Ready for Gitex?
Virtual reality, smart homes and Artificial Intelligence are trends to watch out for at the upcoming Gitex Shopper 2017. Smart home control systems have also got tech geeks all excited ahead of the event.
dubai — Residents looking to upgrade their homes with smart home control systems, explore the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, and immerse themselves in a digital world will find a lot to be excited about at the upcoming Gitex Shopper 2017.
Smart home control systems such as Amazon Echo and Google Home are leading the smart home charge, with their range of smart speakers which can control Internet of Things devices. Controlling lights, the temperature in the home, setting timers and feeding pets can be managed through a central device, making everyday tasks easier.
When it comes to AI, leading tech companies are racing to integrate this latest technology into daily lives, with products which can learn preferences and habits and smartly adapt to perform a host of tasks. 2017 has seen a leap in AI implemented across the region, from AI robots deployed on Dubai’s streets to self-driving cars, giving the region a glimpse into the future.
Smartphones are also advancing their AI systems, with personalised assistance like never before, understanding your interests, tastes, emotions and moods. Mobile devices will play a key role in reshap- ing experiences with the compatibility of AI as a core component in unifying the Internet of Things. As a result, the latest smartphones have larger screens to adapt to this functionality. Technological advances in Virtual Reality (VR) headsets have made the systems more accessible than ever before, and consumers increasingly using VR, particularly in gaming and education. Samsung will be displaying the latest VR headsets at Gitex Shopper, including Gear S3, Gear VR, Gear 360 and other accessories. Other trends that have taken the market storm include wearables, that have transitioned from geek to chic as manufacturers experiment with features and functions in fashionable formats. Devices are becoming smarter, with increased functionality and more apps available to support them. The future looks bright for the industry, which is forecast to be worth $3.6 billion by 2022 in the UAE alone, according to Euromonitor International.
In addition, 3D printers are also becoming increasingly affordable and accessible, with 2017 seeing the rise of portable printers which can easily connect to handheld devices such as iPhones or iPads to deliver high quality prints wherever you are. Exhibitors will showcase the latest in 3D printers for both homes and offices at this edition of Gitex Shopper.
The gaming industry has also changed significantly in recent years, with the global launches of Sony PlayStation VR and Pokémon Go bringing augmented reality into the mainstream. Leading the novelty board of products at the exhibition is Nintendo with Switch, a hybrid console that offers gaming at home or on the go and Nintendo 2DS XL, a renewed take on a classic. — rohma@khaleejtimes.com