Thursday, 26 April 2007

playstation website-play station 3

i looked at the playstation 3 website when looking at portable gaming devices. The website is dedicated to the promotion of the new 'playstation 3'. This shows how the internet can be used as a means of succesfully promoting a product. The website offers 3d images of the product as well as the latest news on the new phenomeneon. The website is targetted at teenagers- who account or the largest percentage of the products consumers. The playstation 3 allows users to play games, watch movies, take photos and even go online. This is a clear example of convergence and how the playstation 3 can be used instead of a computer, a camera and a dvd/video player. The site also advertises the latest ps3 games and this benefits the institutions as they can advertise there product- and at the same time save money.

Monday, 23 April 2007


When looking at converged, portable technology, i visited the samsung site and looked at their section on their mobile phone technology. I decided to look specifically at their latest fone, the samsung d900. The samsung d900 is a slider mobile phone and has a small, slim and sophisticated design. This is an example of miniturisation and how technology is getting smaller and slimmer in many cases, enabling portability and giving the potential to fit more into a smaller space. The D900 is packed with the latest mobile technology including a quad band, which means that you can be reached almost anywhere in the world.

The Samsung D900 also has high-quality 3-megapixel camera, which shows the convergence of cameras and mobile phones. With new technology phones has now somewhat replaced cameras as they have excellent picture quality and pictures can be downloaded onto the computer or printed.

Moreover the phone allows you to check you emails or take a look at your documents using the file viewer. This shows both the convergence of the internet and mobile phone technology and how mobile phones can be used instead of computers. This all adds to the convenience factor regarding products such as the D900 which makes life a lot easier. For example it is easier to check your e-mails via the internet on your mobile phone, rather than check them via the internet on your laptop- as the mobile phone option is far more portable and easy to use.

The website also offers high definition pictures of the samsung d900 from every possible angle and in every possible colour. The phone can even be viewed in 3d-mode...this shows that new technolog enables the samsung company to advertise their product more effectively. Also it makes the life of the consumer far easier as instead of going to a phone shop to see the new samsung d900, they can visit the website and even order one online. The site provides consumers with all of the specificaitons of the phone as well as accessories and extras that can be bought...thus effectively advertising the phone.

Tuesday, 17 April 2007


http://www.channel4.com/lifestyle/?hpos=Lifestyle

i looked at the 'lifestyle' section on the channel 4 website. This section is a niche section for audiences interested in 'lifestyle' programmes. This section of the site is further broken down into categories of health,homes,money,food,cars,family and dating. This is to make navigating around the site easier for visitors and to break down the site to cater to the specfic needs of different people. The website can be seen as an example of convergence and can ac as a replacement of television. This is due to the fact that viewers able to watch episodes of lifestyle programmes, such as 'grand designs' and 'relocation relocation' on their computer via the site. Moreover they can catch up on episodes of programmes that they have missed. This all adds to the increasing flexibility and convenience of the media. Nowadays the media is scheduled around the audience, who can choose when and where to consume it.
Furthermore the site offers visitors the chance to enter competitions to win an 'lcd television' or even a car. This shows the interactive aspect of the site as it offers the audience a chance to get involved with the media texts at hand. Also the 'lifestyle' section of the channel 4 website, alongside various other sections such as 'entertainment' and 'news' are all examples of narrowcasting and targetting audiences with specialist/ niche media.

