The Device That Ate Everything?

[Jerry Raia]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=3713943' target='_blank'>http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=3713943</a><br /><br /></div><i>"MIGHT the Apple iPod, the coolest digital gizmo of the moment, be doomed? It sounds unthinkable. But at the 3GSM mobile-telecoms conference in Cannes last month, the mobile phone was repeatedly invoked as a potential “iPod killer”. The increasing sophistication of mobile phones—many of which now include music playback among their growing list of functions—raises questions about the long-term prospects for dedicated music players, digital cameras and other devices. Surely most people would prefer a single “converged” device to a pocket full of separate ones?"</i><br /><br />I for one think it is inevitable and necessary that these devices converge. The current Smartphone form factor may be a bit too small for an all in one device but certainly some of the new Pocket PC phones come close to what would be required of such an all in one device. The promise of not having to carry two or three gadgets has been illusive so far. Do I smell a conspiracy??<br /><br /> :worried:

[Sfielder]

I really do not agree with the idea that convergence is inevitable. I have a nokia 3G phone (plus smarthphone) which is capable of playing MP3's taking videos and photos as well as calls, faxes, emails and ordering your grans shopping etc. When I intially got it I played with it to my hearts content though I now prefer using my standalone Sony Digital Camera and IPOD mini.

In summary converged devices presently are not capable of doing the job anywhere near as well as standalone devices, will this change? not for the next few years!

Simon

[Jonathon Watkins]

In summary converged devices presently are not capable of doing the job anywhere near as well as standalone devices, will this change? not for the next few years!

Welcome Simo. Good to see you at SMT. 8)

I agree that there will always be a need for specialised devices, but think that we are a lot closer than a few years to getting good converged devices. As my needs change almost daily, so do my requirements on my devices. I think we will increasingly see more varied and capable devices, than offer us more and more choices. Which is good, but not so good on our wallets. :wink:

[RenesisX]

All the major handset manufacturers are taking music very seriously indeed right now. We'll see a lot, lot more movement in this field towards the end of the year, mark my words ;)

If you watched Nokia's press conference from Cannes this year you would have seen my company's little demonstration on their phones :)

Flash memory prices have plummeted and encoding technology is still increasing compression (eAAC+ etc), meaning that you'll be able to fit a really good stack of music on your phone in the future.

And with the Nokia/Microsoft hook-up you'll be able to buy music on your phone when you're out and transfer it back to the PC when you get in. And vice-versa.

[Mark Larson]

I think phones as mp3 players are a better idea than phones as cameras. They can do the job just as well without increasing bulk, and if more manufacturers put in 3.5mm jacks, people will buy more of them. I can't see why a phone can't make a good mp3 player, while i can think of tons of reasons it can't make a good camera.

[Kris Kumar]

I think phones as mp3 players are a better idea than phones as cameras. They can do the job just as well without increasing bulk, and if more manufacturers put in 3.5mm jacks, people will buy more of them. I can't see why a phone can't make a good mp3 player, while i can think of tons of reasons it can't make a good camera.

I agree. :-)

I would like GPS and WiFi to be included in the cell phone package as well.

But with camera there always will be unfulfilled wishes. ;-)

[chucky.egg]

For me these devices have already merged... my C500 is my MP3 player, portable video player, games machine, and phone.

For my train journey to work BetaPlayer does a fine job of music and video (plenty good enough for the noisy environment of Connex's wagons), and Ace's Texas Hold'em has quickly become my fave game.

The only thing I might change is swapping my C500 for an SDA for the hardware media keys.

I don't need or want 2 devices.


Just my 2p

[SassKwatch]

I think phones as mp3 players are a better idea than phones as cameras. ....... I can't see why a phone can't make a good mp3 player, while i can think of tons of reasons it can't make a good camera.

Amen!