"We believe that the multifunction market will take off only when the price drops low enough," says Les Wilson, corporate manager of imaging systems at National Semiconductor.
For example, multifunction digital devices which combine some or all of the features of a fax machine, scanner, photocopier and laser printer have begun to appear.
On Oct. 2, Xerox is expected to announce a large multifunction copier-printer that will hook up with the company's new products as well as a host of other hardware and software products.
Methode said the activities initially will be limited to the multifunction controls, but it is expected that over time several additional products will be added to the venture.
Provides multifunction Visa cards, for use as cheque guarantee and cash machine cards (without interest being added).