Newsweek has an interesting article about how soldiers in the US military are increasingly using the iPod Touch in the course of battle and interrogations. It’s main appeal? It’s adaptability and its ability to merge the functionality of many separate devices into one.
The iPod also fulfills the U.S. military’s need to equip soldiers with a single device that can perform many different tasks. Apple’s online App Store offers more than 25,000 (and counting) applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch, which shares the iPhone’s touchscreen. As the elegantly simple iPods—often controlled with a single thumb—acquire more functionality, soldiers can shed other gadgets…
Users can add phrases to language software, annotate maps and link text or voice recordings to photos (“Have you seen this man?”). Apple devices make it easy to shoot, store and play video. Consider the impact of showing villagers a video message of a relaxed and respected local leader encouraging them to help root out insurgents.
One of the more helpful and practical uses of the iPod is that it provides on the spot translation capabilities for soldiers interacting with locals who don’t speak English. Or, if I may be politically correct, for soldiers who don’t speak Arabic.
You can check out the full article from Newsweek over here. It’s definitely an interesting and worthwhile read.
April 21st, 2009 at 5:10 am
It’s main appeal? It’s adaptability and its ability to merge the functionality of many separate devices into one.
Its. not It’s. in both places.