3G phones now incorporate a variety of technologies, which would have once been considered to be incompatible with typical mobile phone functions. The implementation of ‘Bluetooth’ allows phone owners to access the Internet in the same way they would with Broadband. This means that phone users can read e-mails, download images and videos, and searching for information without the use of a desktop computer. This technology also allows for the sharing of files between different phones in close contact. For years now, mobiles have had the ability to take photographs, much like a digital camera, now many phones have video recording capabilities (some phones are specifically designed as a camcorder/phone hybrid – a good example of convergence). Though currently the quality of these videos is questionable, it is likely that the quality will rival that of conventional camcorder in the not-to-distant future. Another noticeable ‘all-in-one’ aspect of phones is the integration of mp3 technology. This means that phones can behave in a similar way to ipods and other music players. Some might also consider the mobile phone to be a ‘semi gaming platform’ as although most phones are not physically designed for gaming, some like the nokia n-gage have large storage space and are shaped in order to emulated a handheld console, such as the Sony psp or Nintendo ds. Texting may also be regarded as a form of instant message, however not as developed as instant desktop messaging such as MSN, AIM etc
The iPhone is perhaps the best example of a modern convergent technology as it has no single main function – instead it functions equally well as an iPod and a mobile phone, and also as a personal organiser, email device and an electronic mapping device. The appliance itself is visually eye-catching and is controlled using touch screen technology.
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