The website benefits channel 4, as they can advertise their programmes via the internet, which saves them a lot of money. It also benefits various other companies who can use the site to advertise their products on. For example, 'the energy saving trust' have posted an advertisment on the openning page of the lifestyle section, as have 'o2'....the website gives them good exposure and is way for them to cheaply advertise their company.

www.facebook.com - audience activity

When looking at audience activity i decided to look at facebook as it is a good example of a website where audiences can interact with one another, post pictures, videos,blogs and create online communities and societies. The website encourages audience interactivity as the website allows people to interact by sending messages to one another or writing scraps on one anothers 'walls'. The website allows users to create personal online pages with their own pictures, friends and fill in a section about their interests and hobbies. The site encourages audience activity as the website relies on it's members. Moreover websites such as facebook and myspace encourage democratisation. This presents a challenge to more traditional media organisations who up to now have had control over what is accessed, how and when.
The website is targetted at teenagers and people in their early 20s. The site allows users to create their own network by writing what schools/university they attended. Their classmates are then automatically found on the website.
Facebook replaces e-mailing and even text messaging or phone calling. The site makes it easy for people to communicate, even if they are on different sides of the world without spending money or making long distance phone calls. The site is immediate and messages and pictures can be uploaded very quickly.
Moreover the site has benefitted owners of clubs, restaurants etc as they can use the site to inform teenagers and university students about upcoming events. Then, using the website they can personally invite 1000s of people and gain an approximate idea of how many people will attend their club or party. This therefore helps club owners and party organisers market their functions and target their advertising at the younger generation...who are most likely to attend clubs,bars etc.

Monday, 16 April 2007


http://www.channel4.com/entertainment/tv/microsites/S/skins/index_main.html

'Skins'
The skins website is aimed directly at the british youth. This is clear through the all-teen cast, use of slang and plots based around issues concerning teenagers. As a result of this, the website must be catered for teenagers and narrowcasted to suit teenagers. On the website users can watch skins trailers, watch unseen skins episodes and even catch up on episodes that they have missed. This is an example of convergence and how the interent can be used to watch television programmes rather than just the television. Moreover, the skins episodes can be seen via 'myspace'. The idea of using myspace has been done in order to increase the programmes appeal tothe younger generation. Myspace is frequently used by teenagers and having a skins webpage on myspace makes it more accessible and appealing to youths. It also provides the conmpany free advertising space and a chance to gather an online fan base and community.
Furthermore on the website users can enter competitions and win prizes, this is an example of interactivity and giving the audience a chance to get closer to text and get involved. However an even bigger example of this on the website is a section entitled 'get involved with skins series 2'. Here audiences have the chance to visit the set during filming in June. Audiences also have the chance to feedback on episodes of skins to the creators of Skins in the MySpace forums, This is an example of interactivity and giving the audience a chance to get involved with the production of the programme.
Audiences also have the chance to sign up to the skins community and receive free information about skins, wallpapers, competitions etc. This gives the company a greater reach by creating an online skins community.


www.dior.com

The christin dior website is split into two sections, one for fashion and accessories and the other for fragrance and beauty. The site is then further split into a men and women's sections, this is an example of narrowcasting as the products for men and women are seperated. As a result of this audiences are fragmented into groups of men and women.
I decided to look at the women's fashion section on the site. This section allows users to choose from 10 countries where they can locate their nearest boutique or shop online. Online shopping is an example of interactivity and gives audiences much more convenience and flexibility as they can order anything from dior without leaving their house. The site offers moving pictures of the latest dior outfits for the current season and a sneak preview of the seasons to come. Moreover, with the use of video technology, audiences can watch a series of dior fashion shows. This is an example of convergence, how the internet can be used to watch film on. Moreover, new media technologies mean that the quality of such videos and images on the site are clearer and allow for enhanced sound/picture quality and more pleasure for the audience.
Furthermore, the site uses online surveillance to target it's consumers more effectively. For example, if you purchase a ring from the dior jewellery section, you will get e-mails and pop ups showing you various other items of jewellery or for instance the matching necklace to the ring that you hve purchased. This is an effective way in which companies target their consumers and thus sell more of their product.
www.apple.com/iphone

