The ambient web is a term often used to describe the pervasive web as it lives beyond the desktop browser.  The web lives on our blackberry (and ti my later point, on our Tivos) and we don't even need to think about it, it's just there.  It's an ambient part of our day to day lives.

But I believe there is more to ambient connectivity than connectivity to the web, or even to devices, alone.  Ambient connectivity is about more than Microsoft Mesh (though Mesh may be a step in the right direction).  True ambient experiences require cross-device, cross-platform, cross-format (or multi-format), pervasive connectivity TO OUR LIVES.  Sure, the internet will help deliver these experiences, but connectivity lives beyond the web - just look at the Wifi syncing feature on the Zune! 

Technology connects our lives.  It is not all about the internet, or about the Mesh.  It is about us, the users.  And while Mesh is a great first step, it still lacks intuition and true boarder-less presence. Think about it: Mesh promises to connect devices, to connect technologies.  But the ultimate ambient experiences will connect more than just technologies to other technologies, but it will connect humans to their own lives.  And that is where walls will will need fall.

Key Takeaway: The Microsoft Mesh platform may be a great first start, but it is not the be all and end all.  The future is not as much about syncing, as asking and delivering.  The future may not be about turning on or turning off, but just being there, maintaining that seamless background.  When technology is there, when it fits into our ambient lives, serving as augmenters rather than disruptors, when it services our lives in a truly ambient manner, the market is going to change.

Technology will change.

Marketing will change.

And our lives will change.

But rather our lives adapting to the technology itself, it will be the technology solutions will be enabling our own human lives. It is not just about connectivity.  It's about ambient solution delivery. 

And no, I don't see this isn't coming anytime soon. 

    But a guy can dream, can't he?