A decade ago, when Hollywood blockbuster Minority Report opened to cinemas it succeeded in creating an alternative reality with multitouch interfaces, facial recognition billboards and retina scanner identification, a world that no longer feels so fictitious.
In celebration
There’s is no escaping the supersonic speed at which we are hurtling towards a future that puts almost unfathomable technology literally at our finger tips. Technology that has already succeeded in altering the way we identify, improve and control our environment. It’s the age of the smaller, smarter, compatible and customisable.
And celebrating all that’s good in the world of gadgets, gizmos and accessories is Gitex Shopper 2012, the most anticipated event for tech aficionados including IT professionals, end users, regional traders and students. Gitex is a consumer event that has exhibitors presenting some of the best deals on their products.
Come end of September and the city gears up again to welcome the best in the world of wireless, smart, flat, remote, ultra thin and high definition. What makes the 2012 edition special is the fact that the UAE’s consumer electronics market is expected to reach a record $3.8 billion (Dh13.95 billion), reason enough to celebrate, but again that’s not all. One of the biggest draws about Gitex 2012 is its new venue, the Dubai World Trade Centre, a landmark move that has enabled a staggering 25 per cent growth. “Can’t wait to visit the new venue,” says Niloy Nag, a telecom marketing professional and an avid Gitex visitor. “Having the show at the World Trade Centre makes it that much more accessible. This year I want to look out for the new DSLR from Nikon as well as see what’s the latest in the world of laptops.”
In addition to the new, ultra-convenient central location, Gitex Shopper will take place slightly earlier in the year, starting today and going on till October 6, and will increase its opening hours to meet visitor demand.
“Gitex Shopper has enjoyed extraordinary success from the show’s very first edition and with its historic move to the Dubai World Trade Centre, anticipation is at an all-time high. Our exhibitors need increased exhibition space and this move enables us to deliver that,” says Trixee Loh, Senior Vice-President, Dubai World Trade Centre and organiser of Gitex Shopper.
“Under the platform of ‘Jumbo is Gitex’ we offer innovative interactive platforms to delight our customers,” says Vishesh Bhatia, CEO, Jumbo Electronics.
“Jumbo anticipates that smartphones, tablets and laptops will once again be the key drivers for business, as we continue our tradition of offering fabulous prizes with free bundles, free product vouchers, product raffles and interactive competitions with amazing on the spot prizes. Alongside DSF, this is traditionally our biggest and busiest sales period of the year with special deals throughout our network of 24 retail stores located across the UAE,” he says.
The biggest names
The organisers have also increased the number of hours in a bid to meet the growing needs of visitors, many of whom travel hours to attend Gitex Shopper. The show will be the biggest and best yet, with 25 per cent increased exhibitor space to accommodate the more than 100 exhibitors taking part. So be it the latest Ultrabook or the ultra-slim high-definition LCD TV you hankered for, expect to find it (and for a bargain if you are lucky) among the more than 25,000 latest cutting-edge products and gadgets made available to conumers at the event.
The participation of the world’s top IT and electronics brands including industry giants Bose, Dell, Epson, Fujitsu, HP, HTC, Intel, Nintendo, Samsung, Sanford and Seagate will ensure you leave Gitex satisfied.
The best deals
There is a veritable frenzy everyday when it comes to sales, bargains and discounts on all those gorgeous consumer electronic products. You may even need help with taking home the bundles of freebies that come with almost everything you buy. It’s a win-win situation, with even window shopping allowing visitors the chance to bag prizes at the Shopper.
In addition to the several competitions and giveaways organised by various retailers, you can win prizes just by visiting the show. Don’t tear up your entry ticket — it may also be your lucky coupon to the Ford Mustang saved for the Mega draw.
The nerd nest
The event is a rich haven of information for tech lovers, bloggers, gamers or geeks on the newest, latest and coming-up-next trends, gadgets and gizmos. Improve your geek quotient by getting to know all that’s latest in the world of tech.
But more than anything else, Gitex Shopper is all about enjoying the experience. A treat for the senses is assured with live demos, experience zones, tech fashion shows and competitions. From picking up the latest Samsung Smart TV or the Blackberry Porsche mobile phone to accessorising your favourite toys with crystal phone cases, Gitex Shopper should be your destination of choice this week.
