"It's part of a growing trend to integrate hardware, software and services, " says Ross Rubin, director of consumer technology industry analysis for the NPD Group.

FORBES: Imagine A Web Site For Your Toaster

Ross Rubin is director of industry analysis for consumer technology at market research and analysis firm The NPD Group, .

ENGADGET: Switched On: Seeking neutrality in the hi-def format war

Ross Rubin is executive director of industry analysis for consumer technology at market research and analysis firm The NPD Group.

ENGADGET: Switched On: MyDitto NAS has some key issues