China’s tech firms debut products at CES

Written By Daniel Allen on Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 4:36 PM | In Technology Trends, USA, Events, China

Innovation is the keyword as cool Chinese gadgetry showcases on the global stage at CES.

In conjunction with China’s economic development, increasing technological know-how and penetration of foreign markets, the presence of Chinese companies at CES has steadily been growing over the years. Here are a few of the entries from China’s electronics manufacturers that attracted widespread interest this year.

Blueline’s Wearable Solar Panels

With the growing popluarity of wearable technology, designers are now working on ways to embed solar technology in clothes. Making its debut on the global stage at CES 2008 was Chinese company Blueline’s solar-powered backpack and baseball cap. Solar power was a popular theme at this year’s CES - although it’s hard to see many people opting for the unwieldy solar-powered headgear, it’s encouraging o see how alternative energy is being developed into smart and cheap way to make it commercially viable.

Shenzhen Koonhome Technology’s Wii Boxing Gloves

Shenzhen Koonhome’s lightweight boxing gloves are perfect for adding that touch of authenticity to Wii boxing. Players simply strap their hands in for playing and enter the virtual ring. For USD 22 this is one Wii accessory that will certainly “enhance the joy of playing”. Other Shenzhen-based companies offer Wii fishing rods, knives, guns and tennis rackets.

Winstron’s Android Open Source GW4

Chinese company Winstron showed off their GW4, one of the world’s first Google Android handsets. According to early reports, the phone is running a basic version of Linux right now, but should be running Google’s open and free mobile platform by March this year.

The Linux-based Android operating system was announced in November and the GW4 phone has a number of impressive features of its own, including WiFi, a 2.5″ touchscreen, a 2MP camera, and full QWERTY keyboard. It also can play MP3 files, browse the web, set up a calendar, and check e-mail, news and weather. Other built-in apps include a mail program with Outlook syncing, MSN/Yahoo/AIM IM clients and MS Office and PDF readers, though those will presumably be replaced by whatever apps Google ends up preferring in their Android suite.

Lenovo’s IdeaPad Laptops

Looking to diversify and strengthen its product portfolio, Lenovo unveiled its new “IdeaPad” range of laptops at CES 2008. The models on display were the Y510, Y710, and U110. They are powered by Intel’s Penryn processors, come with with face recognition technology, Dolby Home Theater surround sound, dedicated gaming controls, frameless screens, touch-sensitive control surfaces, and unique textures. A complementary range of desktop PCS called “IdeaCentre” was also announced recently, and both lines are intended to fit with the company’s flagship business-oriented ThinkPad and ThinkCentre lines.

One of the coolest features of the new IdeaPads is the facial recognition technology that securely logs in users. First the user inputs his/her face into the system using the utility software and the integrated webcam, and the software automatically digitizes the facial contours. After this the user simplys sits in front of the notebook - the utility scans the user’s face via the webcam, and assuming there’s a match, he/she is logged into Windows. Apparently it is extremely accurate and much simpler than fingerprint recognition technology which is now popular on today’s notebooks.

In addition to the IdeaPads Lenovo also displayed the company’s latest Mobile Internet Device (MID) at CES 2008. It has a horizontal PSP Xross Media Bar-like navigation, a wide PSP-like body, and fully interactive touchscreen.

Watch the Lenovo Idea Pad U110 video on CNET TV
More IdeaPad info
Lenovo’s MID on YouTube

BenQ’s Mobile Internet Device

Chinese electronics manufacturer BenQ introduced a mobile internet device (MID) at CES 2008 called, unsurprisingly, the BenQ MID. The new device, which looks like a direct competitor to the Nokia N700 and N800 devices, is based on Intel’s Menlow platform, and fully wirelessly capable thanks to both WiFi and 3.5G cellular broadband - the MID uses a Linux OS rather than something from Microsoft’s stable. Featuring a large 4.8 inch touchscreen, the device promises to give users a “full interactive internet experience anytime, anywhere, fulfilling every need for a true mobile lifestyle”.

Even though BenQ’s press release does not mention anything about GPS, there are rumours that the new device will have some sort of maps and/or directions capability - possibly using an external GPS receiver via bluetooth.

BenQ’s MID on YouTube

Haier’s Wi-Fi Flash Rhapsody Player

Haier used CES 2008 as a platform to launch its “Ibiza Rhapsody” range of wireless MP3 players. The Chinese company unveiled a new line up of flash and hard-drive based portable media players which make use of online services like Rhapsody to collect content wirelessly, as well as giving access to AOL Video and other content using a WiFi hotspot. With literally millions of songs available for Rhapsody users, the Ibiza Rhapsody could be a neat travel add-on. Haier America has a partnership with AOL Video whereby users get free access to user-generated videos.

Currently, the Ibiza Rhapsody is available in a 30GB model, although 4/8GB flash memory models will soon hit the market. Apart from video playback, it also includes an FM radio tuner - featuring a 2.5 inch QVGA LCD display, the device is compatible with 802.11 b/g wireless networks and supports WEP/WPA for security. For syncing data, the PMP offers a USB 2.0 mini-B connector which also recharges the unit.