TEXT 1. Telecommunications convergence

Communication networks were designed to carry different types of information independently. Radio was designed for audio, and televisions were designed for video. Convergence of telecommunication technology permits the manipulation of all forms of information, voice, data, and video.

The rise of digital communication in the late 20th century has made it possible for media organizations (or individuals) to deliver text, audio, and video material over the same wired, wireless, or fiber-optic connections. At the same time, it inspired some media organizations to explore multimedia delivery of information. Today, we are surrounded by a multi-level convergent media world where all modes of communication and information are continually reforming, changing the way we create, consume, learn and interact with each other. Specifically, this involves the converging of previously distinct media such as telephony and data communications into common interfaces on single devices, such as smart phones that can make phone calls and search the web.

The historical roots of convergence can be traced back to the emergence of mobile telephony and the Internet, when fixed and mobile telephony began to be offered by operators as joined products.

The basis of computer networks is also included in this topic: many different operating systems are able to communicate via different protocols. This could be the first step to artificial intelligence networks on the Internet eventually leading to a powerful superintelligence via a technological singularity.

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.

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.

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.

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 (FMC) is a change in telecommunications that removes differences between fixed and mobile networks. FMC is a transition point in the telecommunications industry that will finally remove the distinctions between fixed and mobile networks 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 (MMC) is a term to describe a technology used in modern computing and telephony. This technology 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.

 

3. True, false or no information? Find the sentences in the text that support your point of view:

1. Convergence is historically connected with the marketing activities of telephone companies.

2. The once-separate worlds of media, entertainment and communications have converged.

3. From the very beginning fixed and mobile telephony were offered by operators as joined products.

4. MMC removes differences between fixed and mobile networks.

5. To effectively exploit the new opportunities in the market of telecommunications, service providers must examine current business models.

6. IPTV technology is used for VOD.

7. Telecommunications convergence or network convergence are terms describing fixed phones networks.

 

4. Answer the questions:

1. How did old media and networks carry information?

2. When did the term convergence emerge?

3. What role did telephone operators play in the emergence of convergent services?

4. How can text, audio, and video material be delivered nowadays?

5. Is a smart phone an example of convergence? Why?

6. What can be considered as the first step to artificial intelligence networks?

 

5. Continue the sentence.

1. Digital convergence refers to ___.

a. the way we create, consume, learn and interact with each other.

b. emerging telecommunications technologies and network architecture.

c. previously separate technologies that now interact with each other.

2. Technological convergence is ___.

a. the first step to artificial intelligence networks.

b. the tendency for different technological systems to evolve toward performing similar tasks.

c. television and radio broadcasting network.

3. Voice over IP can be described as ___.

a. a technology using dual mode (cellular network and Wi-Fi) phones.

b. a group of technologies for the delivery of voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks.

c. a system through which television services are delivered.

6. Make a plan of the text. Retell the text according to the plan.

7. Prepare a short summary of the text using the expressions (See Appendix II for annotation details).

8. Discuss the theme ‘ 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.

9. Look at the list of devices. Which of them are mobile and which are not? Explain your choice using ex.8.

Desktop computer, TV-set, smartphone, camera Canon, e-reader, router, tablet computer, laptop computer, monitor, smart watch.

 

10. Write/ tell what you can do on the move. Share your own ideas.

On the move I can do many things. For example, I can … on the move using ….

(Make/answer phone calls, send and receive e-mails, listen to music, read books, check public transportation schedule, search Web, take photos, buy something, watch videos).

11. Read the text to learn some more information aboutmobile devices. H ere 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.

 

TEXT 2. 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.

 

12. True, false or no information? Find the sentences in the text that support your point of view:

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.

 

13. 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?

 

14. 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.

15. Make a plan of the text and prepare a short summary of the text using the expressions (See Appendix II for annotation details).

Part II. Language

16. Use the correct form of the word.

1. The tendency for different technological systems to perform similar tasks is called _____. (converge, convergent, convergence)

2. Video on demand is an example of _____. services (converge, convergent, convergence).

3. Distinct media such as telephony and data communications _____.into common interfaces on single devices (converge, convergent, convergence).

4. VoIP is a very popular _____. offered by many companies (service, serviced).

5. Our fixed phone line is _____. by Dom.ru (service, serviced).

 

17. Match the words to their meanings.

1) surround	a) give somebody the desire, confidence or enthusiasm to do smth well
2) singularity	b) be all around something
3) emergence	c) the state, fact etc. of being singular
4) trace back	d) become known
5) permit	e) the appearance of new things

 

18. Match the terms to their definitions

1) artificial intelligence	a) multiple things created by a single production process at the same time
2) media	b) an area of study concerned with making computers copy human behavior
3) convergence	c) the main means of mass communication, such as broadcasting, the Internet etc.
4) singularity	d) a point at which a function takes an infinite value
5) joint products	e) the tendency for different technological systems to evolve toward performing similar tasks

 

19. Find English equivalents.

Выполнять схожие задачи, основные особенности, сети были разработаны для, предлагать продукты, продавать продукты, доставить информацию, первый шаг к искусственному интеллекту, обрабатывать информацию, цифровое информационное пространство, распределять ресурсы.

 

20. Translate into English.

1. Термин “конвергенция” означает объединение двух или нескольких технологий в одном устройстве. 2. Искусственный интеллект – это технология создания интеллектуальных машин, копирующих поведение человека. 3. Слияние технологий связано с появлением мобильной телефонии и интернета. 4. Это устройство можно рассматривать в качестве примера слияния технологий. 5. Люди создают продукты и потребляют их.

 

21. Give synonyms.

To design a device, to manipulate data, to permit, to connect, to carry information, to perform, the tendency, to involve, nowadays, current business models, a task, be able, to define.

 

22. Match the words (1-7) with the definitions (A-G). Translate.

1. Bluetooth	a) a power source in cell phones.
2. Voice activation	b) a short, written message sent to or from a cell phone.
3. Lithium-ion battery	c) a cell phone feature that alerts of incoming calls during another call.
4. 4G network	d) a feature that calls a number by speaking instead of by dialing.
5. Text message	e) a feature that lets you leave or listen to an electronic message.
6. Call waiting	f) a wireless network that connects a phone with other devices.
7. Voicemail	g) a wireless network that sends and receives data.

 

23. 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.

 

24. Translate into English.

1. Моя электронная книга очень современная. 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, планшетный компьютер имеет встроенный Wi-Fi. 8. Мобильные устройства могут выполнять различные задачи.

 

25. Give synonyms.

To allow, cell phone, extremely, feature, to fit, to purchase, entire, rate, type, usually, quickly, portable devises, convenient, to update.

 

26. 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 20^thJanuary. 6. I want this IT-engineer to help me in repairing my computer.

 

27. Translate into English. Use complex object.

1. Я хочу, чтобы мой смартфон имел последнюю версию ОС. 2. Разработчики полагают, что данный объём памяти устройства позволит устанавливать самые современные приложения. 3. Мой друг знает, что жидкокристаллический монитор не позволяет использовать электронную книгу при ярком свете. 4. Мы ожидаем, что новая модель смартфона будет очень тонкой. 

 

28. Form comparative or superlative degree depending on the 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 (obvious) difference is that tablet computers don't have keyboards or touchpads. 3. LCDs are used in a (wide) range of devices than e-paper displays. 4. A tablet computer is usually (large) than a smartphone. 5. 4G network is (fast) compared with the 3G network. 6. For me, the e-paper screen is (convenient) than the LCD. 7. Minicomputers were much (small), and (cheap) than first and second generations of computers. 8. Smart watch is the (modern) wearable computer.