Topic 1: Personal digital devices

Commincate through: 

• Text messages (SMS)
• Social networking sites
• Instant messanging
• Media messages (MMS)
• Voice calls
• Video calls
• Emails

Travel

• Find the route - sat nav/GPS
• Track location of cars & vans
• Geotag images

Leisure

• Displaying photos: digital photo frames
• Photos and videos: digital cameras and camcorders
• High defintion films: Blu-ray players
• Keeping in touch: social networking sites
• Watching channels: digital tv
• Reading - ebook readers
• Streaming films, playing games - console/computers, downloading music
• Listening music / watching films - personaol media players

Audience - who. Purpose - how.

Teenager - Internet access - social networking sites

Business person -QWERTY keyboard - easily send emails

Older person - a large screen - easy-to-use interface

• User interface
• Battery life
• Cost 
• Purpose
• Internet connection / processor speed
• Compatability with other devices
• Convenience (e.g. size, weight)
• Storage capacity / memory
• Security
• Connectivity
• Reliability & support services offered

Processor: controls all functions of device

Internal memory: store program instructions + data

Digital devices = storage devices.

Portable device contains moving parts + can be easily damaged

Flash memory: peripheral - ideal for portable devices: doesn't lose data when off + no moving parts (solid state) + removable - can be used to transfer data e.g.

• Secure Digital (SD) care: stores up to 4GB
• Micro SD cards: for smaller devices
• SDXC (Extended Capacity) card: stores up to 2TB
• USB / memory stick: plugs into USB port + stores up to 256 GB
• SDHC (High Capacity) card: stores up to 32GB

Peripherals:

• Input devices: give instructions + input data to device
  
  • e.g. mouse, keyboard, game controller, webcam, touch screen, microphone, joystick, graphics tablet, scanner
• Output devices: see/hear information after it has been processed
  • e.g. speakers, docking station, headphones, printer, headset, screen

Data cable connection e.g. a USB cable

Bluetooth: devices communicate with each other wirelessly over short distances using radio waves

Wi-Fi: wireless communication using radio waves over longer distances - allows devices to connect with computer network & Internet / to connect to Wi-Fi enabled peripherals

Synchronisation: two devices connected - automatically exchange data

Cloud synchronisation: e.g. Apple's iCloud, allow to store all data files on a remote server - access files from all digital devices

Smartphones

• Greater functionality
• Better suited for email, social networking, surfing the web and running mobile applications
• Convergence - carries out many functions originally done by many devices

Modular smartphones e.g. Project Ara

• Different component features - can be changed
• Less waste, cheaper repairs, enhanced personification

Specialist phones

• Designed for a specific target market
• e.g. elderly people, partially sighted

Functions: 

Cameras / video camera: still images & videos, video calls

Data storage: store photos, music and video; removable storage = easy transfer

Internet browsing: stream music and videos

Productivity: learning, financial management, entertainment, travel apps boost productivity & save time

GPS receiver: pinpoint position on map, get local information, navigational device

Entertainment: play music & video, play games

Security:

• Hide phone
• Set PIN, password, biometric lock
• Lock SIM card
• Record unique IMEI number: mobile service provider can block phone using number
• Restrict Bluetooth usage

Peripherals;

• Headsets (hands free)
  
• Removable storage

Desktops: include ‘All in one. 

• Need input + output peripherals. Have hard disk drives, optical drives: CD & DVD drives - storage devices.Powerful processors.
• Good connectivity ( USB, firewire, HDMI). Bluetooth + Wi-Fi - wireless communication. Easy to upgrade + enhance by adding extra functions.

Laptops

• Battery powered/ use electricity supply. Monitor, pointing device + webcam built in. Hard disk drives etc + slots for SD cards
• Bluetooth + Wi-Fi built in. Good connectivity ( USB, firewire, HDMI). Less easy to dismantle + upgrade.

Tablets: As tablets and smartphones develop they begin to share features.

• Light + portable. Battery powered. Touch screen interface. Virtual, on-screen keyboard.
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, 3Gg. Cameras - still + moving images. 
• Playing media, Internet use, reading ebooks. Can download + run apps.

