I would say that it is more evolution than anything else.
Today's cars (sedans for instance) have that melted bean shape while most cars prior to the 90's had a squared off boxy look.
The rounded telephone look will take some getting used to. I will give Lucent & Avaya credit for using rounded buttons on the Partner Euro and Magix 4400 series telephones.
Can't speak for others, but my fingertips are rounded, not squared-off.
