Convergence is the mantra for future technology

Arguably, the key chain was one of the earliest and commonest bases for the convergence of two devices into one; that is before the era of electronics began. From pen to scented eraser, the key chain carried one more device with it. The biggest driver for adding one more utility device to the ubiquitous key chain must have been novelty. Also, these ‘aiding’ devices helped the sale of key chains.

This trend has been so successful that it has now become a business practice. It has gained new meaning in today’s era of convergence of applications and devices. Readers might recall the pen that carried the LCD watch and the watch that also helped you calculate. Can you recall the number of times you used the calculator on your wrist watch? The fact is that although these ‘aiding’ devices aid the purchase of the base device, they are not used as much as the latter.

The advent of digital electronics changed the way entertainment was defined. Miniaturization was the norm and convergence of two devices became easier than ever. The radio could be made so small that it started appearing in many popular devices — the walkman to even your wrist watches. Novelty was slowly giving way to the objective of adding features.

Today’s music system is not just a complete entertainment device but has the features to wake you up. During the past few years as cellular phones started growing in popularity, it has become the base devices on which many a ‘value adding’ devices have been tried. You have cellular phones with radio, MP3 music playback, camera and what not. Sometimes, the trend results in bizarre combination, such as MP3 player in camera!

As most of these devices started using common components their integration became easy. Convergence of two or more devices into one was not just driven by the objective of pushing the base device (it still remains a strong reason). The short life cycle of cellular phones is mainly due to the features manufacturers introduce in newer models. During this era, the ‘aiding’ device became as important as the base device. Lastly, but not any less importantly, these novel integrated devices also became fashion statements.

Putting together of two or more devices in one body has not been restricted to mobile devices. The PC is fast emerging as the centre of entertainment and information at homes. You have the refrigerator that plays music and cars with DVD players.

The trend of putting together two devices has taken a new turn in the Internet world, which has become the uniting force for all the digital devices. The capability to pack more processing power and memory capacity in tiny silicon chips will further boost this practice.

Entertainment, personal utility and communication devices will converge in many combinations, sometimes more than two devices in one, in the coming years. If it was the cellular phone that was the centre of attraction during the past few years, look at how the PDA is adding into itself several other utilities that include processing, Internet access, cellular phone, music playing and gaming.

If during the past manufacturers decided on the combination, these days the decision largely is taken by the consumers. Even as manufacturers introduce newer combinations, their survival is dictated by the market. The next generation of combo devices will emerge in the next 3-4 years when the radio is expected to be etched on the silicon chip along with the processor. This will redefine miniaturization and convergence of devices. As the trend of combining more devices gets more popular, we can expect some exciting products in the future.