Single-board computers: affordable, complete computers made for education and development e.g. Raspberry Pi.

Wearable computers: e.g. Smartglasses such as Google Glass, Smartwatches, fitness bands etc.

Parts:

• Processor speed: quick = fast computer
• Sounds/ graphics card: see/hear graphics, videos, music, games
• Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi enabled computer = part of a wireless network
• RAM: lots = support more applications
• Storage capacity: large = store more files
• Many peripherals use a USB connection
• Battery life: long battery life = less frequent charging

Ergonomic design: help prevent repetitive strain injury (RSI) & other health problems

Health risks:

• Eye strain: Looking at screen for too long/ Light shining on monitor. Take regular breaks. Adjust screen. Use antiglare screen
• RSI: Performing repeated actions. Use wrist rests. Take breaks from repeating actions.
• Neck & back problems: Sitting in wrong position. Same position for a long time. Change height of chair/screen. Move computer closer/ further away.
• Pain in knees and legs: Adjust chair. Take regular breaks - stretch legs.

Peripherals

• Screens
• Keyboards
• Pointing devices, e.g. mouse, stylus, touchpad
• Microphones/speakers/headsets
• Printers e.g. 3D printers
• Scanners
• Graphic tablets
• Webcams
• Removable storage:  includes all devices not built into the PC, e.g. USB flash drives, memory cards, and USB hard drives.
• Electronic whiteboards

• Zoom in using optical zoom ( Brings light from subject closer - moves lens away from sensor + closer to subject)  + digital zoom ( crops + enlarges part of image - affects quality)
• View on LCD screen
• Store files with SD and micro SD cards
• View files on TV using USB and HDMI ports
• Download files to computer using USB or Bluetooth

Resolution: pixels: more = more detailed = more the image can be enlarged + larger the file size

GPS receiver: geographical coordinates stored in metadata. See exactly where image is taken.

Wi-Fi: in addition to cable + Bluetooth. Email images, upload to online albums/ social networking sites without downloading

Peripherals

Removable storage

Personal audio players. Personal video players. E-book readers.

• Small, light, easy to carry
• Solid state memory
• Long battery life
• Lot of media
• Simple interfaces

Common formats:

• Audio: MP3, WMA
• Still images: JPEG, GIF, PNG
• Video: MPEG-4, WMV

Security features:

• Locks automatically - if not used for certain period of time
• Uses antivirus software
• Hard reset feature - delete all data in event of selling / disposing
• Remote management (deactivation) if stolen
• Hides Bluetooth/ wireless sharing
• Backup features
• Encrypts data
• Reactivates only - enter correct password/ biometric authentication

Connectivity

• Wireless transfer: WI-Fi, Bluetooth, infrared
• HDMI port: view HD movies on TV through HDMI cable
• USB port: transfer of files up to 5 Gigabits

Streaming video - with Wi-Fi connectivity - view in real time

• Saves time
• Use less storage space
• Cannot keep local copy for offline
• Limited availability
• User experience dependent on connection quality

Peripherals

• Speakers/headsets

Features:

• High resolution output for high definition games
• CD, DVD and Blu-ray optical drives
• Capable of multiplayer online gaming
• Connectivity: USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet network cable

Peripherals

• Wireless controllers
• Wireless headsets
• Hard drive transfer cable
• Webcam / speaker / microphone set
• Motion sensors
• High Definition equipment
• Removable storage
• 3D – using glasses/parallax: Parallax 3D is a barrier placed in front of an image to give a sense of depth. 3D is also used in TV

Nintendo Wii + Playstation 3 - motion sensor

Xbox Kinect - true hands-free gaming - identifies which body parts moving

Health risks:

Overuse injuries: set sensible time limits + frequent breaks

Obesity: Sensible time limits + do physical activities

Muscle + joint problems: Regular breaks + Use an ergonomic chair

Eye strain: Adjust screen's constrant  + brightness, Move furniture, Take 'gaze' breaks

Designed to provide high quality audio & video throughout house + integrate content on seperate digital devices

