Hardware and Service Converging?

This is a pretty good read - an interesting New York Times Article on the convergence of "Gadget Makers and Service Providers." Google used to be a search engine, but is now knocking at the door of mobile telephony with their new Google Phone, which may attract the same hype as the iPhone. Both Google and Apple are chic companies known for their innovation - Google more on the software side, so it would make sense for a hoard of tech-heads following the development of Google's first crack at hardware.

With Nokia's new Ovi network, the tried and true hardware developers are cracking in on the space that Apples' iTunes has carved out.

These cross-market products put out by these growing companies are great for innovation. Maybe Google will put out a product that uses VoIP to a higher degree, harnessing its power, or even its own search technology. These benefits will certainly move technology and services forward. With big, well known names adding new services to different markets, those already in these markets will have to step up their services as well.