The Apple iPod, with its links to iTunes and its PC- or Mac-based controls -- which we call a "Smart Panel" -- is one of the earliest examples of Trivergence. Other examples are a new Kodak camera that automatically dumps its images to the user's PC when passing a wireless hotspot; Medtronic's latest pacemaker that sends live heart data to a website; and a Korean appliance maker that lets owners control their washing machine from the Internet.

Unfortunately, the wireless carriers have been slow to adopt Trivergence. One way they could deal with the complexity of their service is to replicate the cellphone's controls on a web-based Smart Panel that lets users manage their contact lists, set features, manage stored messages and photographs, purchase content, etc. The larger and more capable browser interface would do much to clarify and to enhance the user experience. We know, because Accenture's Innovation Center mocked up a Smart Panel of this type and almost everyone in the focus groups...Read More