PCs Become Digital Hub
Jan. 14 -- The third age of the desktop PC has begun.
First, say the technologists, the PC was a productivity machine.
Then came Internet access, when desktop computers became gateways to the world.
Now, PCs are reaching out in a different direction — toward the other electronic devices consumers own.
Whether as a "creation station" to churn out home videos or a "digital hub" to manage music and movies, the PCs of the near future will focus on negotiating among digital cameras, camcorders, music players, televisions and the Web.
"The PC remains the most versatile device with the most horsepower to handle the mixing of digital media as a part of the digital lifestyle," said Tim Bajarin, president of technology research firm Creative Strategies and an ABCNEWS.com columnist.
Digital Hub
Major computer and software makers have all signed onto the idea of the PC as traffic cop for the digital devices in the home and data on the Internet.
Microsoft's Windows XP, the operating system that forms the core of most new computers' software workings, can download images from digital cameras with the press of a button.
Meanwhile, the newest PCs let users manipulate their media as never before. They can help turn digital photos into hardcover books; combine TV, radio, CD, DVD, and several portable audio formats; and network fax machines, printers, scanners, cameras, and other devices seamlessly.
Further into the future, technologists say, the PC will be an information clearinghouse for dozens of digital devices, for example serving up recipes to Internet-connected microwave ovens and sorting music files for a daily commute.
"Your PC filters out all the content and then automatically loads it into your car," said Brian Fravel, consumer and desktop marketing manager for computer chip maker Intel. "It may go out [onto the Internet], get stocks, news, possibly your favorite music files and have it all organized for you."
Handheld Challenge
Even in homes where new digital devices take over many of the PC's current functions, a desktop machine's power guarantees it will be the "creation station," experts say.
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