When looking at a product that has become a phenomenon and has been much awaited i decided to look at the iPhone. The iphone combines three amazing products — a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough Internet communications device with desktop-class email, web browsing, maps, and searching — into one small and lightweight handheld device. This is a clear example of convergence as the iphone merges various technologies into one. iPhone also introduces an entirely new user interface based on a large multi-touch display and pioneering new software, letting you control everything with just your fingers. The iphone ushers in an era of software power and sophistication never before seen in a mobile device, completely redefining what you can do on a mobile phone.
iPhone is a revolutionary new mobile phone that allows you to make a call by simply pointing your finger at a name or number in your address book, a favorites list, or a call log. It also automatically syncs all your contacts from a PC, Mac, or Internet service. And it lets you select and listen to voicemail messages in whatever order you want — just like email.

www.apple.com/itunes

The ipod has taken the natoin by storm and has become increasingly popular amongst people of all ages. The ipod has taken music technology one step further as consumers are able to watch the music videos to their favourite songs, create playlists and manage all of their songs on one,small,portable device. The ipod website has a very colourful and attractive homepage with picture of the product in different, bright colours. On the website, users can see what films and programmes are available to download onto their ipods as well as download music,podcasts and games. The website is a clear example of convergence and shows how products such as the ipod have made watching films and listening to music convenient. The downloads are quick and easy and thus attract people to investing in the ipod.
The website also offers artists a platform to advertise their music on- if they are included on the day's playlists then people are more likely to listen to their music. Moreover the website has a section for 'single of the week', which gives the specific artist or band much exposure.
After looking at the homepage of the site i looked more at the 'ipod shuffle' in more detail. The ipod shuffle coems in five different, attractive colours and allows audiences to wear up to 240 songs on their sleeve, lapel or belt. The ipod shuffle is clip on and is very convenient and lightweight. The product is an example of miniturisation and shows how products are getting smaller and smaller...the ipod shuffle can be compared to large cd walkmans, whcih were extremely inconvenient and involved too much hassle. New technologies such as the ipod put emphasis on comfort and convenience.

Thursday, 29 March 2007


www.empireonline.com

'Empire' is a prominant film magazine, however the website allows people to keep up to date with the latest film news without purchasing the magazine. This is an example of online magazines which again shows the convergence of the internet and magazines. The internet is taking over many other media technologies such as television, phones and now even magazines. The website offers ratings for recently released films and gossip about the film industry. However, more importantly, with the use of new media technologies the website is able to have online, video interviews. This week the website has a video interview with Carmen Electra about her upcoming film 'I want candy'. There are also interviews with the cast of '300' as well as the results of the 'Empire awards 2007'. The website is also an example of interactivity as users are able to take part in live web-chat with ground-breaking British director Danny Boyle. This shows how the itnernet can be used as a means of communication and increases interactivity.
The site benefits the film industry as the site can be used as a platform for them to advertise their films. Moreover, the site helps create word of mouth and a narrative image of upcoming movies as viewers are able to watch previews and trailers of films. This advertising space saves the film industry a lot of money as they can now use the internet as a means of advertising rather than television.
The website is extremely interactive with forums and competitions and sections were audiences can write reviews for films. This is an example of democratisation, getting the audience involved in the media.
The magazine also benefits from this site greately as it encourages people to buy the magazine and can even see an 'interactive preview' of the magazine as well as subscribe to it. Although the website provides audiences with much information and a chance to interact with one another and enter competitions- it is still not as good as the magazine itself, so people are sitll encouraged to buy the magazine and can simply use the website as a chance to access and film information quickly- i.e: cinema listings or film reviews.

www.channingtatum.org

this website has been set up entirely for fans of the ex-model/actor Channing Tatum. The site provides fans with the chance to look at photos of him aas well as comment on them- this encourgaes interactiviy on the site as fans can contribute to the site by commenting on pictures. Moreover, the site offers fans the cance to download videos, wallpapers, screen savers and even animations of Channing. The site also contains extracts from previous interviews and photoshoots that Channing has had. However the most important feature of the site, which applies to most fan sites, is the forum. The forum encourgaes interactivity and creates the idea of an online community where fans of Channing can interact with one another. The site benefits the fans as well as Channing Tatum- because of the extra publicity it brings him.
www.youtube.com

