Gulf News Web Sub Editor, Samreen Hayat ventures into Gitex Technology Week 2008 to bring you the real story.
Solar-charged kind of life
Remember all those times you wished you charged your mobile phone before you left the house? Or all those crucial conversations cut short because your phone ran out of power? Well a Taiwanese company has come up with a solution to your problems, and all it needs is a little bit of sun.
That's right, Onlink brings you a range of solar-powered multi-battery chargers that are handy, compact and aesthetically pleasing. If you're thinking lumpy, elaborate devices, think again. Products come attached to pouches, briefcases and even wallets. Just pop one under the sun for a couple hours and enjoy four hours of talk time on your mobile phone. And ladies, there's even an integrated purse that will serve you well for all those long chats.
Quack, quack, who's there?
As I roamed through the Gitex halls, a distinct quacking sound caught my attention. I didn't accidently wander into a poultry fair now, did I? Thankfully not, but I did discover a rather useful application: Ketab.
Available in both Arabic and English, this product comes with a package consisting of a range of diskettes and books along with a small computer with an attached sensor. Just point the sensor on a word in a book and marvel as the computer utters it perfectly (flip through the animals section and hear quacks, moos and more!) Ketab is mainly targeted at children from ages 4-12, but fear not adults, there are some levels for you, too. So if you fancy picking up a new language, try your hand at this learning device.
Mickey and me
Odd shapes are the order of the day this Gitex. Almost every stand offered something unusual, something unique. Take Samsung's latest mp3 player Pebble for example. Light as - well - a pebble, this tiny circular object can store up to 500 songs and comes in 1gb/2gb varieties plus,it's available in vibrant colours.
Not far behind are mp3 experts iRiver. Most obviously catering to today's young ones, the Korean company have tied in with Walt Disney to bring you MPlayer Mickey Mania, which is a tiny device shaped as none other than cartoon icon Mickey Mouse. Priced at just Dhs 159, this small player comes with 1 gb space and is sure to please cartoon fans. My only question: where's Mini?
Shape of my heart
The CD may have become a relatively antiquated device in today's USB-age, but one Dubai-based company has decided to add some much needed flair to the device. Shape CDs produce just that, CDs in various customisable shapes, whether it be hearts, flowers or even t-shirts. So if you're ever in the need for a heart-shaped storage device (maybe to express your true love), invest in some Shape CDs.
House partee
Calling all golf enthusiasts- you won't be alone in thinking Dubai's summer temperatures aren't exactly prime golfing weather. But no worries, a Korean company may just have answered your prayers with World Screen Golf. An elaborate setup consisting of a huge screen, clubs and more, this system allows you to experience true golfing in the comfort of your home or office. Up to six players can battle it out on simulated golf courses that promise 99.8 per cent accuracy. While you may not feel the wind and sand, you can escape the scalding sun with this innovative product. So, how about you take a step back and tee off.
