The cost of comfortability.

Today’s technology makes life easier.  In a busy World, where everything is rushed and on demand.  It is great to know we have technology at our finger tips.  In previous times, we had several different devices to do several things.  I can remember as a child, we had a television.  The television came with a standard set of channels, but only if there was an antenna attached to it.  In order to watch cable, we needed a separate cable box. 

In the late 80’s we weren’t afforded the luxuries of watching our favorite movie on Demand.  Therefore, we needed a VCR. 

The VCR gave the flexibility of being able to watch movies when they were released, and to be able to record our favorite shows.  As a measure of sound, we would need to hook-up the television to the radio. 

The latter technology introduced, the DVD player. 

On any given day, a household could have five or more devices hooked-up to one TV.  This would be a big hassle.  If one device wasn't working properly, one would have to thumb through several wires in order to get to the source of the problem.

With each decade, technology has advanced.  The advancements have been great strides to be able to make our lives easier.  Our everyday schedules are kept electronically.  Instead of having multiple devices, technology has been simplified in order to be able to be able to watch television in live time and rewind as well as record, just as if a VCR or DVD would have in the past.  Televisions are being now built with DVD players built into the device.  Many televisions of today have surround sound.  Therefore, there is no need for that big clunky radio into to enjoy the movie theatre feel.  One of the best innovations of this decade are Smart Tv’s. 

The ability to utilize the Internet, Apps just like using a phone, and still able to watch television.   The newest advances in technology, specifically the invention of Smart Tv’s can make one only imagine what will come next.

The future of Smart TV’s are limitless.  They are becoming more popular; however, just like flat screens they will be the standard of modern day entertainment purposes.  I also foresee them being used in educational facilities.  It will be more convenient for instructors to conduct their lessons with the ability to use one device in the classroom.  I believe they will be intruded into the medical field.   The introduction of Smart Tv’s will allow doctors to be able to collaborate with other doctor’s during surgeries.  Smart TV’s are the wave of the future. 

Privacy Matters

Privacy Concerns are always among us.  However, one would never think the concern for privacy would come from within our own television.  In recent news it has come to light, within the terms and conditions of Samsung’s privacy policy for their Smart TV’s, they have the right to record private conversations and forward them to a third party.  Shocking right?  This information is not only disturbing but it’s also intrusive.  Considering the fact, many people do not take the time to read the hundreds of thousands of words within the privacy policy, better known as the fine print.   It simply appears these companies are taking advantage of the consumer.  The real question is how much are we really being manipulated?

Privacy should be of the utmost concern for everyone.  Considering the fact as American’s we are always so conscience about everything, from what we wear to how we eat.  Privacy is the one thing within our control.  We should be able to maintain privacy in order own homes.  We should be able to choose the topics as well as discussion we want to have in our own home.  When companies reserve the right to invade our privacy, it can cause us to wonder is there anywhere we are safe?

In early February 2015, it came to light Samsung TV’s were able to record and send information to third parties.  Although, the information was clearly stated in their privacy policy, it was not blatantly stated to consumers upon purchase. 

"Please be aware that if your spoken words include personal or other sensitive information, that information will be among the data captured and transmitted to a third party through your use of Voice Recognition."  This statement is shocking to read. 

I am an owner of a Samsung Smart TV.  Although, the one I own is for my children.  I am disgusted to even think the privacy I thought my home afforded me has now been violated.  Not only has my privacy been violated but by agreeing to the “terms of service’ I am a willing participant.  A matter of privacy of this caliber should be clearly stated.  Do you agree?