Global Sources will launch this year's spring electronics fair at AsiaWorld-Expo this month by showcasing key technological achievements, including voice recognition, artificial intelligence and augmented reality, with more than 65,000 buyers from 150 countries and territories expected to attend.

The fair, comprising two segments - consumer electronics and mobile electronics - is the world's largest electronics sourcing show featuring more than 6,600 booths with the latest electronics products.

The consumer electronics section will run from April 11 to 14. It has more than 3,800 booths exhibiting the latest home, outdoor and auto electronics gadgets, plus gaming, smart living, components, commercial electronics, computers and accessories.

The mobile electronics show will be held from April 18 to 21 with more than 2,800 booths displaying the latest mobile devices and accessories, speakers and headphones, VR/AR and wearables.

According to the event organizer, prominent global tech industry players participating include Cisco, DELL, eBay, Google, Huawei, Foxconn, NEC and Panasonic.

Voice-enabled devices will be among the hottest innovations to be displayed at the consumer electronics show, including voice assistants of Alexa, Google and Siri, security products, lighting or even earphones using their system.

As artificial intelligence in electronics has become trendy in the industry, an AI Experience Zone will be set up for the first time, where participants can try out the latest AI technologies and interactive exhibits.

With the application of AI, robots are more lifelike with movements that depend on users' actions and emotions, speakers and a lot of smart home products that respond better to follow-up commands and habits from users. AI security devices at the fair will show that they can analyze real threats from what is not, having more accurate imaging and biometric features.

Emerging products of advanced driver assistance systems and navigation, and voice-activated devices will also be highlighted in newly created dedicated product zones this year.

"The Global Sources Consumer Electronics show is now a UFI-approved event. This important endorsement recognizes the show's proven track record as one of the highest quality exhibitions in the world," said Tommy Wong, president of Global Sources Electronics Group.

"Twice a year, our show will have the spotlight on new technologies and ideas, while providing the best sourcing experience for buyers," he said.

To provide the finest buying experience, Global Sources thinks forward and steps ahead. Buyers can skip searching for a needle in a haystack simply by going to the Analyst's Choice Zone. Experts would have picked the best products at the show for them in advance. The zone consists of a Product Launch Area and a Product Gallery where attendees can have a closer look at new, innovative products with cutting-edge technologies.

Electric personal transporters (EPTs) have become more portable and easy to use nowadays. While versatile unicycles and mobility scooters can now be transformed into luggage and backpacks, innovative EPTs from exhibitors are ready for display at the Global Sources consumer electronics show.

The Outdoor Electronics Pavilion will showcase EPTs, drones, robotics and cameras, while the Smart Living Pavilion will offer an expanded selection of smart security, lighting, voice-enabled devices and entertainment products.

With the development of 5G, personal transportation and AI, there will be comprehensive conference programs covering these topics with speakers from ZTE, Huawei and China Mobile sharing their experiences and insights in the industry.

There will also be a freestyle show featuring personal transporter and on-site test drives for participants to join in. Pavilions for auto electronics, computer and accessories, gaming, and personal transporters are the largest in Hong Kong.

For those interested in components for automotive, drones and robotics, medical and industrial, smart living, smart security and wearables, the Next-Gen Components Zone would be something you can't afford to miss.

The fair has also reserved space for startups and new innovations. For those wishing to see the world's most revolutionary electronics ideas, the Startup Launchpad will be a must-see.

About 200 startups from 14 countries, featuring new innovations covering IoT, wearables, smart home, robotics, VR/AR and other high-growth categories, will exhibit products at the Startup Launchpad session.

Some 50 thought leaders will gather for the conference program and share insights on AI, block chain, machine learning, investment trends, market challenges, and future tech.

More than 200 investors are attending the Startup Investors Forum to discuss strategies and trends in startup investment and the local Asian startup ecosystem. New this spring is the Startup Launchpad Investment Competition catering to startups seeking investors and investment strategies.

To better serve online buyers and sellers in Amazon, Global Sources has included products from exhibitors that accept small orders and seminars featuring online retail experts.

A mobile application developed by Globalsources.com will enable buyers to shortlist, find booths, take pictures and then follow exhibitors after the show. The organizer will also provide newsletters with daily reports and live videos on the hottest products.

The consumer electronics show will open from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm between April 11 and 13, and from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm on April 14.

(HK Edition 04/09/2018 page9)