The Uber Convergence Device?
Internet and the advances in technology has shrunk our world, and information and communication is just a finger tip away. Convergence has been the buzz-word over the last decade, and this is becoming more of a reality than science fiction. But is convergence really there to stay? I would say YES. We need a device that satisfies all our communication and information needs without having to rely on an array of devices (not to mention the battery of accessories that accompany it).
Over the years, multiple devices and technologies have emerged as a result of this desire, and they’ve fulfilled the role in some way or the other. Some were fancy and futuristic but failed to stoke the user’s desire, others stayed longer but couldn’t talk with other devices and remained an island on its own, running a myriad of technologies and protocols without the ability to cross communicate.
But I see a trend thats happening and thats here to stay, and most of us are already carrying the pre-decessor or atleast the seed to an uber device. No prizes for guessing, its your mobile phone! What started off as a pure communication device is now assuming various roles. Phone -> Text Messaging -> Internet Browser -> Camera -> Music Player -> ?!. It has evolved and converged faster because this is one device that is very personal to the user, and is with you almost at all times.
Now what are the other roles it can assume? Podcasting device, Broadcasting station, peer-peer node, GPS tracking device, your personal wallet (replacing the need for a seperate smart card, debit card, credit card).
I will take it step further, how about it being your personal computer! You think thats too futuristic? Not really! your mobile phone can laser project a virtual keyboard on any flat surface, with a bank of ultra-mini memory of over 100 GB, you have a hard-drive. With a wi-fi connection in the phone and GPRS, you are connected to the Internet or a LAN/WAN. A mini-projector acts as your display device that can project on to a flat surface. You get the picture.
Its only a matter of time when a device capable of all that is possible. But some of the other issues remain. An uber-convergence mobile phone device will also consume more power, and would require a better managed internal system, battery with better stamina or a self charging device (solar powered for e.g.).
Think its all in the air? Think again, any technology company worth its salt has invested in mobile technology or is converging into mobile technology. It would be interesting to see how the mobile phone evolves into the uber-convergence device.
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