Continued...

Instead of adding thousands of buttons and making bulky gadgets, companies are learning to simplify products to attract a wider audience. Apple’s iPod is one example, but copycats have embraced similar concepts that are better for consumers. Look at Creative’s Zen V music player or LG and Verizon’s VX8500 Chocolate cell phone. Whether it’s digital cameras, music players or cell phones, simplicity is where we are at, and I must say, I like what I see.

In today’s world, where we are distracted with latest, greatest and sleekest products, who needs a device that looks like it was invented in the last century? I know it’s good for the enthusiasts. We live by our gadgets daily, and they are a critical aspect of our lives, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be interested in simplifying them. Simplification is always a good thing, especially when everything I need is located within organized menus.

More importantly, however, is the mainstream audience - these are the people that could really use simplification in consumer electronics. Seeing a number of buttons on consumer devices is daunting for a lot of people who view technology as a confusing investment to begin with, and thus it makes sense for companies to ease the mainstream market into personal technology.

I must say the latest trend of simplicity in consumer electronics is a positive one, and I hope companies continue to move forward with this trend in the near future, while still introducing updated features for gadget enthusiasts everywhere.