WATCH OUT FOR...
Seagate
A noted brand in portable devices, entertainment and tablets, Seagate offers the slimmest drives in the industry along with wireless storage solutions; home network attached storage or NAS, hybrid technology for ultra-performance upgrade and the latest portable and desktop backup solutions for the consumer’s digital world, from PC to social media, as well as allowing connectivity upgrade in a snap with interchangeable adapters.
Phantomskinz
Offering screen protection films for phones, tablets and other devices, PhantomSkinz’s Chromatics product line is made up of precision cut skins designed specifically for each device on the market. These films are available in a wide range of colours and textures including metallic, carbon fibre and wood grains. These films also incorporate an air release technology to make installations as quick and easy as possible, and are thermally attached to the device during installation to provide a ‘skin tight’ fit. The PhantomSkinz Xtreme polyurethane protection films are quite literally the best screen protection films money can buy.
Jacky’s electronics
Jacky’s Electronics has been the biggest retailer in terms of retail space and business volume for the last six editions of Gitex Shopper,” says Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jacky’s Electronics. “This year, at 1,490 square metres we have the largest space ever in the history of Gitex Shopper. This only shows how much importance we place on the exhibition. For us GITEX Shopper is the time when the teamwork among our staff is at its best.
“Expect the full range of high-value products at Jacky’s stand this year including the Blackberry Porsche smartphone, Smart TVs of size 60 inches and 75 inches, Macbook’s new range, slimbooks and Ultrabooks. The Samsung ES9000 Smart TV will be one of the most expensive products on display. The TV includes the full suite of Smart TV features such as Smart Interaction for enabling gestures and voice controls and Smart Content for sharing media across several devices. Samsung also introduces a new Angry Birds app for its smart TVs, which lets users play the game entirely through gesture controls. The TV is currently priced at Dh39,999.
Intel
Microprocessors, chip sets and semi conductor products are Intel’s benchmarks, and the brand has also made a mark through its servers, note, netbooks and Ultrabook categories. Intel will introduce the latest Ultrabook models and demonstrate the recently announced third generation processor features including video, music and gaming through the experience zones at its stand.
Archos
Asad Sayed, Business Manager, Banian FZCO, the exclusive distributors of Archos tablets in the Middle East, and which is exhibiting at the event for the first time, is excited at introducing the brand’s comprehensive range in the region.
“The Middle East is a fast growing market and the growth rates here are much higher than the rest of the world. The Middle East market also comprises fast adapters to the latest technology and the last few months have seen an astounding digital growth in the tablet business across the ME.
Sayed says that Gitex Shopper is one of the best vehicles to launch a brand and its range of products across the Middle East. Expect the Archos Gen10 101 XS, the slimmest tablet across the industry, at Gitex Shopper. The product’s official worldwide launch was this August and the Middle East is the first region to actually see consumers getting to buy the product, thanks to Gitex Shopper,” says Sayed. The tablets come in varying sizes and specs ranging from 7 inch to 10 inch and are priced between Dh399 to Dh1,699. All tablets at the show will be running on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Hewlett-Packard
HP comes to Gitex with an entire portfolio ranging from printers to PCs — mainly Envy Sleekbooks, Spectra, All-in-One systems and Phoenix desktops.
“HP is revolutionising customer experience in the Middle East and will be exhibiting at Gitex Shopper 2012 to showcase the latest innovative products, services and collaborations that we have developed to enhance the way consumers connect with their favourite content, whether it’s music, movies or games,” says Salim Ziade, General Manager, HP Printing and Personal Systems, Middle East. HP sees Gitex as a major consumer event in the region and continues to be a key participant at this year’s show.
Easy access
Gitex Shopper 2012 will take place from September 29 to October 6. The show is open from 11am to 10pm from September 29 to October 3 and from 11am to 11pm from October 4 to October 6. For the first time ever, the event will open for longer hours on Fridays from 11am. Tickets are priced at Dh30 per person and are available at the venue and online through Time Out Tickets. Entry is free for children under the age of five. Access has never been easier thanks to the new Dubai World Trade Centre venue and its dedicated Metro station just metres from the door of the show. Ample parking is also available within easy proximity to the venue.
