When technology goes for a six

With all the slips made by the DRS, is technology simply ending up becoming a silly point in cricket?

BC: Hi, have you been following the England vs Australia test series?

AD: Sad to see Australia’s journey downhill, but if there's something that's become a hotter topic of discussion than the Ashes, it's...

BC: ...the Decision Review System.

AD: Absolutely. But I still don't get what the fuss is all about.

BC: Well, the game was getting along fine without the intrusion of technology. But now, it’s kicked up a nasty storm...

AD: If you had followed the tests, you would know that there was human error as well. For instance, if someone forgets to activate Hot Spot and keeps it in the replay mode, how can you blame technology? Likewise, if the third umpire makes a mistake in interpreting the DRS, why is it the fault of...

BC: Look, the system was never 100% accurate to start with.

AD: Are you telling me that you will adopt technology only if it's perfect? So your mobile has never suffered signal drops, your laptop has never crashed, your hard disk has never...

BC: They do, but I don't let them decide anything for me, the way DRS is allowed to in cricket. Besides, cricket has this glorious uncertainty that's getting marred by programming technology into it.

AD: Are you suggesting that we go backwards and remove DRS from the game?

BC: But if it doesn't work satisfactorily, what's the point in holding on to it?

AD: Imagine what would have happened had the corporate world rejected computers in the 1940s because they were the size of a room, or if households rejected the PC in the 80s because it had less than 30MB of storage space...

BC: So what's your point?

AD: Technology evolves over the years - we need to give it both space and time...

BC: But think of the controversies until then - remember the 2011 World Cup? There were so many issues back then too...

AD: Look, DRS is meant to be a combination of various technologies, including Hot Spot and Hawk Eye, but for various reasons, Hot Spot was never implemented during the World Cup.

BC: They used super slow motion replays and stump mikes…

AD: How can you expect a system to work if all its components are not in place? Isn't it our mistake that we don't do things the right way and then scream blue murder when they go wrong?

BC: I would still maintain that life was simpler before DRS…

AD: Okay, let me put it this way. On TV, you use technology to get up close and show every little nick and miss, right down to the tiniest millimetre by which a bowler has overstepped or a batsman has fallen short of his crease. If you don't use the same technology to determine whether the batsman is out or not, you will infuriate the fans who will feel hard done by the umpire.

BC: But that's how cricket has always been played. Besides, neutral umpires were introduced to get rid of the home team bias...

AD: Instead of complaining about technology, why can't the umpires and the players be trained to use it better? Besides, technology is already in use by umpires to determine run outs, no-balls, stumpings and illegitimate catches caught after the ball bounced – so what’s wrong in extending it to lbws and other forms of dismissals as well?

BC: You'll have to ask the ICC that. But if the DRS continues, it might pose a health hazard to the Aussies…

AD: How is that?

BC: They are the ones who seem badly affected by it. And with all that exposure to infrared technology and heat signatures, the Australian cricketers may not go home with the Ashes – but they sure could leave with a lot of rashes. 

Quiet please - technology at play

The eclectic mix of tradition and technology is what makes Wimbledon so special, claims a tech fan.

AD: Hi there, feeling sad that Wimbledon's over?

BC: I was looking forward to another Federer - Nadal final, but...

AD: Well, it doesn't matter who plays, but as far as I'm concerned, technology seems to be winning hands down these days.

BC: Why can't you just watch the game for the game’s sake? Besides, Wimbledon has always been the domain of traditionalists – don’t tell me the geeks have taken over…

AD: But…

BC: So which aspect of technology are you referring to? The one used for the line call?

AD: It's called Hawkeye.

BC: The same system used in cricket?

AD: Yes, isn’t it unbelievable? Ball tracking, simulation and graphics all come together in a fraction of a second...

BC: And what happened to that one-eyed giant who was monitoring the lines and the net?

AD: Cyclops? That technology has been retired, in favour of a more visual aid...

BC: I'm sure some former players would be sore that they had to put up with the loud beeps that would shatter the silence and make people jump out of their skins...

AD: Well, there’s silence only if the likes of Serena Williams or Sharapova are not playing – their grunts have broken several decibel records. But the former players have several other things to feel jealous about...

BC: Like what?

