The String That Holds CE Together

As I sat thinking about writing a column on the latest in convergence, I was reminded of a book on string theory, "Elegant Universe" by Brian Greene. Green does a great job using string theory to explain the dynamics of how the universe works.

While Einstein used his theories of general relativity to explain how large things in the universe (stars, galaxies and clusters of galaxies) operate, his theories fell short when he explored smaller things, such as molecules and atoms. Quantum mechanics was developed to cover that area of physics. Unfortunately, the two theories are mutually exclusive of how the other operates. Enter string theory, or the theory of how everything connects to everything else.

The consumer electronics universe can also be divided into the large universe and the small universe. The large is made up of wide-screen TVs, home theater systems, audio systems, desktop computers and servers. The small universe includes digital imaging products, notebooks, netbooks, wireless phones, mobile phones, MP3 players, portable GPS, etc. In a way, we can now look at accessories as the string theory that connects all CE products together.