Tablets Become Focus for Convergence

After decades of discussion, the convergence of consumer, computer and communications is finally becoming a reality with the arrival of Apple iPad and competing tablets, a development that will have massive implications for the technology world, spurring competition not only among varying types of products—but among entire industries, according to the market research firm iSuppli, now part of IHS.
“The definition of convergence has changed over time, with the latest version describing it as voice, video and data services being delivered to the home vis-à-vis broadband networks and the new services that would result from this confluence,” said William Kidd, director and principal analyst, financial services for iSuppli. “While that trend still exists, the convergence of consumer electronics devices and industries are now coming together at a fast pace, with the tablet form factor serving a tangible representation of that convergence, since it is part smart phone and part notebook.”
However, the implications of the convergence in consumer electronics span well beyond tablets.
The rise of the tablet parallels the growing importance of the mobile operating system (OS) in a large number of consumer electronics devices where previously there was no OS—or the OS wasn't a factor, Kidd added. Because of this, it's a time of great risk and opportunity for all the players across the electronics value chain. This is why so many technology firms seem to be rushing to deliver—or to become a key supplier to—a next generation tablet, smart phone or both, like the iPad/iPhone. At the same time, these companies also are attempting to keep their design options somewhat open, because it is still so early in this product's life cycle.
“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,” Kidd said. “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. 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.”

Going mobileMobile OSes will proliferate because of their range of benefits to technology providers and users.
These OSes provide a framework for consumers to cheaply and effortlessly create custom use cases for devices by using apps that greatly exceed the utility of an Internet browser alone. For developers, mobile OSes allow the creation and monetization of apps. Using mobile OSes, content providers to distribute their wares and adds another convenient option for consumers to access content. Finally, mobile OSes enable interconnectivity between connected devices, and thus generate even more new use cases.
iSuppli believes televisions likely represent the next important catalyst in this evolution toward a broader and more unifying consumers platform that encompasses significantly more devices. Despite challenges and past failures in this area, iSuppli expects mobile operating system providers will get the formula right and transition televisions into a new paradigm. Over the long term, tablets are likely to reshape the computer market as well.

Consumption versus creationiSuppli’s current outlook for tablet shipments foresees that these devices will remain content consumption devices, similar to the iPad. However, growth in the tablet segment starting in 2012 could be much higher than now anticipated as these devices take on the kind content creation capabilities now offered by notebook and netbook PCs.
The transformation of tablets into media creation devices would require the development of OSes that are more evolved that Apple’s iOS is today. Even with Microsoft’s stumbles to date in tablets, iSuppli believes that Microsoft will figure out how to design a functional tablet operating system. Apple also is likely to determine how to evolve iOS and an iPad into a creation platform that is 100 percent compatible with the Widows-dominated PC universe. Obviously, Apple could combine iOS and Mac OS at some point, which iSuppli believes is logical as well.

For a detailed analysis on the impact of the mobile OS, see Kidd’s report entitled: Tablets: Epicenter for the Convergence of Smart Phones and PCs.

Related articles

• Microsoft preparing new tablets for CES (v3.co.uk)
• Have the mobile OS wars really been decided already? (zdnet.com)
• 2010: Year of the Tablet (gigaom.com)
• 7 Reasons You Won't Want a Windows 7 Slate (wired.com)

Mobile TV chip adds DAB radio

Siano Mobile Silicon has launched a new multi-standard mobile TV receiver chip that supports the major global broadcast mobile TV standards of DVB-T, T-DMB, and ISDB-T, and, in addition, digital radio (DAB/+) and FM Radio. The SMS1230 is the high-end member of Siano's multi-standard MDTV receiver chip family, which includes also the SMS1150, SMS1130, and the low cost SMS1140, launched earlier this year.
The SMS1230 is a highly integrated, all-CMOS single chip receiver designed for high-end reception of mobile digital TV and radio, at low power consumption.
Exceeding the performance requirements of technical specifications such as NORDIG and MBRAI, the SMS1230 has several unique features. Siano’s SMS1230 enables reception of DVB-T at speeds of 200 Km/hour; In ISDB-T (deployed in Japan and Brazil); it exhibits extremely high immunity to analog and digital interfering signal. In addition, it supports digital radio – DAB and DAB+ technologies as well as analogue FM radio.
Interestingly, two units can be used together for antenna diversity, which further increases the reception performance.

"Siano’s new high-end SMS1230 is targeting customers that are pursuing top-notch DTV reception performance – reception in extremely tough conditions such as vast distances from the nearest broadcasting tower, or in the presence of very strong interfering signals, or while commuting by car or by train at very high speeds," said Alon Ironi, CEO of Siano.

The SMS1230 is currently available in sample quantities, while mass volumes will be available starting November this year.

Solaris aims for satellite mobiles

Satellite joint venture Solaris Mobile has submitted an application for harmonised EU mobile services across the European Commission in the S-band.
The Dublin-based company, a joint venture between satellite operators Eutelsat and SES Astra, intends to operate in a 2.00 GHz frequency band, the S-band, reserved for the exclusive use of satellite and terrestrial mobile services. The S-band sits alongside UMTS frequencies that are already used across Europe for 3G terrestrial services.
The successful applicant(s) for the spectrum will be able to provide innovative mobile services, such as mobile TV reception, high-speed data transfers, public safety, disaster recovery and remote medical communications via satellite, anywhere within the 27 Member States of the European Union. In addition, operators may deploy complementary terrestrial networks where necessary.
“We are excited to be submitting our application today in what promises to be a landmark development for European mobile communications," said Steve Maine, Solaris Mobile CEO. "This timing complements our investments, with our commitment in 2006 to procure a satellite payload from Thales Alenia Space in France. Solaris Mobile will be in the unique position of being able to offer mobile satellite services as early as 2009, empowering state-of-the-art mobile networks and enabling innovative services to consumers across Europe, well ahead of the Commission’s deadline of 2011. We look forward to continue working with European consumers, regulators, network operators, equipment and solutions vendors, car manufacturers, content and service providers, to make this vision become a reality within the next twelve months.”
The company plans to provide TV, video and radio plus two-way communication to a variety of handheld and vehicle-mounted mobile devices. Solaris Mobile’s range of services, scheduled for launch in early 2009, is aimed primarily at Broadcasters, Telco operators, the Automotive industry, and Data & Communication providers.