Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. detect (v.) [dih-tekt] – to sense or notice something
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. detect (v.) [dih-tekt] – to sense or notice something
Example: New types of
smartphones can detect recorded voice
and follow its instructions.
2. gesture (n.) [jes-cher] – movement of a body part
Example: A common gesture when saying hello or goodbye is waving
the hand.
3. make sense (idiom) [meyk sens] – has a good reason or is practical
Example: For people who are too busy to stay at home,
buying an expensive TV does not make sense.
4. bug (n.) [buhg] – a problem or mistake that prevents something (software or hardware) from
working properly
Example: People were afraid the Y2K bug would cause all computers to stop
working in the year 2000.
5. misinterpret (v.) [mis-in-tur-prit] – to make a mistake in understanding something
Example: The iPhone’s voice
recognition software, Siri, can sometimes misinterpret
the commands of a user who does not speak clearly.
Article
Read the text below.
Remote controls
have been a feature device in most living rooms for over 60 years, but new gadgets may soon take the place of this familiar device.
Televisions nowadays have
thousands of channels and offer viewers so many additional options like games,
online video streaming and digital video recording. Because of all the
choices, searching for a program has become increasingly difficult using only
the traditional remote control. But designers have been developing new
technology that could simplify the process.
Using a built-in camera,
the latest smart TVs from Samsung can detect
viewers’ faces and movements. By showing one’s face or by making hand gestures at the camera, the viewer
can launch different programs, including Skype and Facebook. Voice
recognition software also allows viewers to command the TV to search for the
program they wish to watch.
Unfortunately,
Samsung smart TVs currently cost as much as $3,750. However, cheaper versions
will eventually be available. Other TV makers like LG, Panasonic, and Lenovo
are also making similar versions.
Aside from Smart
TVs, there are applications that turn smartphones and tablet computers into remote
controls. Using these gadgets makes
sense because most owners of smartphones and tablets already have the
devices beside them while watching TV. Analysts are calling these devices
“companion screens.”
Paul Grey of DisplaySearch
says because of their simplicity, companion screens may be more usable than smart
TV software, which still has a lot of bugs.
For example, if a viewer scratches his or her nose, the TV might misinterpret the movement and change
the channel.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
Which do you think can better replace the TV
remote control, smart TV technology or smartphones and tablets? What makes you
think so?
·
Do you think remote controls will be completely
replaced in the near future? Why or why not?
Discussion B
·
Do you think having many options on your TV
(e.g., thousands of channels, Internet connection, etc.) makes TV better? Why
or why not?
·
If you could choose the features on your TV, what
would they be? Which feature is the most important to you and why?