节目资讯
刊物:科技前沿
日期:2009-01-15
难易度:High
关键字:turbulent, justifiable, in tandem, hotspot, contin
(Music).
The future of in-flight Internet.
Blumenstein said Aircell’s capabilities are evolving in tandem with developments
in the cellular industry,
which is now investing in fourth-generation (4G) networks that will allow
speedier transmission of heavy data traffic.
The next generation of networks is expected to spur growth in multimedia
features on mobile phones,
with consumers streaming video or playing graphics-intensive games on their
handsets.
For Gogo users, the advent of 4G networks could mean watching live HDTV in the
air, Blumenstein said.
”We are riding that curve, and it’s one of the fastest technology cures the
world has ever seen.”.
So, what about the future of in-flight Internet? Are you ready?
It’s very bright, and yeah, I’m ready to talk about it.
What about you, Steve?
I am.
Well, we began this article when Jack Blumenstein was watching 10 Boeing
767-200s who were... which were equipped with this technology.
He was watching to see if it was successful, if it was working, if the broadband
Internet technology was, uh, viable.
And apparently, it’s working.
So as you said, Howie, it does look promising.
Well, you see there that Blumenstein and Airecell’s capabilities are ”in tandem
with.”.
Have you ever seen a tandem bike? You know what that is?
It’s when two people are on it at the same time.
Right.
There’s two people on one bike and they are both pedaling it. In tandem -
they’re doing it together.
So, when you do this in tandem with the celluer industry,
that means that the computer industry and the cellphone industry, they’re going
along on this thing together.
We all talked about the 3G network and three... Have you got a 3G phone, too,
Steve? Most people do.
I actually don’t have one because I feel like I’m not gonna spend that much
money on a phone, and if I drop it, that’s it.
So, actually I just...
Well, you know, I happen to have a 3G because, you know, when they come out,
they just... you know.
Do you have a 3G one? Steve.
Doris, I have a... I’m afraid I have a 1G, if that’s possible.
I’m gonna have to get you guys up-to-date.
Well, mine’s a 3G.
I’ve seen your phone, Doris.
Yeah.
And it can do e-mail; it can browse the web; it can fix your dinner for you
even.
Take pictures?
Tell you the... the weather for next week and everything, you know, yeah.
But anyway, I don’t know about the 4G.
Now they’re talking about investing in the fourth-generation networks.
And what does that actually do if I get a 4G?
Now, this 4G, it doesn’t exist yet.
It’s still being in development. It... it’s still a standard that they’re trying
to refine,
because right now the standard is still 3G or third generation.
And one of the advantages of a 4G phone will be you can send and receive
information a lot faster.
Because right now if you have a 3G phone, you can browse the Internet, but some
people think it’s too slow.
So if you have a 4G phone, they say it’s gonna be much faster.
It’s gonna be more like a computer or laptop and you can browse the web at
really quick speeds.
Well...
Which is fantastic for people who like to watch videos, right? That’s...
Yes, that’s true.
That’s heavy data right there, and videos and pictures and music, and that stuff
can be downloaded and viewed much faster.
I know right now in Japan, I think that’s where it’s most popular.
People can watch television shows, people can watch videos.
They have movies on demand all through your cell phone.
And that operates on a 3G network.
3G or 4G?
3G.
4G is still a spec. It’s still a specification that isn’t completely flashed out
yet.
Probably if you were using Steve’s phone that people would just talk and stop,
start and stop.
Have you ever done that on the Internet? They start to talk, and they stop, and
they start. Oh, you give up.
I think you need to get a 3G, Steve.
Steve’s, uh, cell phone, you can use the calculator.
That’s right.
But you know, they do like to do that.
They like to have streaming video coming in or playing graphics-intensive games
on their handsets and so forth.
But I don’t think that’s that necessary, but they like to do it.
But what is... that... the word... the Gogo used here?
What does this 4G actually mean then?
It says here the advent of 4G networks, and advent means the arrival of 4G
networks.
