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Global Positioning System (GPS)
What: a network of satellites.
Why: to pinpoint someone or something with co-ordinates.
How: SatNav in mobile phones
3G/4G
What: a high speed data connection for mobile devices.
Why: enables mobile devices to connect to the Internet where there is a signal.
How: originally used to facilitate video calling but can be used for many purposes.
Barcodes / Magnetic Strip
What: methods of automatic data entry
Why: because humans make mistakes and enter data slowly.
How: used in supermarkets and banking to identify the relevant record in a database.
Chip & Pin
What: a way of authenticating a person making a purchase.
Why: it is more secure than a signature.
How: used mostly as a payment method.
GSM / Mobile Phones
What: a portable method of communication
Why: to be able to make calls anywhere a signal is available
How: using a network of masts around the country
Games Consoles
What: hardware dedicated to rich and complex graphical environments.
Why: rise in popularity of computer games.
How: Xbox, Playstation, etc.
e-Readers / e-Ink
What: a device designed specifically for reading e-books.
Why: to make the reading experience more versatile.
How: Kindle, Nook, Kobo, etc.
Optical Mouse
What: an input device that controls the movement of the cursor on screen.
Why: to improve on the problems experienced with mechanical versions.
How: All desktop computers
Databases
What: a way of storing data digitally
Why: to be able to process data using a computer i.e. accurately and at speed.
How: banking, schools, retail, etc.
Flat Screens e.g. LCD, LED, plasma
What: slim, high quality, low power graphical output.
Why: to replace CRT technology.
How: in TVs, watches, printers, digital projectors, etc.
Word Processor
What: a way to manipulate text digitally.
Why: to improve the process of writing, storing and editing text.
How: computers, phones, electronic typewriters.
Digital Audio Formats
What: a way of digitally storing audio.
Why: digital audio is easier to store, access, and does not degrade.
How: walkmans, DJing, mobile phones, dictaphones, etc.
