Emerging Technologies Tetrad

Emerging Technologies Tetrad

From year to year, there are constant changes that take place that almost always have something to do with technology. As I thought about a progressive technology, the first that came to my mind was the iPhone. Since its inception in 2007, the iPhone has completely revolutionized how consumers communicate on a number of different levels.

We have been focusing on Terad’s in my Emerging Technology class and they serve as a perfect example to describe the continuous progression of the iPhone.  Thornburg (2008) describes a tetrad as a lens to look at the life cycle of technology, according to McLuhan. Below are the tetrads for both the iPhone and the iPhone 6 from a comparison view.

Tetrad 1 – The original iPhone

Enhances The iPhone was marketed as a widescreen iPad. It was the first phone to sync all contacts from your PC or Mac	Obsoletes The palm pilot made obsolete desktop computers.
Retrieves The iPhone revolutionized that way people communicated back in 2007.	Reverse The iPhone was eventually replaced by 5 more advanced and updated models.

Tetrad 2 – the iPhone 6 Plus

Enhances The ability to communicate with a bigger and better display. Also enhances the power of the internal software of the device.	Obsoletes Totally makes all other iPhone models obsolete.
Retrieves The iPhone 6 rekindles the original iPhone look but is much bigger and advanced.	Reverse The iPhone 6 will totally enhance the scope of how people can communicate. It will also continue to be a leader in innovation.

Reference:

Thornburg, D. D. (2008b). Emerging technologies and McLuhan's Laws of Media. Lake

            Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.