The technologies that will further be analysed are GPS (Global Positioning System), 3G, digital mapping and augmented reality. The application has a GPS and a virtual map, so that it can direct the guest to the party. Getting to certain venues in big cities can be quite difficult when being in hurry and getting lost 15 minutes before the event starts is not very helpful. The system would have a clear guidance about how to get to the party. A countdown can be enabled so that the guest knows how much time is left until the party or event starts, so they can get a text message before it starts and get a notice about any modifications that the event might undergo.
A digital map is the condensed version of a road atlas. The fact that it is more detailed increases accessibility and usability. Currently, the system only allows for a basic outline of building/ venues. The digital map can be further developed by showing greater details of the building/ venue layout. This way anyone who enters the building can get accurate directions. This elaboration might raise setbacks regarding costing and time; therefore further research on the economic impact must be foreseen. In order to improve the functionality of the iPhone application, the research and development must take place at least on a national level eliminate any technical glitches that might occur.
As mentioned, the GPS and the digital map help the user to find the party location, but also to see where other friends are. A global positioning system is based on satellite transmission. When people find themselves in a venue, often they lose their friends, so this is an effective way to find them. If the application is turned on both iPhones, people should be able to find each other. This can be a suitable way to find them because phoning them during a party or a football match is useless. This means that the user has an interactive map on the screen which can be used to locate people and places accurately. The map is interactive, meaning that the client can scroll in any direction needed.
In addition, to make the tool simpler to use, augmented reality can be correlated to the GPS. This is thought to be an effective method to help users find their way faster and in a more accurate manner. Augmented reality is a virtual world merged with real world features which is interactive in real time. Also, most augmented reality devices have a tracking system integrated into the hardware. Therefore, combined with a GPS means that looking on the screen while holding the phone in a desired direction shows the user what he can find in that focus. The merging of the two technologies will ensure the user will be kept up-to-date with any changes that occur regarding location.
Augmented reality – AR, as it has quickly become known – has only recently become a phrase that trips easily off technologists' lips; yet we've been seeing versions of it for quite some time. The idea is straightforward enough: take a real-life scene, or (better) a video of a scene, and add some sort of explanatory data to it so that you can better understand what's going on, or who the people in the scene are, or how to get to where you want to go.
Arthur, C., 2010 Augmented reality: it's like real life, but better [WWW]. Available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/mar/21/augmented-reality-iphone-advertising [Accessed: 14/11/10].
Another technology that could be involved is 3G or 3rd Generation. This tool implies having wireless internet connection available on the iPhone no matter where the person using it is located. Although Wi-Fi can take the place of the 3G, its use is limited. Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network and it involves resting in a certain zone where the router is installed in order to keep Wi-Fi compatible devices (e.g. laptops, phones) connected. The application needs internet connection in order to enable the iPhone link to other friends’ profiles and allow them to locate each other. When going into certain venues that do not have Wi-Fi, the iPhone application cannot be used, therefore 3G seems a decent option to be considered. However, there might be issue with this device because 3G requires some particular countries having a licence in order to use it.
One of the main reasons for the development of the 3G system to make higher value services available to as many users as possible world wide, using a universal design of the handset. Blanchard, C., Security for the Third Generation (3G) Mobile System, Network Systems & Security Technologies. Available at: http://www.isrc.rhul.ac.uk/useca/OtherPublications/3G_UMTS%20Security.pdf [Accessed: 17/11/10].
The technologies mentioned can be used in parallel with one another; nonetheless, all of them are currently in use. The GPS, the 3G and augmented reality are the essential basis for this application to function. The Wi-Fi is mentioned as a substitute technology for the 3G, but has limited connectivity. The digital mapping, on the other hand, allows for an enhanced interaction for the attendee as they get to familiarise themselves with the surroundings. Even so, the data base needs further development on the building floor plans. As a whole, the application has great potential to put in use a combination of technologies that are already in existence, but will create new uses in the information systems.
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