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.