktops/laptops we use today. The video shows
them tinkering around with one of the first Apple microcomputers from the late
70s/early 80s, trying to figure out how to use its most basic functions. I
found it very interesting to see how something that was once a breakthrough is
now obsolete. The introduction of the microcomputer to the market was a huge
milestone and changed the way our society functions, however it is unknown by
many and forgotten by others.
I
believe that when the microcomputer became available to the public in the 80s,
that the level of confusion among users may have been similar to that of the
kids in the video, however of course there would have been greater excitement. The
part that is most shocking to me, is that the microcomputer in only about 30
years old. Although 30 years seems like a long time, it’s unbelievable how
quickly the computer has advanced and the features modern computers now offer.
The functions of the microcomputer have progressed rapidly over the past 30
years and we as a society are becoming more comfortable adapting to these
technologies. As we see in this video, the foundations of these technologies
are forgotten as technology increases rapidly.
Do
you think that all technological commodities are advancing as quickly as the
computer (examples)? Do you think in another 30 years the computers we use
today will be completely obsolete, or will the advancements begin to slow?
I do think a lot of technological commodities are advancing very quickly. Just think of the evolution of video games and how far that has come along in a short period of time. From the detail in the graphics, to the functions in the games and the technology itself. Remember when the Nintendo Wii was seen as revolutionary because it gave players the ability to physically interact with the virtual world with games such as Dance Dance Revolution? With new wearable technology that will give us the ability to see holograms in person, merging the virtual world and reality together, the video game experience will soon drastically change. Check out this video to see the abilities of technology like the Microsoft HoloLens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aThCr0PsyuA With technology like this that used to be considered science fiction now being possible, I have no doubt that 30 years from now the technology we call computers now will be obsolete.
ReplyDeleteI believe that all technological commodities are advancing extremely fast due our desire to learn more, gain profit, and to make our life in society more comfortable (whether that be for leisure or business). Another commodity that has advanced similarly to the computer in regards to timing and what it can do is the mobile cellphone. Within 40 years this video (Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNGn0gmsjFA) shows the evolution from the mid 1970s to present day. Not only does the physical appearance change greatly from brick-like sizes to slim touch screens, but what the phone can be used to do changes as well. It's shocking to see because 40 years doesn't seem like a long time through the amount of change I've seen over that time span and the quantity of devices I've forgotten as I'm exposed to new and improved ones. The changes that our technology endures forces us to forget and not use what was in the past due to our desire to have more, which leads me to say that our current 'new' technology will become obsolete as advancement continues. This advancement forces me to think that the advancement will not slow down due to our desires of wanting new technology.
ReplyDeleteAll technological commodities are advancing quite quickly and there are no signs of advancements slowing down. As soon as a new iPhone gets released the next one is in the works and people are planning on buying it. People are no longer interested in buying technologies which are going to last a long time; we no longer care about durability because we know that in a year or two we’ll have a new one. This is most common with smartphone as phone plans have significantly changed from what they began as; fixed-term contracts minimum 3 years. Now there are multiple phone companies which have been successful by offering short-term or no-obligation contracts for their users. In 30 years from now the computers and all other ‘necessary’ technologies we use today will not be obsolete, but they will be far more advanced and far more complex. The same base model will be in place but the capabilities and outer frames of the technologies will be different.
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