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Electronic Convergence Finally Realized

R. Colin Johnson | Date: 12-31-10 | Comments

Touch-screen tablets are becoming the "killer" platform for long-predicted convergence of consumer, computer and communications devices.

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Electronic Convergence Finally Realized
Market analysts predict that the new market for touch-screen tablets spawned by Apple's iPad�and now joined by Dell's Streak, HP's Slate and Samsung's Galaxy Tab, to name just a few�has finally achieved the critical mass necessary to spawn the coveted "convergence of consumer, computer and communications devices."

"The convergence of consumer electronics devices and industries is now coming together at a fast pace, with the tablet form factor serving a tangible representation of that convergence, since it is part smartphone and part notebook," said William Kidd, director and principal analyst of financial services for iSuppli, a market research firm owned by IHS.

While the definition of convergence varies, this new crop of touch-screen tablets fits the bill by combining voice, video and data services over broadband wireless networks, thus spawning a whole ecosystem of mobile operating system applications. No wonder every major consumer electronics manufacturer is readying a touch-screen tablet for 2011. Apps will likewise be skyrocketing to provide software support for these diverse convergence devices.

A five-year forecast by iSuppli predicts that the tablet market is growing faster than PCs and will begin to cannibalize mobile PCs by 2014, when creation capabilities will be common.

Apple will continue to be a leader not only in design, software and system integration, but also in ecosystem convergence, since already its iPod music player, iPhone mobile handset, Apple TV set-top box and MacBook laptops all share software and hardware components, reaping the benefits of volume purchasing and simplified manufacturing promised by convergence.

"Note the similarity both in external functionality and internal electronics between Apple's tablet, smartphone, MP3 player and set-top box product lines," said Kidd. "Not only do they run the same OS, but all these Apple devices are internally similar, plus or minus a screen and touch interface."

Next: Touch-Screen Tablets Just the Beginning >>