Something new, right?
Yes. Could mean watching live HDTV in the air.
HDTV stands for high-definition television.
And that’s... uh... television that’s so crisp and clear that it looks really
real.
The resolution is so high you can’t tell the difference between television and
maybe looking out the window.
That’s how sharp the picture is.
But when you’re that sleepy on the plane, you’ve crossed those time zones, you
don’t really need HDTV. Isn’t that right, Steve?
Well, I don’t, Doris, and I... I don’t think a lot of people do.
But there are some people who actually demand that and they want to have that
option when they’re flying.
And they’ll actually pay extra money for that option, so...
That’s not the kind of person I am, but some people, they want that
high-definition TV.
And so airlines are clamoring to provide it so that they can gain more
customers.
And I think that’s true. It probably has to do with trying to get... make a
little more money on different things.
People don’t even know they want it until you advertise it actually.
That’s right.
They make you want it sometimes.
But we’re riding that curve.
It’s one of the fastest technlogy curves the world has ever seen.
From 1G to 2G to 4G, and who knows how many Gs.
But we do have a little skit on this.
Let’s have that right now.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome aboard Flight 123 to San Diego.
We just reached our cruising altitude of 33,000 feet.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the fly across the continental U.S.
Jack, I’m so glad you agree to come with me to my cousin’s wedding in San Diego.
The relatives will finally get to see us in tandem.
Aren’t you just thrilled?
I’ll tell you what I’m thrilled about, Jill.
It’s this new in-flight broadband Internet service.
Now I can surf the web for the entire four hour flight, and even watch YouTube
videos.
Oh, Jack, I thought we’d have a chance to discuss our plans for the future.
You know, things like maybe a wedding of our own.
Mmhm, we’re having a wedding?
Well, maybe a good conversation might pave the way to making progress on
marriage.
Oh, cool! Look at this website that ranks the top computers by price range.
Jack, getting married is an important milestone and we need to talk about
whether we’re...
Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the captain again.
We have some rough weather up ahead, so it could get a little turbulent.
Make sure you buckle your seatbelts.
And look at this music video on YouTube.
My favorite band, The Boneheads.
Jack! You’re not listening to me.
Turn off that computer and pay attention.
Huh? Oh, computer.
OK. So, what were you saying?
Jack! We’ve been dating for 11 years.
I think it’s justifiable that I expect a wedding.
Really? Well, it just so happens that I was looking at a website that sells
engagement rings.
But since you want me to turn off the computer, I’ll do what you say.
Hey, wait a minute.
Give me that computer.
Now, where’s that engagement ring website?
It sure is a good thing they have in-flight Internet service on this airplane.
Well, that was a happy ending, I think.
Friends, we’re happy that you joined us here on ”In-flight Internet Takes Off.”.
We hope you learned something.
And listeners, if you’re ever on an airplane and you have a chance to browse the
web,
well, you’re riding on that curve of new web developments and technology, and
take advantage of it if you can.
But remember, the person next to you might be like Steve and they want to sleep,
so don’t turn your light on too bright.
And actually, I think we do have to consider other people when there are so many
of us in a small space.
So maybe you could just take a little rest part of the time.
Right.
Think of me next time you talk on your cell phone.
Well, it’s been a very interesting article.
And as these things take off, we at least need to know about them.
And it’s good to have an opinion on them, so think of what you think about it.
And maybe after you’re in that situation once, you might change your mind.
But these things will go on developing, and people will try to get newer gadgets
and other things to use.
But just get the things that are necessary for you.
And if you don’t have the money, forget it; don’t buy it, right?
That’s right.
Bring your guitar.
Save your money and upgrade to the business class.
Yeah. Or whatever.
But thanks for being with us, and we hope you’re planning some good, interesting
things over the lunar holidays.
So we have a few more days yet. So we’ll be with you again with a new lesson
again tomorrow.
Goodbye.
Goodbye, friends.
Bye.