Review Central speaks to Avinash Shanbhogue, the Director of GITEX Shopper 2016, about the importance of such an event in the regional market.
How important is GITEX Shopper for the regional IT/ CE industry?
GITEX Shopper has been a pivotal element in the growth of the IT and consumer electronics industry in the region. Since the show was established 26 years ago it has provided a platform for the latest launches and has grown with both the industry and consumer demand. This is a dynamic region with a robust appetite for technology, and GITEX Shopper has been at the forefront since the beginning.
For the power retailers and the world’s top tech brands – many who have partnered with us from the very beginning – GITEX Shopper represents an additional shopfront and channel for revenue that makes a considerable contribution to their annual results.
What sort of technology trends have you seen in the market?
Key trends we’re seeing in the market and ones that visitors to GITEX Shopper can certainly be on the lookout for products that include these are:
Wearables: With connectivity already an everyday part of consumers’ lives thanks to the smartphone, it’s now the turn of wearable tech to take it to the next level. According to a recent CCS Insight study, the wearables market indicates strong growth over the next five years, with revenue poised to reach US$14 billion in 2016. Wrist-worn devices continue to be the trailblazers in the wearables market, with fitness, activity and sports trackers accounting for almost half of the sales.
Artificial Intelligence: Artificial Intelligence (AI), similar to the tech that powers Windows’ Cortana and iOS’s Siri, and machine learning technology which powers Google’s search engine, will continue to be incorporated into technology products, services and software in 2016 as mobility remains front and centre.
3D-Printing Materials: This year will see continued advances in 3D printing with a wide range of materials, including advanced nickel alloys, carbon fibre, glass, conductive ink, electronics, pharmaceuticals and biological materials for practical applications expanding into aerospace, medical, automotive, energy and the military. Recent advances make it possible to mix multiple materials together with traditional 3D printing in one build. Among the exhibitors that will showcase the latest in 3D printers for home and office at GITEX Shopper 2016 is Jacky’s Electronics.
Live Video Streaming: Video streaming has become one of the most engaging trends as well as the most popular methods to view content across the web today. The increasing use of mobile devices is also driving video views, and this trend is set to continue in 2016. The demand on smartphones is expected to increase, as companies – such as YouTube and Facebook – are adding livestreaming features on their mobile apps.
Ultra-HD (UHD) TVs: With their exceptional picture quality, ultra high definition (UHD) TVs have quickly gained market share since their introduction just a few years ago. UHD TVs feature four times the pixels per inch compared to Full HD and offer far greater contrast than previous displays, especially if they are equipped with OLED technology. In addition, high dynamic range (HDR) brings huge advances in colour, contrast, and brightness, which has to be seen to be believed. Among the world’s top rating UHD TVs are LG’s E6 HDR 4K TV, Samsung KS9000 SUHD 4K Ultra HD TV and Sony X940D 4K HDR Ultra HD TV.
Virtual Reality: This year is definitely the year of Virtual Reality, with increased Virtual Reality content in the gaming industry, as well as the development of 360° cameras. Intel recently introduced its newest VR headset Project Alloy which introduces the concept of merged reality. Instead of a headset cord and controllers, people will experience VR at its finest by using their own hands.
Smart Drones: Drones have taken the world by storm and new features are being introduced to the market almost daily. The Typhoon H, for example, is capable of capturing 4k video footage as well as vivid 12-megapixel stills in 360 degrees. Another popular drone this year is the Phantom 4, which comes equipped with automatic collision control and features Active Track technology that allows the person to select any moving object and it will automatically follow it.
Electric Skateboards: Last year the world went crazy for hoverboards, and now electric skateboards are making moves to gain market share, primarily due to their relative safety for users. The Yuneec E-Go, available in the regional market, boasts a battery capacity of more than 28km and a top speed of 19km. The battery charges within 5 hours.
Smart Appliances: As home appliances come equipped with cutting-edge technology, this means they save more water, energy, time and money for their owners. Samsung has recently revealed their futuristic fridge, the Samsung Family Hub Fridge that comes attached with a 1080p touchscreen, which means that you can freely scroll through apps and browse the internet while standing in the kitchen. It also comes with a feature that enables you to order groceries for home delivery.
Information of Everything: The next evolution on from Internet of Everything, and one of the top trends in tech for 2016 according to Gartner, is Information of Everything. This heralds a new era in which people, businesses and devices become increasingly more connected, creating the potential to revolutionise the way companies interact with customers and how we live and work in the world.
What are the highlights of GITEX Shopper this year?
More than 35,000 products will be on offer at the show this year, with the world’s top tech brands and regional power retailers offering the latest range of products in every technology segment.
In addition to offering the best deals, offers and promotions Jacky’s Electronics will be hosting Lenovo, as well as show floor action in the form of a much anticipated dance competition.
Jumbo Group is expecting a rise in wearables, fitness devices and VR headsets, backed, of course, by high volume sales of smartphones. Their special offers will include multimedia headphones, Bluetooth speakers and large screen televisions, and they are planning to bring a surprise in the VR space. They are set to roll out exciting promotions and bundle offers on key products such as smartphones, laptops, premium UHD/4K televisions, digital SLRs, wearables and fitness brands among others. There will also be premium giveaways that shoppers will receive throughout the eight-day event.
Samsung will be showcasing their latest range of smartphones including the Galaxy S7/S7 edge, as well as ground breaking innovations such as the Gear 360 and the Gear VR. Their stand will also include a dedicated virtual reality zone complete with 4D chairs to transport visitors into a whole new world of possibilities. In addition, they will be showcasing their wearables including Gear Fit2 and IconX.
Of course, visitors to the show will also find the world’s top technology companies and the region’s power retailers offering fantastic deals on smartphone devices, including the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, HTC 10, LG 5G and Sony Xperia Z5 among others.
How many exhibitors are participating at GITEX Shopper this year? Can you share how many are returning and new exhibitors?
The full spectrum of power retailers and brands are always at GITEX Shopper and this year is no different with the likes of Axiom, Emax, Jacky’s Electronics, Jumbo Electronics and Sharaf DG ensuring shoppers the widest variety of products and offering the most competitive prices, bundles, deals and promotions.
Just as the industry has grown, so too has our breadth of brands, retailers and distributors and we’re delighted to once again welcome a diverse range of top consumer electronics brands that include Alienware, Asus, Bose, Hisense, HP, Lava, Microsoft, MSI, Nestle, Oppo and Samsung as well as retailers Axiom, Emax, Jacky’s, Jumbo, Sharaf DG and more.
What can shoppers expect at GITEX Shopper this year? Any new initiatives in place?
GITEX Shopper serves as a playground of novel entertainment features, competitions, prizes and activities that will keep visitors enthralled and engaged from 11:00am to 11:00pm every day of the show. Exciting prizes will be up for grabs this year, and will include a car, dream holidays and cutting-edge tech products given away daily.
