TV 3

TV is probably the most used multimedia experience there is, it is easily accessible and with such a broad range of programmes and channels available from various sources there are things that appeal to a broad range of viewers. TV 3 is the development of viewer controlled or viewer tailored programming and advertising. The beginnings of this are already in place, with some situations where the viewing habits of individuals are monitored, with particular attention to adverts, so that similar things are chosen to be shown to them. Now this may have its advantages, in that it could be convenient to viewers to be directed to programmes they will enjoy, but personally I think that there are more dangers to this, with the possibility of restricted choice. How can you decide if you like something better if different options are not presented to you? There is also the possibility of controlling viewers through what is presented to them - making them think or act in a certain way by what is broadcast to them, and also WHO is making the decision about what you (the viewer) can and cannot watch.

Another possible advancement to TV experience is the involvement of viewers in the programmes and the possibility in them choosing the course a programme could take, or maybe becoming  involved in it themselves. This idea was explored in Ray Bradbury's book Fahrenheit 451, which I read a couple of years ago. In this book there is a living room described, which is the same in everyone's houses, leading to uniformity and a restricted individuality, where there are full wall screens and they can be on all the walls and ceiling of the room completely encompassing the viewer. The main antagonists wife is shown as obsessed with this room, where she spends all her days and is even scripted into the TV shows. 

It is an interesting development, however I think that it is too easily corruptible and could be used to limit our personal freedoms.  

WEB 2 and 3

web 2 is used to describe the change in the way the world wide web technology was used rather than a change in the technical specifications. It involves the increased use of user interface, through social networking, blogging, wiki and video sharing sites.  The move was made to stop control of the internet from becoming corporate.  It allows a higher level of communication and data sharing. 

Web 3 is the term used to describe the evolution of web 2 and what that will mean, how and to what effect it will change life. There are many speculations on what web 3 could become. Such as mass organisation to effect things outside of the internet, socially and politically. But i wonder to what degree is that not already here, the other week i was invited to join a facebook group which had a aim to change the christmas no.1 chart for 2o08, I don't know if this was successful or not, but it is the beginnings of internet mass organisation. 

Another suggestion for web 3 is that there will be entire coverage of wifi, I've heard about a system which is being developed which would make areas up to 25 miles with a wireless network access, and this brings with it the possibility for constant internet connection. My question about this would be with what technology, and how will the advancement of the internet effect the development gadgets e.g. mobile phones and laptops. 

I personally think that constant internet connection available to everyone would be very helpful in some situations, as you are constantly reminded, through advertising, that there is "more to be found on our website at etc...." you would always have a vast source of knowledge at your fingertips, but i also wonder what the dangers of this could be. How being always part of a network would be made secure, how much information about you would be accessible and the ever growing threat of identity theft.