A New Product Category Shows Promise: The Home Communications Hub

A few days ago, Verizon formally launched a new product called Verizon Hub.  The consumer device is designed to meld a VoIP line with several web-based and wireless services.  For example, a user can access driving directions and send text messages while on a voice call.   All things considered, there's  not much  new ground being broken here, and the device has gotten mediocre reviews at best.  However, when seen alongside other recently launched products, the Verizon offering points to an exciting new trend in the consumer device space.

 Exhibits B and C are the Vonage V-Portal and Ooma Telo.  Both are VoIP ATAs that combine multi-line cordless (DECT) phones with an LCD display that makes configuration and usage easier (Ooma has other good attributes, that I wrote about here).      
 
    Exhibit D is the femtocell, a new type of wireless device that has been recently made available by several U.S. mobile carriers.  Femtocells are mini cell-phone towers that use a broadband connection to extend a wireless signal into dead zones and other territories.  Femtocells are a huge step forward for mobile carriers because they provide a cost effective way (the subscriber typically pays for the device and the broadband connection) to expand  their networks (both for in-fill and globally).  They also open the door to tighter integration between carrier wireless and other Internet services.  My previous blogs on femtocells are here and here.

So here's the problem that's waiting to be solved.  During a typical day in my home office, I find myself juggling between 5 phone devices:  office VoIP extension, home VoIP line, home landline and two mobile phones  (three of these devices have incompatible wireless headsets).  Many phone conversations also require that I check my Blackberry, online  calendar or phonebook.   Finding a way to streamline all of the above is something I would pay good money for.

If you are like me, then you can see the ingredients for a winning product recipe.  Combine all of these devices into a single unit, throw in a dash of  bluetooth, a hint of PBX, and a dolop of webservices connectivity to online APIs like Plaxo or Facebook, and the result would be truly irresistible.  

Carriers and service providers have been trying to merge devices and services for years.   Despite fitful starts (such as FMC) not much headway has been made.   One big reason is that consumers like to be able to pick and choose among the devices and services available from different providers.  But, while it may be difficult for a single service provider to meet all needs, a clever device maker could tie them all together with relative ease.

The result:  a communications home hub that would give your entire household a single device from which to conduct all communications across different networks and providers.

Hey Apple, are you listening?