'you tube' is a site were users can create an account and download and share video clips. The website is a clear example of convergence and narrowing the gap between television and the internet. The fact that users can watch episodes of 'the simpsons', watch trailers for their favorite movie and even watch music videos via you tube shows how television and the internet are slowly merging into one product and how with the use of new media technologies, it is not necessary to own a television in order to watch programmes.
However it is clear that the most important aspect of youtube is the fact that members are allow to post their own videos. This allows the consumers of the media to be more involved in making the media. The site thus encourages democratisation as users have the chance to play a role in the mediaIt also benefits independant film makers as it provides them with a platform to advertise their work on- for free. Also, fans of films can make their own parodies of films, such as the famous 'lord of the rings' spoof produced by a group of teenagers.
Video technology on phones and new digital camcorders has allowed people of all ages to make a contribution to the media, without paying.
www.myspace.com

'myspace' has taken the nation by storm with its increasing popularity. The website is a clear and possibly one of the most prominent example of personalisation and interactivity. The website allows users to create their own web page, with pictures, videos and more importantly gives them the chance to blog and create online communities. This website has helped many businesses as it is used as a platform for them to advertise their products and it is also used for networking.
'myspace' is aimed mostly at teenagers, with the majority of users aging between 15 and 21. The webiste allows users to personalise the media by creating their own web pages, with their own design,colour,music, content etc.
The website also illustrates interactivity via the internet as users can interact with friends by commenting each other as well as using the recently introduced imessenger, which is similar to msn messenger. Moreover the website encourages online communities for fans or simply people with similar interests.
'myspace' has also proved to be beneficial for institutions as far as advertising goes. For example, singers with myspaces, such as Eminem, JayZ and Jme can advertise their upcoming singles via myspace either through messages or bulletins. This provides them with free advertising space targettted at teenagers, who are their target audience. Moreover, fans can also watch previews of music videos and get information about upcoming concerts, gigs etc.

www.ring-themovie.com

I chose to look at the website for 'The Ring' as i think it is a very good example of how new media technologies are used in order to create a more appealing, interactive website in order to market films.
The website has several links that alow the audience to become more familiar with the film before seeing it. The website also helps create a narrative image for the film, which is that it is a thrilling movie based around a deadly video tape. This narrative image is created as soon as viewers enter the site as the black background and scary, disturbing flashing images suggest the genre of the film and possible story lines. The intro to the website consists of flashing images and videos of characters from the film, this sets up an enigma for viewers and draws them in to find out more about the film.
The website allows audiences to visit image galleries and see behind the scenes footage as well as read the film's production notes. This makes the audience feel more involved with the film and thus makes them more eager to see it. Moreover, audiences have the chance to download wallpapers, screen savers, e cards and aim icons from the film. This promotes the film even further- and shows how the internet can be used successfully to market and advertise a film. Using the internet as a platform for marketing benefits the instituions greately as they save a lot of advertising money- moreover, the website will always be there,whereas billboards and television adverts wont always be shown.
Furthermore, the website offers audiences to watch the film's trailer. This is an example of convergence and how the internet and television are merging into one product as now, instead of watching trailers via the television, viewers can watch them online.

Tuesday, 20 March 2007


www.totalkiss.com

The kiss 100 website is a bright, fun, lively website which is targetted at teenagers- hence the bold, bright colours and flamboyant background. The site offers information about clubs, competitions, concerts, music and gossip. The site is split in 5 sectoins: clubs, music, entertainment, competitions and a section on 'my kiss', which allows consumers to be part of the kiss team. The opening page includes a slide show of what the site has to offer as well as moving images and adverts- which make the page stand out. This has all been made possible thanks to NMT's.

The website gives consumers the chance to listen to kiss 100 online or tune in to different kiss shows, such as the breakfast show. The website is extremely interactive and users can even e-mail the kiss dj's and request songs as well as enter competitions. Furthermore audiences are able to select a dj from the 'select a dj' panel and view the dj's playlist and download songs from it. This makes the radio more flexible for the audience as if they miss a radio show, they can download it via the website.

