Convergence

What Does Convergence Mean?

Convergence is the coming together of two different entities, and in the contexts of computing and technology, is the integration of two or more different technologies in a single device or system. A good example is the convergence of communication and imaging technologies on a mobile device designed to make calls and take pictures – two unrelated technologies that converge on a single device.

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Techopedia Explains Convergence

Convergence is considered a new trend because technological capabilities were only recently established to allow for cheaper and widespread implementation. The simple concept of convergence allows multiple tasks to be performed on a single device, which effectively conserves space and power.

For example, rather than carrying separate devices – like a cell phone, camera and digital organizer – each technology converges on a single device, or smartphone. Another good example is surfing the Internet on a high-definition TV (HDTV).

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…