AD: IBM has been closely associated with Wimbledon and has created programs for player stats, match analysis and performance analysis, all of which are helping both players and coaches, big time. In fact, they launched a service called Player Report back in 1994, which analysed the strengths and weaknesses of players...

BC: So players can not only better their own game, but also study their opponents.

AD: Absolutely, and in 1999, they installed displays for the speed guns, which made spectators gasp with disbelief when the likes of Kafelnikov and Greg Rusedski boomed at over 200 kmph.

BC: I still remember Sampras' comprehensive victory over Agassi in that final...

AD: What about the 2008 epic final when Nadal beat Federer? That was the year when Wimbledon scores could be tracked online...

BC: That was a heck of a match, but I thought the Wimbledon website had come up before 2008...

AD: I was referring to SlamTracker, a system that used player patterns and past records to enable fans to play a more active role while watching matches. As for the website, the official Wimbledon site came up in 1995.

BC: I still remember watching McEnroe versus Borg in my black & white TV, in the early 80s...

AD: We’ve come a long way from there. Today, you can follow all the action on your mobile. 2009 saw the first iPhone app for Wimbledon and this year, the iPad app has been launched – reports have it that it has some really exciting video content and camera angles...

BC: That's good news for the fans...

AD: Well, even the umpires benefitted from technology – computerized score pads were introduced in 1999.

BC: But technology being used to update scores is not new.

AD: In that case, how would you react to technology that measures players' energy levels and stamina, their movement across the court, their speed and many other aspects of their performance? It's called SecondSight.

BC: Talking of stamina, I must confess that it’s getting increasingly exhausting.

AD: You’re referring to the five setters, aren’t you, like the one between Djokovic and del Potro?

BC: No, I was talking about keeping pace with technology, for fans like me. By the time we set up all these gadgets, tune in to the match, study the stats available, analyse the data and arrive at our conclusions, we will be more tired than these magnificent men in their epic five-setters.

SMS arrived, telegram gone STOP

"The transition from dots and dashes to zeroes and ones leaves a lot to be desired," complains an old-timer.

AD: Hi, why the sad face? Is your computer down again?

BC: What hath God wrought?

AD: Wait a minute - are you quoting Shakespeare?

BC: No, it was the message carried by the first telegram on May 24, 1844. The message becomes relevant all over again because the telegram is on its way out next month.

AD: But people hardly use it any longer, so why not give it a decent send-off instead of going into mourning?

BC: You'll never understand. It's like a heritage building that has been standing proud for over 160 years and suddenly, you get the news that it won't be around from July.

AD: Don't get so emotional - anything that has lost its utility value needs to go, right? Do you still have your old radio or your black & white TV for sentimental value? You've thrown them out to make way for the new, haven't you?

BC: I have, but the telegram is different - it was a huge breakthrough in technology and deserves to be around simply for its historic value. Besides, unlike the gargantuan radio or TV of the 70s, this one doesn't not clutter your home - all it needs is a little corner in a post office...

AD: Never thought I'd see the day when you would root for technology, even if it’s of the archaic kind...

BC: I still have the telegram that brought in the news of my admission to one of India's best engineering colleges. That was special...

AD: I can understand that, but asking thousands of post offices to operate a telegraph department just because you feel sentimental about it is a bit much, isn't it?

BC: That's not what I...

AD: Besides, email, instant messaging and SMS-es have entrenched themselves so firmly in our lives that we don't need telegrams...

BC: Agreed, but what of all the telegraph employees across the country? Isn't it true that technology will now result in loss of several jobs?

AD: I don't think so. Guess they will all be transferred to other departments... Just look at the positives of today's technology...

BC: Things have become faster, I agree. Text messages and emails take a second or two to reach their destination, compared to the fastest telegram which would still require a few hours...

AD: What about the cost factor? Text messages and emails are free, but you have to pay for a telegram.

BC: I can see at least two advantages there.

AD: Really?

BC: Telegrams taught us to be succinct and made us think before we shot our mouth off, because every word cost money.

AD: And what's the second?

BC: You would never receive a telegram from your spouse with the message, "Hi, where are you?" if you've already told her that you will be with the boys at a pub or a bowling alley. When you're saddled with a mobile, you can't escape that question...

