USER INTERACTION TECHNOLOGIES

User Interaction Technologies

User Interaction Technologies

Introduction

Since the advent, of modern computing in 1946, the uses of interactive technology have expanded far beyond their initial role of performing complex calculations. Today, computers are not just for scientists; they are an integral part of workplaces and homes. The diffusion of computers has led to modern uses for interactive technology; including one that computing pioneers of the 1940s never imagined: using computers to change people's attitudes and behavior. These user interaction technologies ranging from mobile phones, cameras, iPhones, iPad or Tablet PCs etc. Recent research and new computing products illustrate interactive technology's potential for motivating and influencing people (Bosker, 2010).

Discussion

Garnering loads of attention was the debut of the iPad (Figure 1), Apple's much-anticipated tablet computer. Scheduled to hit the market in March 2010, the unfortunately, named iPad will retail for $499 for the base model, with purchase options for additional storage and 3G network access. Steve Jobs's presentation of the iPad, and demonstrations available on Apple's web site, show a sleek product that seems destined, to attract those ready to purchase their first e-reader, as well as existing e-reader enthusiasts, who want to upgrade to a more feature-rich and color-filled experience. Apple's development of the iBook Store, which will include offerings from at least five leading publishers, makes it a formidable opponent to Amazon's Kindle device and service. Within days of the iPad's debut, Amazon made a concession to Macmillan Publishing, one of the Apple Five, agreeing to increase the cost of Kindle versions of their books from $9.99 to Apple iPad $13-15 per title. Future concessions from Amazon may follow, since Apple's attractive business model allows publishers freedom to set prices while keeping 70 percent of sales revenue. Meanwhile, Apple also faced some significant changelings, such as instability of health of Steve Jobs, struggling with sustainment of its growth in smart phone market concerns about depression. Even during the downturn in the economic conditions, the third quarter in2009 made revenues of 8.34 billion dollar, which had 12% increase over the same quarter the preceding year; a net quarterly profit of 1.23 billion, which had 15% increase over the same period in 2008. Sales growth was the second fastest over the past 20 quarters. Apple's revenues were increasingly coming non-computer products, such as iPod iPhone. The Tablet PC industry had been expected to grow at a rate of 5-6 percent to reach $354 billion by 2012. However, the continuation of the U.S. recession beyond economists' projections, which caused most industry analysts to avoid making strong forecasts of future dem (Jim, 2010).

According social survey, Tablet PC penetration has much higher than Mac's. Many consumer's business users who owned Tablet PCs were hesitant to purchase a Mac because of Apple's premium pricing because of the learning curve involved with in its proprietary operating system. This definitely have a negative impact on sales of Mac. Fortunately, purchasing iPods iPhones can simulate the consumers to switch to Apple ...