2014 TECHNOLOGY TODAY LINCOLN DAILY NEWS.com September 30, 2014 page 15
The most popular name among
video entertainment on the web
is YouTube. More often than not
any other website can support
an embedded YouTube clip
somewhere on the page. Due to
the popularity of YouTube, it has
become commonplace in recent
years for viewers to supplement,
or possibly even replace, their
television viewing with regular
uploads from YouTube channels.
In addition, it is possible to find
older television shows that are
no longer airing on sites such as
YouTube.
With the rise of YouTube viewers
has come an increase in content
creators online. A new field of
entertainers has risen in the last ten
years as a result. It is possible now
to partner with YouTube directly to
receive compensation based on a
YouTube channel. These channels
typically come in the form of vlogs
(shorthand for video blogs). Vlogs
work the same as a written column,
save for the format.
Another example, following in
the footsteps of Myspace and
Facebook, it is common for bands
to host a YouTube channel.
Finally, for those who play video
games or merely want to watch
someone else, the “Let’s Play”
video has become a source for
literally hours of entertainment,
thanks to the use video recording
devices that can be hooked up
to game consoles or computers.
These videos can also be used as
a form of game reviews, utilized
visuals rather than written text. (A
word of warning -- a lot of “Let’s
Play” content on the Internet is
rated for mature audiences.)
With the rise of digital technology
comes the introduction of On-
Demand video streaming. On-
Demand streaming allows for the
instant provision of a television
show or movie, usually with
advertisements. Unlike a televised
broadcast, these videos can be
played repeatedly, although some
websites, such as Hulu, rotate
certain shows on and off of their
websites.
On the topic of Hulu, it is not
uncommon today to find that
websites are creating their own
televised content without the need
for television. Netflix, once known
mostly for movie rentals through
the mail, now has numerous
shows available for streaming, as
does Amazon Prime, who most
people think of as only a shopping
website.
Gaming and Consoles
Gaming consoles of the past could
play music CD’s and DVD’s in
addition to the games that were
played. Microsoft and Sony,
in designing recent consoles,
stepped up their game, so to speak,
by focusing on the increasing
demand for online connectivity
via consoles. However, modern
entertainment-seekers are not
always content with larger
multiplayer options.
Much like a Smartphone, Internet
connectivity has allowed for the
creation of apps for the Xbox and
Playstation lines. Owners of these
consoles may download apps for
video streaming, storing music,
browsing the Web, and more. The
most recent generation of consoles
allows for the sharing of video
clips between players via video
streaming.
When Nintendo created the Wii in
2006, they opened the doors for the
next addition to gaming; motion
control. Since then, Microsoft has
attempted twice to take motion
control gaming to the next stage
Continued
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