Product convergence:making life simple

Dubai: Tremendous changes in the world of digital technology continue to attract those who are techno savvy as well as those who are aiming to be just that.

Convergence has already happened with mobile phones where people can now play games, listen to music and take video or picture images sometimes all at the same time.

The aim of manufacturers is to keep consumers connected at all times, and they say it is inevitable that digital convergence happens.

"A huge shift is taking place, especially with gadgets, music listening habits will be combined with features like photos and moving images," said Atsushi Hinoki, general manager of corporate communication for Panasonic (MENA).

Panasonic is currently updated its mp3 player line introducing various features in one, called 'DSNAP' which is a combination of mp3, movie and digital camera to cater to the growing needs of the market.

A reason why these types of products are so in demand is because they are changing rapidly in quality of resolution, size of storage space, miniaturisation and processor speed, said Arvind Nair, ceo of Jumbo Electronics.

"These are driven by consumer need for simplification of having just one hand held device that does it all, and the UAE market is on the cutting edge in launching new tech products," added Nair.

The logic behind convergence is so that people just carry one item, making it very practical, said Dina Karam, senior research analyst for Reach Mass.