Consumers are also able to subscribe to the 'kiss mobile', were they will receive the latest kiss info to their inbox- such as the latest gossip, competitions and concerts. The site is aimed entirely at teenagers and even has a section entitled 'bored'. This sectino contains video archives- using NMT's and jokes archives as well as picture archives. This has all been made possible due to the use of NMT's such as advanced video technology.

The website is a clear example of convergence and outlines how radio, television and the internet are all converging into one product as consumers are able to watch videos, listen to the radio and enter competitions all via the internet.

The kiss 100 website benefits institutions as they have a platform to broadcast their media on- and kiss, being a famous name, attracts many visitors. Moreover 'kiss' benefit from the site as they use it to advertise and promote their radio shows, competitions, dj's and events. They also make money from companies who pay for advertising space on their website- for example, 'Lynx'. The 'lynx' adverts are posted all around the site and offer a link to the 'lynx's' website.
www.channel4.com

The Channel 4 website has a wide range of content for channel 4 viewers. The website is very interactive with online games, forums and a chance to download channel 4 updates onto your mobile phone. The website is split into 7 different sections: watch online, TV, entertainment, lifestyle, documentaries, news and interact. This gives the audience a lot of choice and makes it easier for them to navigate around the site as it has been broken down for them.

The website can be used as a replacement for television as viewers are able to watch channel 4 programmes via the website. Moreover, audiences can also listen to the radio, ‘4radio’, which shows that the website can also be used as a replacement for radio.

On the home page of the website, there are various advertisement for upcoming channel 4 programmes, such as ‘deal or no deal’ and ‘Hollyoaks’. These advertisements have moving pictures and bright bold writing, in order to draw the viewer’s attention to them. Furthermore on the home page there is a video clip about climate change and saving energy. This is an example of how new technology has allowed for such high quality videos to be broadcasted online.

The website is directed at a wide audience ranging from teens to middle aged people. However, on the website there are links to 'E4', 'film four' and 'more4'. These links allow teenagers for example to access the E4 website which is targetted at their age group and is more relavent to them. On the other hand, older audiences may be attracted to the film four website where they can check listings and watch films online.

On the website there is a section for music- here channel 4 offer viewers a chance to catch up on the latest gossip in the music industry, watch music videos from their favourite artists, enter competitions and even listen to unsigned artists in '4unsigned'. The website also has podcasting where audiences can download radio programmes and listen to them in their own time. On the music page there are moving pictures of aritsts such as P.diddy, Nelly Furtado and Gwen stefani. In addition to that there is a scrolling marquee bar displaying links to the different areas of the 'E4 music zone'. For example, there is a link to the 'gossip monster' and to the 'take that competition'.

The 'tv' link on the website allows viewers catch up on their favourite channel 4 programmes such as 'Ugly Betty' or 'Desperate Housewives'. I visited the section on 'Desperate Housewives' and i was able to have a virtual episode guide, catch up on the episodes that i had missed and even view images of the cast members.

The main benefit of the channel 4 website to consumers, is that they are able to watch their favourite programmes online and even catch up on episodes that they have missed. This also benefits the institutions as it gives them the ability to attract potential new audiences. This is because viewers who have never seen 'Ugly Betty' for example, can watch the trailers, read about the episodes and get a feel for the programme before watching it.

The website also shows the coming together of television and radio, to allow a varied media to be consumed- convergence. The website allows viewers to consume different kinds of media with the use of NMT's. Moreover, the fact that channel 4 is an extremely prominant channel- it allows them to use their status to promote other channels such as E4 and Film Four.

wohooooooooo

i know how to blogggg--lalalalalala

wohooooooooo

i know how to blogggg--lalalalalala

Tuesday, 13 March 2007

welcome to your new tech blog

hi golnessa happy blogging! ms b