(Column) - Apple was probably the first consumer electronics company to offer engraving on its music players, and interestingly enough, the market has been very quiet about this. In fact, it's one of the most overlooked features of the music player. Sure, there's nothing special about it per se, but the fact that you can customize your device with your name or a greeting on it is definitely unique. However, it looks like Microsoft was paying attention and expanded on what Apple started. With Zune 80 now shipping at no additional cost, you can select from an array of custom art that's more elaborate than a name. Obviously the best part is that Microsoft isn't charging its customers for the engraving.

With Apple, despite its minimalist approach to engraving, and Microsoft on board, it's only a matter of time before other companies follow shortly. It's evident that customizing gadgets doesn't take a lot of resources, and if anything, it's a great way to entice users. After all, this is where we are headed. In the near future, nobody's going to want a standard, default version of a latest gadget. We are going to want devices that are customized to us. If there's an option, no one is going to want a unit that looks exactly similar to others'. Where's the fun in that, right?

Perhaps what intrigues me the most is this idea taking off for other consumer electronics. Are we going to be limited to music players and cell phones, or is it going to spread to DVD players and home entertainment setups as well? Where are we going to stop with this emerging trend.

In the grand scheme of things, there's nothing special about it. It doesn't enhance the product's performance, and you just know some people's tastes are gaudy enough to ruin the stock appearance of the unit, but that's part of expression. With Web 2.0 all about expression, this is where products are headed: Appearance 2.0. Why limit yourself to expressing yourself online when you can do the same with your music players and cell phones? Apple and Microsoft are leading the way, and I would like to see others follow shortly.

Finally, when we have the stock artwork perfected, maybe we can have users upload their own designs, naturally with a price tag, and get it totally customized. The idea is cool, feasible and makes sense. Welcome to the era of tangible expressions with personalized gadgets.

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