Ideal platform for tech industry.
The Hong Kong Electronics Fair and electronicsAsia is the biggest trade fair of its kind, held each autumn and spring.
Going around the booths of the Autumn Edition 2017, it is not hard to see why. With over 4,300 exhibitors showcasing the latest in consumer electronics, a Startup zone, double the size of last year and five themed zones, visitors have plenty of crossover business opportunities.
The five themed zones in the Tech Hall are designed to match buyers sourcing needs and include, Robotics & Unmanned Tech, 3D Printing, Smart Tech, Virtual Reality and Startup.
Here is a snapshot of what caught AR’s attention.
In the Startup zone, Jacky Instruments from the City of Hong Kong University unveiled its next generation Smart Thermostat that implements a smart control algorithm that can maintain a stable indoor temperature, reducing power use, controlled and monitored via cloud service.
Also in the Startup zone was a pocket sized, evaporative air conditioner, the HiCooler, said to be ‘a world first’. Eco-friendly, mobile and economical it is powered by battery or USB charger with 10 watt power usage. Another example of personal mini-coolers came from Golden Right, and a four colour lineup, with the option to add a drop of essential oil to scent a room. This Shenzhen company also had the innovative Intelligent Mask, combining air pressure balance with fine paper filters to deliver a special cool air flow. (Appliance Retailer tested the mask and found it allows for easier breathing without the suffocating feeling of a traditional mask).
In the Smart Tech zone, Japanese company, Linough launched the Ninja lock, a digital device that can be fitted to any thumb-turned door lock without any remodelling. It is operated by a PIN code or smartphone app. “It is ideal for rentals,” marketing manager, Shiori Watanabe told Appliance Retailer. “Owners can control access at all times. It is an easily installed, mobile, fuss-free solution.”
Leather goods manufacturer CoQi brought fashion and technology together with wireless charging wallets. The smartphone can be easily and neatly charged by placing the device in the front of the wallet. Apple has adopted Qi wireless charging protocols for its phones, watches and headphones, CoQi founder, Matthew Chow told AR.
Turning attention to the home and the quaintly named EveryBot RS700 (pictured above), which claimed to be the first dual spin mop robot floorcare cleaner. It cleans floors using its own weight and because it does not have wheels and is said to be similar to hand mop cleaning. Sensors detect obstacles, motor overload and battery overcharge and it features several cleaning modes. Also for the home, was a stylish humidifier from Red Dot and iF Design Award winning company, Lian Technolgy. The humidifier featured an illuminated and removable water tank that carried a water scarcity flash warning light.
There were some creative products for children. Among them the DIY KD-Model mini indoor battle drone that can be played with two people. It is being sold to schools to help develop creative skills, according to WinTide sales manager, Justin Chan. Another gesture-controlled selfie drone operates with one hand using a hidden controller. It has seven minutes flying time with a distance up to 50 metres and a three-minute streaming video option.
Intelligent Mask combining air pressure balance with fine paper filters
Kids Dynamic introduced the first analogue smart watch for children. The voice-activated Swing Watch assists children to read the time, has an activity monitor for outdoor playtime and comes with a built-in UV sensor. CEO Dan Hsu said unlike digital watches the watch does not expose children to screens too early.
There can be no show without Amazon with several companies unveiling producing utilising Amazon Alexa voice control. Shenzhen-based ManiWay showcased its range of Wi-Fi /Bluetooth speakers and lamp speakers with Alexa support. Ultimate Gear introduced a Wi-Fi LED light bulb for controlling its Light iT smart lamp that comes with a selection of colour options. A smart plug, power strip socket and smart switch, all work with Alexa to control each outlet individually via voice control.
Given the scale of the event, the two fairs have become the most important sourcing platform for the electronics industry, HKTDC deputy executive director, Benjamin Chau said. “We hope to help start-ups expand their business, while providing a platform for the electronics and technology industry to exchange information and move forward.”