Apple has proven time and again that a simple user interface can translate into a major advantage over a feature-rich, yet complex solution. The average consumer has a lower tolerance for confusing user-interfaces. In turn, innovation in providing a simple, intuitive interface has dramatically improved over the course of that last 5 years. The introduction of flash and AJAX technology has provided a superior user-experience over the hyperlink driven early web offerings.

Rather than the "so easy that your grandmother will use it" goal, perhaps a better measurement would be to see if a toddler can grasp how to use a new technology. NPR reports that kids can recognize marketing logos as early as 18 months old. Putting these two facts together, technology and electronics companies are working to get their devices and software into the tiny hands of this increasing technical adept young market. The potential for a craddle-to-grave relationship between consumers and technology companies continues to become more of a reality.