AD: It's called Momtext these days - worried mothers are most likely to send that message out day after day to find out where their kids are... But speaking of costs, BSNL has been incurring huge losses because it's essentially running a service that does not have too many takers. So, after discussing the issue with the postal department, a decision was taken to stop telegrams.

BC: But there are several countries like Belgium, Sweden, Russia, Germany, Canada, Switzerland and the UK that continue to use telegrams.

AD: Yes, on the other hand, the US, whose decisions affect us more than those of any other country, shut down its telegraph department a few years ago.

BC: Well, there’s one redeeming feature of the telegram that today's generation would have enjoyed...

AD: What is it?

BC: Back then, we never received telegrams stating, "Congratulations from FREE NATIONAL LOTTERY on having won the sum of 970,000.00 GBP STOP For claims contact Mr Paul Anderson STOP"

Low price, no performance?

‘Why is it that low-cost technology always ends up being junk?’ An old-timer spars with a tech fan.

AD: Hi, did you get that tablet you had ordered online?

BC: Yes, I did.

AD: What happened? You don't seem to be very happy with it...

BC: It turned out to be a disaster. It weighs a ton, runs out of charge in 10 minutes flat and gets heated up so badly that your fingertips get singed on touch. Also, each little operation takes ages, so downloading an app or a game is absolutely impossible...

AD: Why don't you return it?

BC: I tried - each time I called, I was asked to send a mail, but when I followed it up with another call, they claimed that they hadn't received a single mail...

AD: That’s pretty unfortunate…

BC: This is precisely the reason why I hate online purchases. You keep talking about how technology has made our lives so convenient, but look how it has left me high and dry...

AD: Listen, you probably decided to shop for it online because it was cheaper, so why...

BC: Hold on, are you telling me that if it's cheap, it has to be bad? So, does that mean that I need to buy a 64 GB iPad4 with retina display and wi-fi for 52,000 bucks and anything less will give me grief?

AD: Ok, be specific. What are you against - tablets, online shopping or the deals that the sites announce regularly?

BC: It doesn't matter, they all have one thing behind them - technology. Besides, I can understand a good product costing more than an average one, but it's weird to think that just because I've paid less, I’m stuck with a piece of junk that no amount of technology can make operational.

AD: But why blame technology? It could be a bad product to start with.

BC: How does it matter if it's one bad piece or if the entire batch is rubbish? It's not going to change things for me.

AD: Why make such a big issue out of such a small tablet?

BC: So what should the tablet have for me to make a big issue out of my predicament - a 60 inch screen?

AD: That's not what I meant... What I'm saying is that as with all products and brands, good quality doesn't come cheap. So why single technology out for criticism?

BC: You must have read about the razor and blade pricing strategy where they give away the razor for next to nothing and charge hefty amounts on the blade. Likewise, they’ve first allowed technology to invade every facet of our lives and now, they’re charging exorbitant amounts. Take healthcare, for instance. Expensive technology sends the cost of medical care skyrocketing...

AD: That’s probably because of the new equipment...

BC: Precisely - these hi-tech scans and laser treatments cost several thousands that make them unaffordable. Likewise, education has suddenly become a premium investment because some schools have opted for technology in the classrooms... Think of the kids that cannot afford such schooling.

AD: If a kid's smart, it shouldn't make a difference whether he's learning from a blackboard or a smartboard...

BC: What about your regular purchases? While a branded shirt or the best quality of rice cost a premium, there's an option available for the common man that's both affordable and usable - unlike the dumb tablet I purchased. Just because it's cheap, I'm supposed to accept it if it won’t work. All that it's given me is a whopping headache...

AD: I know of a tablet that can solve the problem - it's both cheap and effective, and it's made with the latest technology...

BC: That's a relief! Hope it's something that won't let me down.

AD: Actually, it's the kind that you need to down with a glass of water.

BC: How will that help me?

AD: Well, you bought a tablet that gave you a headache – this one will help you get rid of it.

Putting technology in a fix

You can bet on technology to deliver, but using technology to bet on a game is a no-no, says a tech fan.

BC: Hi, why the morose look?

AD: My biggest passion in life – besides technology – is cricket. And look what they've done to it…

BC: Unfortunately, both your passions have colluded to create this disaster.

AD: The problem is one of human greed and money. Why do you blame technology?