• Televisions (incl Smart TVs and 3D TVs): have access to internet & use apps. Newer televisions-very high resolution screens- ‘4K’,- (approximate) 4,000 pixel horizontal resolution.
• Projectors - if Digital - project HD images to screen/wall
• DVD players/recorders
• Blu-ray players
• Personal video recorders (PVR) - /digital video recorders (DVR) - contain hard disk drive > record TV programmesd
• Set-top boxes (STB) -  devices may fall into multiple categories, e.g. a Sky+ box is both a STB and a PVR. - transform + enhance signal from cable/ satellite to form that TV can display
• Media stations -  devices that provide video/audio to a television, e.g. Apple TV. This could be by streaming from a remote source or from local storage.
• Sound systems (HiFi)

• Smart speakers - combine wireless speakers with a microphone and intelligent personal assistant software that allows users to give voice commands.

Digital television:

• More channels than analogue TV & High quality pcitures & sounds
• Digital radio stations accessible on TV
• Electronic programme guide (EPG) displays programme information on-screen
• More accessible subtitles, audio, sign language descriptions
• Interactive features e.g. extra coverage, voting, shopping capabilities
• Greater control: save programmes & pause live TV

Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA): two devices DLNA certified = compatible straight out of box

Enhancements:

• Home cinema / theatre systems include: DVD/Blu-ray player, amplifier & six speakers = high - fidelity surround sound

Use GPS to plan routes & give directions

• In-car sat navs: An in-car sat nav could be a separate unit or integrated into the dash.
• Specialist sat navs, e.g. for walkers and cyclists

Use sats navs: check speed, warn about speed cameras, live traffic report, avoid congestion, scenic routes/conveniences e.g. service stations

Health & safety risks:

• May take eyes off road
• Blind spot
• Could lead driver down hard-to-navigate roads / to incorrect destinations

Advantages:

Always likely to have mobile phone with you = always have sat nav with you

Generally small, light + easy to carry around

Can buy applications for phone

Disadvantages:

Might have to pay

Can be subject to charges

Using GPS runs battery down quickly

Does not always update quickly enough

Introduction of computers has impact on:

• number of employees needed
• skills employees need
• training & re-training requirements

Portable digital devices: allow greater collaboration but greater risk of hackers stealing/corrupting data.

Organisations need online presences:websites, blog, social networking sites, viral marketing, profiling

Technology in education:

• Internet = better online research +  Apps = learning more enjoyable
• Laptops, netbooks & smartphones = access to online learning resources
• VLEs = access to learning resources
• Ebook readers = better access to lots of texts
• Online registration & admin systems = schools improve efficiency
• Specialist software - improves learning in certain suubjects e.g. languages
• Interactive whiteboards, digital cameras, devices with GPS = enhance learning experience

• Methods of charging (wireless/ USB etc)
  • Wireless or ‘inductive’ charging allows short-distance wireless energy transfer between two devices
• Sensors - (such as accelerometers) often found in personal digital devices.
  • Data from them is used by the device’s software to enhance the user experience.
• NFC (Near Field Communication) - E.g. Contactless payment debit cards and smartphone NFC chips.
• Convergence
  • Digital devices often contain multiple features that allow device to provide multiple functions.
  • Functions would have previously only been available in single-purpose devices. This multifunctionality increases convenience, However, each function could be of lower quality than could be found on a single-purpose device.
• Intelligent personal assistant
  • E.g. Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana

• Methods of charging (wireless/ USB etc)
  • Wireless or ‘inductive’ charging allows short-distance wireless energy transfer between two devices
• Sensors - (such as accelerometers) often found in personal digital devices.
  • Data from them is used by the device’s software to enhance the user experience.
• NFC (Near Field Communication) - E.g. Contactless payment debit cards and smartphone NFC chips.
• Convergence
  • Digital devices often contain multiple features that allow device to provide multiple functions.
  • Functions would have previously only been available in single-purpose devices. This multifunctionality increases convenience, However, each function could be of lower quality than could be found on a single-purpose device.
• Intelligent personal assistant
  • E.g. Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, Microsoft Cortana