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» Unveiled! PCS TABLETS LAPTOPS PERIPHERALS ACCESSORIES APPS INFORMATIONSOFTWARE LIFESTYLE The Post Convergence Era When IT meets CE and HA, the alchemy is extraordinary We have entered what one might describe as the “post convergence” era… in other words, virtually all products have become smart in some way, CE products are based on various kinds of artificial intelligence, and IT products are in fact, today, entertainment devices. In other words, we have arrived at true convergence, and now are at a turning point at which we can examine endless new exciting horizons, based on the infinite possibilities that are opening up due to this fact. In the next pages we take you on a tour of some of the most innovative new products and ideas that are on show at IFA 2012. ULTRABOOKS GAIN MOMENTUM AT IFA 2012 Intel has continued its heavy push of the Ultrabook format, with numerous new models showcased at IFA 2012. An ultrabook is a lighter, smaller-sized and slimmer laptop computer that boasts fast processing speeds and longer battery life, using less power than classic laptops. Models here include the Lenovo IdeaPad U300s, the Toshiba Satellite U925t, the Acer Aspire S3 and the Dell Inspiron 14z just to name a few. SO WHAT ARE THE FACTS? Overall, increasing numbers of IT products are popping up in west European households. The digital way of life is expanding in all directions. For instance, according the GfK’s latest IT report, the current trend in computers now seems to be to own a second and even a third device. Many consumers are not only using a stationary desktop PC or all-in-one computer at home, but also have a notebook, or netbook as a fullservice mobile device, not to mention a media tablet for digital entertainment. The growing variety of digital consumer products is echoed by the increasing degree of networking. For example, consumers can now download MORE ON THE MARKET: Consumers generally tend to buy new products if they believe they will deliver what they promise. In the fi rst half of 2012, the main focus has been on mobile devices and unrestricted Internet access from wherever users happen to fi nd themselves. Consequently, sales of products such as Ultra Mobile / Ultra Thin Notebooks (+36.7 percent) and e-readers (+93.3 percent) have soared. music from their computers or smartphones via an internet stream, play it back on their stereo systems, or they might equally download photos from their media tablets to look at on their TV screens. Users can just as easily connect their WLAN router with a network-attached storage device, or NAS, to give them additional memory for all the computers on their home network, or they might also configure a memory for shared use. Consequently, in future, the demand will be for products that can fulfil consumer needs for more mobility and increased networking, as well as for giving quick and easy access to the Internet. And here, the security of digital content will become a major issue. IFA International • Monday 3 rd September 2012 27
