Convergence technologies and services
Convergence services, such as VoIP, IPTV, Mobile TV, Smart TV, etc., replace the old technologies and are a threat to the current service providers. IP-based convergence is inevitable and will result in new service and new demand in the market. When the old technology converges into the public-owned common, IP based services become access-independent or less dependent. The old service is access-dependent.
Convergent technologies can integrate the fixed-line with mobile to deliver convergent solutions. Recent examples of new, convergent services include the following.
Video on demand (VOD)
Video on demand (VOD) or audio and video on demand (AVOD) are systems which allow users to select and watch/listen to video or audio content when they choose to, rather than having to watch at a specific broadcast time. IPTV technology is often used to bring video on demand to televisions and personal computers.
Fixed-mobile convergence
Fixed–mobile convergence (FMC) is a change in telecommunications that removes differences between fixed and mobile networks. Fixed Mobile Convergence is a transition point in the telecommunications industry that will finally remove the distinctions between fixed and mobile networks, providing a superior experience to customers by creating seamless services using a combination of fixed broadband and local access wireless technologies to meet their needs in homes, offices, other buildings and on the go.
Mobile-to-mobile convergence
Mobile to mobile convergence (MMC) is a term to describe a technology used in modern computing and telephony. The term is an offshoot of fixed mobile convergence (FMC) and uses dual mode (cellular network and Wi-Fi) phones with a special software client and an application server to connect voice calls and business applications via a VoWLAN and/or through a cellular service.
Convergent technologies include the following.
IP Multimedia Subsystem
The IP Multimedia Subsystem or IP Multimedia Core Network Subsystem (IMS) is an architectural framework for delivering IP multimedia services.
Session Initiation Protocol
Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a standardized set of formats for communicating messages used to initiate, control, and terminate interactive user sessions with multimedia services such as Internet telephone calls, video conferencing, chat, file transfer, and online games.
IPTV
Internet Protocol television (IPTV) is a system through which television services are delivered using the Internet protocol suite over a packet-switched network such as a LAN or the Internet, instead of being delivered through traditional terrestrial, satellite signal, and cable television formats.
Voice over IP
Voice over IP (VoIP) is a methodology and group of technologies for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks, such as the Internet.
Digital video broadcasting – handheld
DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting – Handheld) is one of three prevalent mobile TV formats. It is a technical specification for bringing broadcast services to mobile handsets.
Ex. 28. Using the information above work in pairs. You are going to compare convergent services with traditional ones. Use the key words and phrases to help you. You may draw pictures and diagrams to explain your point.
Key words and phrases
Digital video broadcasting
Voice over IP
IPTV
Session Initiation Protocol
IP Multimedia Subsystem
Location-based services
Mobile-to-mobile convergence
Fixed-mobile convergence
Video on demand (VOD)
Mobile TV
Smart TV
UNIT 2. MOBILITY
Ex. 1. Read the text.
What is a mobile device?
A mobile device is basically any handheld computer. It is designed to be extremely portable, often fitting in the palm of your hand or in your pocket. Some mobile devices are more powerful, and they allow you to do many of the same things you can do with a desktop or laptop computer.
Ex. 2. Look at the list of devices. Which of them are mobile and which are not? Explain your choice using ex. 1.
Desktop computer, TV-set, smartphone, camera Canon, e-reader, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, monitor.
Ex. 3. What can you do on the move?
On the move I can do many things. For example, I can … on the move using …
(Make phone calls, send and receive e-mails, listen to music, read books, check public transportation schedule, search Web, take photos, buy something, watch videos.)
Ex. 4. Here are the words and word combinations you have to learn.
Allotment, backlit, boot up, cell service, consume, convenience, data plan, durable, e-paper display, e-reader, eye strain, feature, fit, free update, handheld computer, LCD, mobile OS, monthly fee, mouse pointer, palm, portable, purchase, refresh rate, smartphone, solid-state drive, tablet computer, touchpad, touch-sensitive, versatile, virtual keyboard, washed out.
Ex. 5. Read the text.
Mobile Devices
Tablet computers
Like laptops, tablet computers are designed to be portable. However, they provide a different computing experience. The most obvious difference is that tablet computers don't have keyboards or touchpads. Instead, the entire screen is touch-sensitive, allowing you to type on a virtual keyboard and use your finger as a mouse pointer.
