iMessage is a featured programme associated with the 'Apple' products.
It was introduced on the 6th June 2011 by Scott Forstall.
On 23rd October 2012, Apple announced that device users have sent 300 billion messages using iMessage and that Apple delivers an average of 28,000 messages per second.
iMessage allows users to send texts, documents, photos, videos, contact information, and group messages over Wi-Fi, mobile phone Internet access, or other forms of Internet.
It provides an alternative to regular SMS or MMS messaging.
iMessage is accessible through the messages app on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touches.
When a message is sent to a mobile number, Messages will check with Apple if the mobile number is set up for iMessage. If it is, then the message will seamlessly transition from SMS to iMessage.
Slide 3
Conventions of iMessage...
The recipient's message is aligned to the left, where the writer's message is aligned to the right.
The messages appear in blue or grey bubbles.
A user can see if the other iMessage user is typing a message, pale grey ellipses appears.
You can opt to show delivery receipts.
There is a group chat feature (for those only with apple devices).
Emojis are widely used.
Text language is common.
Spell check.
Predictive Text.
Slide 4
Language is influenced by conventions...
Emojis - iconic, visual representations of an idea, entity, feeling, status or event, that is used alongside or instead of words in digital messaging and social media. They provide their an impoverished message. Emojis are mainly used to support and enhance the meaning conveyed by a text in a digital message - they allow the user to add tone and to interpret the meaning of the text. Text language - through the use of phonetic representation, users have developed their own text language tailored to the immediacy and compactness of new communication media. With millions texting daily, it comes as no surprise that an abbreviated language has been created. This is an easy and quick way for iMessage users to quickly and sufficiently send a text. Predictive Text - as instant messaging has evolved, so has it's features. Over time iMessage has improved and so has to keep up with the latest technological advancements. The messaging app now includes predictive text. Users receive a bar above their keyboard which works by suggesting words the user may wish to insert in a text field. Predictions are based on the context of other words in the message, the first letters typed and previous sent texts.
Slide 5
According to Hutchby, affordances
are the possibilities of the machine/mode, offered to the user.
When a programmer designs a
technology, in this case Apple creating iMessage, they have intentions for the
programme about what it will be used for. A user can also find the most
beneficial use of the programme.
group
messages
real-time
messaging
picture
and voice note capabilities
emojis
messages
both sent and received are permanent (unless you decide to delete them)
The
programmer of iMessage wanted to create an Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
application, where messaging is easier and enjoyable. The users of
iMessage however, took this feature of the apple products and used it in
order to aid them with school or work projects, which was not an
original affordance of the app.
The affordances of iMessage...
Slide 6
Constraints of iMessage...
Technological advancements bring limitations on the English Language With the use of communication through technology, people are becoming lazy with the way they choose to 'speak'. Short cut phrases are produced in text instead of typing a whole word. Some people even choose to take these words and use them in verbal communication.Prescriptivists are old school people who think standard English is being ruined. This comes with the help of technology as we are able to create a new type of language.However, descriptivists believe that we are not ruining the language, we are evolving it. With technology advancements comes language evolvement and it is only expected that we move on with speech as technology does too.
This
screenshot come from a mixed-sex group chat.
Emojis are used widely to portray the feelings of the chatters.
Pragmatics and socio-lect are prominent.
example- 'I'm crying', doesn't literally mean that she is upset but that she finds the conversation funny, this also works for 'I'm pissing myself' as she is not actually.
