Convergence is moving from the pocket-space to the livingroom

Wikipedia describes the term “convergence” as:

a trend where some technologies having distinct functionalities evolve to technologies that overlap, i.e. multiple products come together to form one product, with the advantages of each initial component.

Think about the mobile phone – it started as a phone that you could put in your pocket without any wires tethering your pants to a phone socket. Now it’s a paragon of tech convergence – a phone, a stills camera, a video camera, a GPS unit, a calendar, email client, internet browser, mp3 player and a game console.

Convergence is everywhere. Heck, even the PSP is Skype-enabled, LG’s internet fridge is already passe and bordering on retro, and Sony’s major strategy for moving Blu-ray discs off the shelves was to converge its Playstation console with a Blu-ray player.

So, does this spell the end of the single-use technology appliance?

My point is, yes. And it’s not just because of the sheer utility of converged gadgetry. It’s an issue of space. As more and more gadget functions become available, pockets and handbags are becoming more and more valuable real-estate. No company is going to win the battle for that vital 20cm cubed of space, unless that 20cm cubed can be invested in a dozen or so killer apps.

Livingroom convergence

My prediction for the next three years is that this convergence obsession – this perceived scarcity of personal space and the industry response to it – is not going to end with phenomenally useful devices for one’s pocket. It’s going to move into the livingroom.

As tech becomes more and more ingrained with our lifestyle, people will want more and more integration between their person and their personal domain. The answer, though, is not more shelf-space for gadgets and single-use appliances in the common areas of one’s house. It’s convergence. Why can’t your livingroom wall also be a TV screen with downloadable media streams (goodbye DVD player, bunny-ears aerial, and stereo system), integrated with surround-sound speakers (bye free-standers), image-viewing facilities (bye paintings), webcam/mike set (bye telephone) and an integrated email, Facebook and Google Gadget alert service.

Theoretically, you can come pretty close to this already – if you’re a tech buff with a good credit card. But, I reckon that by 2010, you will be able to get one of these, fully installed, out of the box, for the price of a plasma. Market demand, and the amazing, shrinking livingroom, will kick it along nicely.

Of course, the success of this livingroom convergence will be 100% dependent on usability. And that’s why I feel kinda comfy in my second prediction: that the first interactive wall will have an Apple logo on it.