Tablet computers are mostly designed for consuming media, and they are optimized for tasks like web browsing, watching videos, reading e-books, and playing games. For many people, a "regular" computer like a desktop or laptop is still needed in order to use some programs. However, the convenience of a tablet computer means it may be ideal as a second computer. Below are some of the main features you can expect with a tablet computer:
Mobile OS: Different types of tablets use different operating systems. Examples include Android and iOS. You'll usually be able to download free updates to your OS as they become available.
Solid-state drives: Tablet computers usually use solid-state drives, which allow the computer to boot up and open programs more quickly. They are also more durable than hard disk drives.
Wi-Fi and 3G/4G: Because they are optimized for Internet use, tablet computers have built-in Wi-Fi. For a monthly fee, you can also purchase a 3G or 4G data plan, allowing you to access the Internet from almost anywhere.
Bluetooth: In order to save space, tablet computers have very few ports. If you want to use an external keyboard or other peripherals, they will often use a wireless Bluetooth connection.
E-book readers
E-book readers (also called e-readers) are similar to tablet computers, except they are mainly designed for reading e-books (digital, downloadable books). Examples include the Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook.
E-book readers have either an e-paper display or an LCD:
E-paper: Short for electronic paper, this type of display can usually only display in black and white. It is designed to look a lot like an actual page in a book. Unlike an LCD, it is not backlit, so the text stays readable even outdoors in full sun. Many people consider e-paper to be more pleasant to read because it causes less eye strain. However, it generally can't be used for videos or other applications because the refresh rate is too low.
LCD: This is the same type of screen found on tablet computers and laptops. It's more versatile than e-paper, but it's often more difficult to view in bright sunlight, as the image becomes washed out. Since an LCD screen can display colors, this type of e-reader is better for viewing magazines or books with photos. Many LCD e-readers (such as the Nook Color) are basically tablet computers, as they can perform many different tasks in addition to displaying e-books.
You don't need an e-reader to read an e-book. E-books can usually be read on tablet computers, smartphones, laptops, and desktops.
Smartphones
A smartphone is a powerful mobile phone that is designed to run a variety of applications in addition to providing phone service. Smartphones are basically small tablet computers, and they can be used for web browsing, watching videos, reading e-books, playing games, and more.
Smartphones use touch screens and operating systems similar to those used by tablet computers. Many of them use a virtual keyboard, but others have a physical keyboard, which allows the entire screen to be used for display purposes.
Internet access is an important feature of smartphones. Generally, you will need to purchase a 3G or 4G data plan in addition to normal cell service. Smartphones can also connect to Wi-Fi when it is available; this allows you to use the Internet without using up your monthly data allotment.
A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a mobile device that is used for managing phone numbers, addresses, calendars, and other information. Before smartphones existed, a PDA was usually a separate device. Today, smartphones combine the functionality of a PDA and a mobile phone.
Ex. 6. True, false or no information.
1. All e-book readers can have only an LCD display.
2. Smartphones and small tablet computers are basically different devices.
3. Tablet computers differ from laptops because they normally don't have keyboards or touchpads.
4. A GPS navigator is nowadays a part of any smartphone.
5. If you have a computer, you can read an e-book.
6. With solid-state drives, tablet computers work quicker and longer.
7. LCDs are used in a wide range of applications including computer monitors, televisions, instrument panels, aircraft cockpit displays, and signage.
8. Tablet computers are optimized for producing texts.
Ex. 7. Answer the questions.
1. What portable electronic devices are mentioned in the text?
2. Which of them are described?
3. How do tablet computers differ from laptops?
4. What tasks are tablet computers optimized for?
5. What features do tablet computers possess?
6. What feature is necessary to use external devices with a tablet computer?
7. What examples of e-books do you know?
8. Which display would you prefer: an e-paper one or an LCD? Why?
9. What devices are combined in a smartphone?
Ex. 8. Continue the sentence.
1. Many LCD e-readers…
a) combine the functionality of a PDA and a mobile phone;
b) can perform many different tasks in addition to displaying e-books;
c) often use a wireless Bluetooth connection.
2. An e-paper display…
a) was usually a separate device;
b) is still needed in order to use some programs;
c) is designed to look a lot like an actual page in a book.
3. The entire screen of a tablet computer allows you…
a) to read books even outdoors in full sun;
b) to use your finger as a mouse pointer;
c) to purchase a 3G or 4G data plan in addition to normal cell service.