BC: It's technology that has helped bookies go state-of-the-art in their methods to gamble and fix...

AD: Wasn't there any betting before computers, mobiles and the net? I’ve read so many scandals about boxing and horse racing from the past. Wasn't there a movie on a baseball team that had fixed a World Series?

BC: Yes, Eight Men Out – it’s a story about eight players of the Chicago White Sox fixing the 1919 World Series for money. Since it was a one-off incident, it led to a movie. Today, there are so many betting and fixing incidents that one can make a long-running mega serial out of them.

AD: And you think it's because of technology... But look at the positive side of it too - it's finally technology that's helping the police smoke the offenders out of their hiding places.

BC: You’re referring to the sting operations and phone call recordings...

AD: The authorities are also analysing the mirror images that they have obtained of various laptops and mobiles involved in the scam - these would not have been possible without technology.

BC: So you have technology coming to the aid of both the people trying to cheat and those trying to nab them. The question is, who's winning?

AD: You have to wait and watch. But the bookies are reported to be getting very tech-savvy in their approach. They are even recruiting young hackers, programmers and tech specialists to tamper with servers, hack websites and create programs for their operations.

BC: Surely, the authorities can follow their digital footprints and track them down...

AD: Apparently, these bookies never use the same set of equipment twice - from mobiles and SIM Cards to laptops and servers, they destroy everything after use so that they are never traced. Also, all the SIM Cards and handsets used are either stolen or bought in the second-hand market, so they don’t lead back to the bookies.

BC: Which brings us back to the point I was making - technology is giving the bad elements a free hand...

AD: Why? Do you really think bookies with pencils and little notebooks from your time were better than the bookies with pen drives and notebooks - of the electronic variety - today?

BC: According to reports, bookies use devices known as link boxes, which allow them to handle several calls simultaneously. And all the calls and bets placed are recorded to ensure that there are no goof-ups. Besides, no one can go back on their word after losing. Also, conference calls keep everyone in the loop. Such things were not possible in my times…

AD: Sounds like a well-oiled corporate set-up, doesn't it?

BC: But it could get worse. Can you imagine the situation if social networking sites are used for this purpose? With the amount of traffic that’s on these sites, code language will go completely unnoticed even if it appears on your friend's wall or as a tweet. 

AD: That would be disastrous...

BC: But I agree with one thing that you’ve always been saying – technology has sure made things a lot quicker…

AD: How do you say that?

BC: There was a time when one had to wait for five days to know the result of a test match. Then it became one day, with ODIs, and then around four hours, for a T20. But now, with the right connections, one can figure out which way a match is going to go, even before it begins. 

Closer to the madding crowd

Investigators are no longer wary of crowds at the scene of crime – in fact, they depend on them, claims a tech fan.

AD: Hey, what are you looking for?

BC: I lost a file...

AD: Maybe you should crowdsource your search operation...

BC: You mean summon a crowd and get everyone to search for my file?

AD: Something like that. There will be more hands on deck and…

BC: If I have the entire neighbourhood rummaging through this place, I will have to crowdsource the construction of another house...

AD: That's nothing - the FBI crowdsourced evidence that helped them identify the culprits in the Boston marathon bombing.

BC: Sounds like the modern equivalent of rounding up a posse and launching a manhunt…

AD: Only it’s quicker, more effective and uses technology. Do you know that each minute, over 200000 photos are posted on Facebook and over 72 hours of video footage uploaded on YouTube?

BC: But what does that have to do with the investigation?

AD: Obviously there’s a spike in these uploads during key events like the Boston marathon. So, from the neighbourhood stores at the venue to the crowds present at the marathon, everyone was encouraged by the authorities to send in images and video clips of the event.

BC: And…?

AD: Apparently, the initial findings began with some grainy images of two young men in caps. When these were shared online, people sent thousands of images and videos that were shot with better focus and with higher resolution.

BC: So it's not just the surveillance cameras at vantage points that help during an investigation…

AD: Absolutely, and that's where technology comes into play. Can you imagine this happening a couple of decades ago?

BC: Agreed, but with millions of people enthusiastically sending in what they think could be potential evidence, isn't there bound to be a lot of confusion?

AD: Sure, but it used to be the same even in the good old days when the authorities asked people to call in. Incidentally, the technology that you blame actually helped the FBI get back on track and nail the men responsible...

