Tablets prove to be convergence drivers

Mobile devices with appreciably superior computing power are proving to be the long-awaited driver of the convergence of user, computer and communications services, according to a latest report from iSuppli. The research and technology corporation believes apparatus for instance the Apple iPad and the Galaxy Tab will have “massive implications” for the technology world, “spurring competition not only among varying types of products—but among entire industries,” thought iSuppli. The business also considers that the implications of the convergence in user electronics span well beyond tablets: the mobile operating system is also growing in substance and is moving into gadgets that previously did not have a mobile OS, such as set-top boxes and MP3 players.

“Companies in the electronics value chain increasingly must face the reality that the rise of the mobile OS means distinct product categories now are blurring together,” believed William Kidd, director and principal analyst, financial services for iSuppli. “For example, note the similarity both in external functionality and internal electronics between Apple’s tablet, smart phone, MP3 player and set top box product lines,” Kidd added. “Not only do they run the same OS, but all these Apple devices are internally similar, plus or minus a screen and touch interface. Industries likely to face the impact of convergence through the proliferation of mobile OSes include televisions, cell phones and notebook PCs.”

In terms of their impact on the computing market, iSuppli believes the tablet segment could be much superior in 2012 than now expected as the gadgets take on the content creation capabilities now offered by notebook and netbook PCs. However, in its report on the tablets market by 2015, Ovum alleged it does not expect tablets to provide the “computing revolution” that is expected by some. The companionship said it expects the replacement of PCs to remain small in the anticipate period and beyond. According to principal analyst Tony Cripps, the issue that is of bigger importance is the increased use of “lite” OSs that come from the smartphone rather than the PC market.