Big Bang of Convergence

joNDoty writes "Businessweek is running a story predicting 'This is going to be the most disruptive period in the past 50 years." The period they are talking about is the digital age of convergence, where every software/hardware manufacturer is racing to link cell phones, tvs and computers into universal devices 'that can't be categorized as tech or consumer electronics.' 'The result is a Big Bang of convergence, and it's likely to produce the biggest explosion of innovation since the dawn of the Internet.' Overrated? Perhaps, but +1 insightful nonetheless." Sure, your fridge will tell you you need milk, but convergence is not necessarily a good thing.

Comments

I agree.

[LilGuy]

When your toaster tells you that you've got 2 potential e-harmony dates, and your fridge won't shut up about your lousy tv dinner diet, it will be time to move to the mountains.

Re:I agree.

[captainClassLoader]

"...Julie? Hey, I'm real sorry about last night. My toaster went up in flames with an overdone Pop-Tart(tm), and so I never got your email..."

Linking

[isd_glory]

Linking link cell phones, tvs and computers would be nice... if they could link it with a frickin' flying car already

Please don't converge my fridge

[Wesley Felter]

I fear the 3l33t snax0rz.

Re:Look at Your Remote Controls

[tha_mink]

Convergence though, kinda sweet. You can turn on your heated driveway from the comfort of your toilet remote control. That, my friend, is progress.

Digital Convergence?

[norculf]

I still have my ::CueCat.

FOOLS!

[Griim]

Doesn't anyone remember what happened last time when the Cylons attacked, and all of our computer systems were linked together?

Synapse?

[SphericalCrusher]

It's already been created! Just go download the source code from skullbocks.com!

No, thanks

[Rick the Red]

I don't need my refridgerator telling me that I need milk -- I can see for myself when I use the milk. And the last thing I need is my refridgerator telling Safeway.com that I need milk and scheduling a delivery when I'm on vacation.

My VCR watches TV for me when I'm not there, my oven can cook dinner for me when I'm not there, and my checking account can pay bills automatically if I'm not there. With all this convergence, will my possessions need me anymore?

Re:bah

[Derkec]

Sorry, but as of Jun 4th, we're 9th in the world. A single point behind Germany. That's one of the things that pisses the world off about us. Even when we don't care about something (like soccer) we're still pretty damn good at it.

Re:Convergence

[tha_mink]

The problem you are referring to is fashion. I have no problem using a 5 year old walkman. I have no problem wearing non-faggy rollerblades from 1997. But most people just buy things based on look. They don't even know how to use them.

*cough* Apple *cough*

go'head kill me.

Re:So Sorry- I've only got one.

[CreatureComfort]

Easy solution...

Get a better, upgraded wife.

Re:So Sorry- I've only got one.

[Pieroxy]

Problem is a wife has only three slots for three features:

1. beauty
2. intelligence
3. Geekiness
4. Cooking
5. Cleaning
6. Likes sex

Pick yours, but if you want one with Geekiness built in, you'll have to compromise with a lack of other features.