LAB2

= Why is the definition of genre controversial and not so applicable to the formation of digital genres? You may use the iPhone as a case. =
 * Lab 2 **

Shiels, M 2008, 'Obama uses iPhone to win support', BBC News, 3 October, viewed 16 June 2009.URL: []

The definition of ‘genre’ provided by dictionary.com is “a class or category of artistic endeavor having a particular form, content, technique, or the like”. However, the controversial of the definition of genre is arising due to the convergence of digital devices and software. One software can provide multiple services for the users.

Digital convergence provides new innovative solutions to the users such as Smartphone. Smartphones like iphones can do more then call and text. It can also browse on Internet, play music, take pictures, play games and many more. If digital convergence can converge devices, obviously it can converge software such as the one that was discussed in this article (Obama 08). Digital convergence blurs the borders of the genres.

Looking at the article ‘Obama uses iPhone to win support’ by Shiels, M, President Obama created an application for Iphone users to gather votes and spread awareness of the presidential campaign. The application also provides the users with up-to-date news of the campaign, videos and photos. Interesting thing about the application is that it has an option to ‘call friends’. Others may think that it may invade the privacy of the users however the application does not store information on the phone so the privacy of friends and the users are protected. and users were protected.