Ng: Convergence and the tech industry

CONVERGENCE has been the buzzword in the technology industry for many years. The computer industry is often referred to as the information and communications technology industry. Indeed, many cell phone shops also sell such things as printers, mp3 players and netbooks. Some computer stores are now also selling smartphones.

Not only that, most of the Globe Tattoo, SmartBro and other cell phone technologies used to access the Internet is now being distributed and sold through many computer stores. Also, most music is now distributed and accessed through computers and no longer purchased from music stores. A large percentage of video and TV viewing is now done through computers as well.

Updates on President Benigno Aquino III's presidency

Smartphones are Web-enabled phones that not only take calls but also allow users to surf the Internet. Cell phone companies now bundle them, or even netbooks, with unlimited 3G data plans.

Smartphones are expensive but according to a survey of American travelers, over a third of cell phones in the US are now smartphones. These smartphones are now a prime tool for travel information. According to the survey by the Harrison Group, 47 percent of people who use smartphones also use the global positioning system (GPS) functionality of their phones to find their way while traveling, 46 percent use it to check flight updates, while 29 percent use it to compare airfares or hotel rates.

Many of them also use the device to look for information when visiting a new place or city.

Enabling many of these technologies are lithium-ion batteries – the rechargeable power source for cell phones, notebooks as well as most other portable devices. Lithium-ion batteries are deemed superior to the nickel cadmium and metal hydride batteries of yesteryears. They are lighter, last longer and don’t have the memory effect – meaning you don’t have to drain them before recharging.

Unfortunately, lithium-ion has a downside – when it short circuits or overheat, it can catch fire or explode. Not only that, the fire that it creates is also not as easy to extinguish.

You might remember that a few years ago, thousands of lithium-ion batteries of notebooks had to be recalled and changed because when these overheated or were left alone, there were several instances when these would suddenly catch fire. That is still a concern.

In June, cabin attendants of an American Airlines flight had to confiscate devices when a passenger checked in 58 cell phone batteries for his luggage. A few months earlier, a luggage at Narita airport caught fire when a curling iron powered by a lithium-ion battery burst into flames.

This has prompted legislation to set up more safeguards in terms of transporting the batteries and there have been debates whether a passenger, for instance, should be limited on how many batteries he or she can carry into a flight.

For now, the Transportation Security Administration of the United States has ruled that lithium-ion batteries in fewer numbers cannot be powerful enough to be used as an explosive and become a security threat. Although some airports will frown on spare batteries, traditionally there is no restriction if you have batteries that are attached to an electronic functioning device.

Lithium ion devices are considered hazardous materials only if carried in large commercial quantities.

(www.ngkhai.net/bizdrivenlife)