In case you didn’t already know, it’s going to rain gadgets this season of Gitex Shopper. But there are few new cool ones on the block we’ve got our eyes on. Here are our top picks:
Nokia Lumia 1020: Dh2,699
Nokia is finally bringing its showcase Nokia World to our part of the world, to Abu Dhabi on October 22. With six rumoured product launches, including its first ever Windows RT tablet, the company is definitely going to be in the news this month.
But for what you can actually get your hands on, the fancy Nokia Lumia 1020 has just landed in the UAE. The 41-megapixel phone, which the company says trumps many digital cameras on the market, is already being called the photographer’s smartphone. A step-up from the Symbian — (remember that?) powered Nokia 808 Pureview, this Windows Phone smartphone has all the makings of a beautifully constructed device and comes with, among many other things, a 4.5-inch touch screen, 2GB RAM, 32GB internal storage as well as 7GB of free SkyDrive storage.
LG G2: Dh2,399
Following in the footsteps of its compatriot Samsung’s Galaxy S4 and HTC One, LG’s spanky new big smartphone is packed with features. Most notable of all are the unusual placement of the power and volume buttons at the back, right below the camera, and the “knock” feature that lets you turn the screen on or off by tapping it twice. At 5.5 inches, it’s no small phone, but back to those new rear buttons for a bit: Earlier reviewers have had mixed reviews, some complaining that their attempts to toggle between the buttons often left them confused. LG insists it’s there to change the way you interact with a device of such a form factor as the G2.
Aside from that, you’ll get a 13 megapixel rear camera, a 2.1-megapixel right atop the 5.2-inch display. The device will come in two internal storage models: 16 GB and 32 GB with no expansion slot included. That, along with a its apparently durable battery life, has already got people raving.
HCL Me Champ: Dh449
It’s not like the market is actually short of tablets. But Indian IT services company HCL wants to target a brand new customer base with its Me Champ: Kids.
Don’t think little of this Android Jelly Bean-powered tablet, though. Featuring a multitouch capacitive screen, it comes with WiFi connectivity, back and front camera and 8GB internal storage expandable to up to 32GB.
The Me Champ comes packed with child-friend apps, games and learning content. But it puts you, the parent, in control, with options to selectively allow usage of apps, online navigation to limit access to certain websites and live usage statistics.
Canon Legria Mini: Dh1,199
Now this one’s an unusual camcorder. Aimed at the social media-addicted generation, this pocket-sized camera features an ultra-wide angle lens so you can fit every one in and, our favourite, a 2.7-inch LCD screen that can turn 180 degrees. There is a built-in stand so you can film Full HD videos of yourself (selfies anyone?) along with a built-in stereo microphone. WiFi is included too, so you can share those videos or pictures directly, or you can save them in the 64GB microSD card. And just to make sure you perfect those selfies, the Live Streaming Remote Control feature lets you control the camcorder from an app downloadable to your iOS or Android smartphone or stream online.
Time to launch our own YouTube channel, we think.
Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker: Dh899
When it comes to sound, Bose’ mastery is unquestionable, which probably explains the premium pricing of their products. The new Soundlink Mini aims to be that bridge in the hugely successful wireless speaker category. As always, it has all the Bose hallmarks, including its streamlined design. This one is made of the same aluminium casing that Apple uses in its MacBooks, complete with a unibody design. Easy to pair, and simple to use, this little thing with big sound will remember up to six devices and needs to be paired only once. Bose also says a three hour charge will last you for about seven hours so you can take it with you wherever you go. Oh, we can already feel a song coming on.
Bose QuietComfort20 In-Ear Headset: Dh1,299
Bose is really going for it this Gitex Shopper. A known name in noise-cancelleing headphones, the company recently launched its first ever in-earphone, and it’s bringing it to the Shopper.
Already receiving rave reviews for its sound quality, the QuietComfort20 comes with three ear-tip options (a prerequisite for earphones) and includes a microphone for accepting calls via your phone. A tiny battery is embedded in a little pod on the cord, which powers the noise-cancellation option, and is rechargeable via a micro USB cable. You can even turn it on to “Aware” mode so you get let a bit of the outside world in. But basically, you’re in control on the go.
BlackBerry Z30: Dh2,499
BlackBerry’s been in the news lately, and not all for the right reasons. The company recently unveiled its flagship phone, its fourth based on the BB10 operating system, the full-touchscreen Z30. A big brother of the Z10 this 5-incher’s going up against the Samsung S4s and HTC Ones on the market — a tall order, considering the state of the company is now in.
But as a device, the Z30 packs quite a punch (though not quite enough, many will say) and comes with a BB10.2 update with new features, especially targeted at business users, including something that lets you preview BBM messages even while you’re in an app. The company also promises longer battery life. There’s an 8 megapixel rear facing camera and 2 megapixel front facing camera.
LG curved OLED TV: Dh34,999
When it comes to television sets, it’s all about the curve these days. Samsung has one and now LG’s making its curved OLED TV available. First showcased at CES earlier this year, this 55-inch 3D smart TV is striking to behold at just 0.17-inches thin and weighing just 17kg. Made to curve so you can get an IMAX-like viewing experience, the OLED TV features 2D to 3D conversion and it’s really smart: Think motion and voice controls and wireless share of data via WiFi. From tubes to flat to curve, we’ve really come a long way. And we love it.
Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch: Dh1,199
Stamping their logo early on the apparent new battlefield of smartwatches, is South Korean giant Samsung, who recently launched its first Galaxy Gear Smartwatch. Of course, as the category gets competitive, these smartwatches will become smarter. For now, the Galaxy Gear Smartwatch with tell you the time (Shock! Horror!), you can use it as your phone’s speakerphone, pause or play music on your phone without touching your phone and preview messages, e-mails and notifications coming to your phone without reaching for your phone. It’s all happening in its 1.6-inch screen, which will also turn into a pedometer and which you can use to trigger a number of fitness apps. A voice recorder and a 1.9 megapixel camera are packed in there too. It’s a nice companion for your Galaxy devices, should you need one.
HTC One Mini: Dh1,799
What do you do if you’ve got a rather large critically acclaimed device? You make a mini version, that’s what. HTC’s scaled back version of its hit One has received equal amount of praise too — and that’s because the company has not just shrunk it. All the scaled back in specs, this Mini bears all the hallmarks of what made the One such a compelling device: beautiful design and great software design.
It comes with a 4.3-inch screen, 16GB non-expandable internal storage, 4-megapixel rear camera and 1.6-megapixel front camera. Basically, it’s a really good phone in a smaller package.