4. An LCD screen reader …
a) is better for viewing magazines;
b) causes less eye strain;
c) is used for managing phone numbers, addresses, calendars, and other information.
5. Tablet computers have…
a) an external keyboard or other peripherals;
b) an e-paper display;
c) built-in Wi-Fi.
Ex. 9. Speak about how a tablet computer is different from a laptop. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of a tablet computer?
Ex. 10. If you're thinking about buying an e-reader, think about what kinds of things you like to read. Do you mostly read books or magazines? What kind of screen do you think would be better?
Ex. 11. Smartphones can have virtual keyboards or physical keyboards. What are some advantages and disadvantages to each one?
Ex. 12. Match the words (1–7) with the definitions (A–G). Translate.
1. Bluetooth. 2. Voice activation. 3. Lithium-ion battery. 4. 3G network. 5. Text message. 6. Call waiting. 7. Voicemail.
A. A power source in cell phones. B. A short, written message sent to or from a cell phone. C. A cell phone feature that alerts of incoming calls during another call. D. A feature that calls a number by speaking instead of by dialing. E.A feature that lets you leave or listen to an electronic message. F. A wireless network that connects a phone with other devices. G. A wireless network that sends and receives data.
Ex. 13. Make up a sentence using the words and phrases.
1. For consuming, tablet computers, mostly, are, media, designed. 2. Is, in order, some programs, to use, needed, a laptop, still. 3. Of computers, different, different, use, types, operating systems. 4. I, to download, will, free updates, be able, to my OS. 5. Have, very few ports, to save, tablet computers, in order, space.
Ex. 14. Find English equivalents.
Посылать электронную почту, проверять расписание, сенсорный экран, потреблять энергию, преимущество планшета, множество приложений, такие программы все еще нужны, обновить информацию, экономить пространство, вместо набора номеров, чтобы улучшить качество, важная особенность прибора, проводная связь, оставить сообщение.
Ex. 15. Translate into English.
1. Мой компьютер очень мощный. 2. Эта особенность позволяет мне скачивать различные программы. 3. Нам требуются как настольные, так и переносные компьютеры. 4. Переносные компьютеры не имеют клавиатуры. 5. Преимущество планшета – в его размерах. 6. У нас есть возможность скачать бесплатные обновления. 7. Как правило, планшетники имеют встроенный Wi-Fi. 8. Мобильные устройства могут выполнять различные задачи.
Ex. 16. Give synonyms.
To allow, cell phone, extremely, feature, to fit, to purchase, entire, rate, type, usually, quickly, portable devises, convenient, to update.
Ex. 17. Choose the correct preposition. Translate into Russian.
1. The goal (of/on) scientific research is publication. 2. Scientists become known or remain unknown (by/into) their publications. 3. Good organization is the key (to/from) good writing. 4. Pay particular attention (on/to) those aspects (to/of) editorial style which tend to vary widely (on/from) journal (to/in) journal, such as the style (during/of) literature citation. 5. An improperly titled paper may be virtually lost and never reach the audience (for/with) which it was intended. 6. (with/in) scientific writing generally, and especially (about/in) titles, a good rule is: use the specific word, the familiar word, the short word.
Ex. 18. Underline complex object. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. Tell the secretary what you would like her to do. 2. Seeing the professor enter the room the students rose to greet her. 3. We can expect computer and internet to occupy a central place in distant education. 4. We knew him to be very clever, so we are not surprised that he won in the competition of programmers. 5. The manufacturers would like the time fixed for delivery to run from the 20thJanuary. 6. I want this IT-engineer to help me in repairing my computer.
Ex. 19. Form comparative or superlative degree depending on sense of the sentence.
Translate into Russian.
1. Transistor computers consumed far (little) power, produced far (little) heat, and were much (small) compared to the first generation. 2. The twenty – second of December is (short) day in the year. 3. Winter is (cold) season. 4. Moscow is (large) than St. Petersburg. 5. London is (large) city in England. 6. Friendship is (strong) that steel. 7. Minicomputers were much (small), and (cheap) than first and second generations of computers. 8. Health is (good) than (wealth).
Ex. 20. Write out suffixes for: a) the doer of action; b) the action. Translate.
Leader, indicate, worker, speaker, influence, simplify, owner, classify, profiteer, certify.