CES Shanghai keeps city on cutting edge

Int'l electronics show beats expectations on Asian debut, shines a light on tech brands big and small.

The International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Asia 2015 proved a hit with both Chinese and overseas companies when it debuted in Shanghai this month.

The May 25-27 show had an initial planned exhibition area of 20,000 gross square meters but a further 1,800 sq m were added to cater to a slew of latecomers like Samsung and China Mobile.

Corporate interest in the show exceeded expectations, according to Karen Chupka, senior vice president of International CES.

This year's fair showcased the breadth and depth of innovation that defines the consumer technology industry across 14 product categories, including 3D printing, automotive, content and online, green technologies, health, home entertainment, lifestyle, mobile, robotics, smart home, sports and fitness, video gaming, video/4K Ultra HD and wearables.

E-commerce giant JD.com, large retailers and major brands like Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, LeTV, Twitter, Microsoft Xbox, IBM and Intel all demonstrated their latest developments.

Since the first CES took place in New York City in 1967, the fair has become more international in nature and grown to represent the entire technology ecosystem, with more than 3,500 exhibitors and 20 product categories attracting more than 150,000 attendees from more than 140 countries and regions.

It is the first time that CES has moved to Asia. One of the major reasons for bringing the industry pageant to Shanghai is because the city does not have a longstanding tech show. In contrast, for example, Tokyo has the Japan Electronics Show.

Global spending on technology grew 1 percent to $1.024 trillion last year despite the economic slowdown in countries like China. CES believes there will be a shift to lower -end devices in emerging Asian markets this year. These same markets, led by China, spent 26 percent more on tech in 2014, taking the year's total to $282 billion.

"From our perspective, China is a growing marketplace. There is an opportunity based on the fact that there are many companies here who are building and growing products, or trying to grow their distribution of products," said Chupka.

"On the flip side, many of our members in North America see this as an opportune market to come and sell their products, too. It is in a sense a great opportunity because there are many companies growing here. But we also have many companies in North America that want to get exposure in this market."

Apart from industry leaders and household-name brands, the show has attracted lesser-known companies from both home and abroad. Baichuan Technology, based in Nanjing, Jiangsu province is a good example. It launched its eco-friendly 3D pen for the Asian market during the show.

"CES Asia is a great platform for promoting new products, but its influence is far beyond that. Asia is an important tech hub, especially for startups, that is helping to contribute to global innovation," said Vincent Dou, CPO of Baichuan Technology.

San Jose-based MOTA has already reached into the Chinese market by setting up a wholly owned factory in Shenzhen of Guangdong province and offices in Hong Kong. It introduced its latest and most innovative electronics, such as a "SmartRing" that deals with bothersome smartphone notifications.

"CES Asia is the perfect place to showcase our products to a vibrant consumer electronics market. China is the only place on Earth you want to be right now, and we're thrilled to let key retailers and distributors in China and Asia go hands-on with the latest electronics. By unlocking a key market for us, CES Asia has already contributed to our success," said Kevin Faro, co-founder of MOTA.

French company Guillemot Corp released its international Thrustmaster and Hercules brands at the show, immersive gaming gear and innovative DJ controllers that employ the most cutting-edge tech.

"We are excited to bring to China our unique products to fulfill the enjoyment of digital entertainment users. We are thrilled to take part in this inaugural 2015 International CES Asia and are looking forward to entering this tremendous market," said Claude Guillemot, CEO of Guillemot Corp.shijing@chinadaily.com.cn