Convenience Through Convergence
By Michelle Sequeira, Senior Marketing Communications Officer at LG Electronics
Convergence holds different meaning and varied importance for
different sectors. The dictionary definition of convergence is the act
of converging and especially moving toward union or uniformity.
Therefore essentially in technology the tendency for different
technological systems to evolve toward performing similar tasks is
called as convergence.
For instance today our cell phones are able to perform functions of a
watch, a radio, a camera, a computer and a phone altogether. Similarly
Smart TVs have been designed to perform multiple tasks such as recording
like a videocassette recorder and downloading content from web like a
computer. Several years of hard work and determination have gone into
achieving such technological wonders.
However along with dedication, the evolution of convergence also
involved experimental or trial-and-error process. Savvy entrepreneurs
and large corporations alike have long understood that if their own
proprietary technology is chosen as the means to achieve convergence in a
field, a massive amount of money stands to be made.
Technological convergence gives consumers the convenience of having
many devices all in one. But for electronics devices today, the key
driver of convergence is connectivity. Interestingly, connectivity
creates modes of convergence that do not necessarily depend on different
technologies to be physically fused together. Instead, smart devices
can remain discrete and be controlled centrally through one or more
other devices.
Alternatively, convergence can still entail multiple devices coming
together in a single “black box” that offers users a variety of features
that were formerly separate. LG’s conceptualization of multiple
appliances and devices linked together via connectivity – which they
call “SmartShare” — constitutes an example of a more modern mode of
convergence.
A number of pundits of late have claimed that the game console
industry might be on its last legs. Their logic is as follows: The
advent of smart TVs and ubiquitous cloud services will allow the game
console concept to be converged into the TV itself. And while it’s too
early as of yet to dig graves for the likes of the Sony PlayStation and
Nintendo Wii, there are companies like OnLive who intend to prove the
pundits right. OnLive has already signed deals to provide its game
service to LG TVs and Google TV. Additionally, PC, smartphone and tablet
users can all sign up for the service.
LG finds itself in a very strong position in terms of establishing
itself as a leader in device convergence. This is primarily because of
two interconnected reasons. First, LG has invested significant amounts
of time and money into R&D efforts centered around convergence.
Second, LG owns a large number of patents in various technologies
related to convergence. As such, the company has the potential to
capitalize on this position and move consumer lifestyles forward.
However, LG has made a conscious choice to avoid proprietary
standards. Instead, LG has consistently sought out partnerships with
like-minded companies to push technological boundaries further. LG’s
nonproprietary approach makes the company very open to making devices
that are compatible with the proprietary technology owned by other
manufacturers.
LG is also a pioneer in making the smart home a reality. This is in
large part due to the fact that LG manufactures a large variety of home
appliances and other electronic devices, thus simplifying the
integration process. However, LG is also a leader in the field because
it is committed to the convergence concept.
There are exciting implications of this technology. Aside from being
able to monitor and alter appliance operations remotely, users can also
evaluate their house’s overall energy consumption. Adjustments can then
be made to individual appliances to use energy more efficiently.
In much the same vein, users can check their refrigerator contents
via smartphone while strolling through the supermarket in order to make
sure they don’t accidentally double purchase items and waste food.
In economically turbulent times such as these, the convergence of
smart technologies can save resources and money. Convergence is a
dynamic phenomenon and LG is continuously working towards further
enhancing its technology because convergence offers enormous
opportunities for the development of convenience, efficiency and the
expansion of markets and consumer choice.
With competition growing, LG has stayed true to its value based on
five pillars upon which they adhere to, build their brands and more
essentially focus on the future; Product Leadership, Strong Leadership,
Superior Value, No.1 Passion, No.1 Culture and Preparation for the
Future. With these pillars, LG has built its foundations and pursuit of
excellence in its endeavors to become a market leader.
The Optimus F3Q rumored to have a 4-inch display with a 1.2 Ghz dual core processor with 4.1.2 Jelly Bean 