BC: How is that?

AD: Companies like CrowdOptic have come up with cutting edge data analysis tools that gather information from the smartphones being used and make several key inferences – this information helped the authorities fine-tune their search.

BC: How much time does all this take?

AD: Possibly a second to sift through over 100000 images and pick the one that best suits the requirement...

BC: So that was how the FBI managed to make arrests, within 96 hours of the bombing....

AD: That's right. CrowdOptic's technology works based on the metadata linked to every image clicked with a smartphone. It can then sort out these images based on the exact time when they were clicked and the location...

BC: And that led the investigators to the focal point of the incident involving the bombers.

AD: You got it. The application software filters images based on their relevance and on the popularity of the photo object appearing across various shots.

BC: Looks like crowdsourcing technology has put terrorists in a Catch-22 situation…

AD: Why is that?

BC: Terrorists and disruptive elements normally seek crowded places to wreak havoc - but if they do so, crowdsourcing technology is sure to expose them. And if they blow up their bombs where there's no one around, it wouldn't serve their purpose…

AD: I don’t know about that, but I can tell you how technology has made people more human...

BC: Has it?

AD: It sure has! In the good old days, the authorities would have to announce rewards for anyone who would help them nab a culprit. Today, thanks to technology, they can get their work done for free.

Tradition through technology

The best way to keep in touch with old traditions is through new technology, claims a tech fan.

AD: Hi, heard that you had gone on a religious tour...

BC: It was simply amazing - the architectural splendours, the mind-boggling engineering... And complete peace of mind. You should have come...

AD: I’m really not interested in…

BC: Your generation is so stuck with its technology, devices and the little pleasures they have to offer that you’re slowly losing touch with your culture…

AD: We pursue our interests while you follow yours...

BC: And in the process, you forget your roots and your tradition. How much does this generation know about our history, our architecture and…

AD: I disagree - technology does help keep in touch with tradition. In fact, it acts as a bridge between us and our culture...

BC: Oh c'mon...

AD: Really. For instance, you had gone visiting religious places for a whole week. Many others aren't as fortunate as you are, like my grandmother who suffers from arthritis. But I can take her to all the places that you visited, online...

BC: Is that possible?

AD: Today, a lot of temples, churches and mosques have live streaming and webcasts of their religious services, so those who are unable to travel can have a ‘virtual darshan’.

BC: I always knew that there were many ways to reach God…

AD: But I’m sure you’d never have thought that the tablet would one day become a portal that…

BC:Takes us to the Almighty.

AD: Right! Several places of worship also have websites that offer walkthroughs - a multimedia clip that shows you around to give you a feel of the place.

BC: I'm told that popular video sites like YouTube also have several such clips...

AD: Absolutely. Do you think all this would have been possible a decade ago?

BC: Perhaps not, but I still feel that the passion has waned. It's still the older generation that wants to use technology to stay in touch with their tradition...

AD: A cousin of mine learns Carnatic music from a teacher through Skype.

BC: So what's the big deal? It's a bit like e-learning, isn't it?

AD: The student lives in Michigan and his teacher, in Mylapore. Apparently, the boy's parents were keen that he should learn music only from that teacher, so they worked it out in such a way that he would have exclusive classes online...

BC: So a computer and a set of speakers transformed into a music classroom...

AD: And almost 12,000 kilometres were reduced to nothing on the click of a button. Yet you blame technology...

BC: The examples you give are aberrations...

AD: Absolutely not. While on the topic of music, do you know the kind of interest a live podcast of a Carnaticrecital generates? Millions who cannot be at the hall can tune in on their mobiles...

BC: I can't imagine staying glued to my mobile for that long. Think of the number of personal loan, credit card and club membership calls that I might miss...

AD: Go ahead, be sarcastic, but that won't take away from the fact that technology only helps bring people closer to their roots. A smartphone or a laptop with an internet connection can take you to a church in Goa, a temple in Rishikesh or to a concert in Australia...

BC: Finally, mankind has been enlightened on the key benefit of greater internet speeds and faster downloads...

AD: I don't understand...

BC: People can now rest assured that their prayers can reach God faster through the net.

AD: And what about His blessings?

BC: Well, they can download it at their leisure.