Yes, it's true, Gitex, the biggest technology event of the year (in the Middle East), is just around the corner. Like some of you, I've had literally hundreds of e-mails, phone calls and press releases tossed my way for consideration, but true to any tech conference, there's only a handful of things the regular geek should really check out.
To leave you all in suspense, I've included my top five list of Gitex's things you shouldn't avoid after the jump.
(Photo: Will this year's event carry the same enthusiasm last year's Gitex had? Randi Sokoloff / The National)
1. Windows 7 - Quite possibly the biggest news of Gitex is the launch of Microsoft's latest operating system, the humbly named "Windows 7." The company is flying in one of its executives, Steven Guggenheimer, into Dubai to provide a keynote address and sell its operating system to attending geeks. Furthermore, any computer manufacturer worth their salt (HP, Dell, Lenovo, etc.) will likely have machines with Windows 7 pre-loaded onto it. I also wouldn't be surprised to see some monitors demoing Windows 7's touchscreen capabilities, one of my favourite features the new OS brings to the table.
2.
Mobile, mobile, mobile
- It will likely be impossible to move one foot without seeing something related to the mobile industry. Wireless power, mobile phones, network infrastructure will all be showcased at Gitex. Expect both Etisalat and du to make big splashes with dozens (we're not joking) of announcements. Of course, what everyone wants to know is who will announce the iPhone 3GS first? Our friends at Shufflegazine seem to have the scoop that
du is taking preorders for the iPhone starting tomorrow
- let's see if and when that actually happens.
3.
'Cause 2D is so 20th Century
- Maybe I'm just a sucker for 3D movies, but Panasonic's 3D HD unit was a big hit at this past year's
CES
show in Las Vegas, and my money's on it to wow conference-goers at Gitex as well. Yes, 3D glasses will be provided. Sadly, no popcorn.
4. What do CIO's really know? Every year or so, IBM conducts a really useful and underrated CIO survey that asks what direction the global tech world is heading towards. The results of that survey, and how they apply to the MENA region, will be presented by a bunch of top-level executives. The actual presentation will be at the Intercon hotel in Dubai Festival City on Sunday morning, but I'd expect IBM to linger around there throughout the day.
5. The giveaways - Yes, like all tech conferences, there'll be plenty of swag to fill your party bags. Expect to leave Gitex with plenty of free posters, t-shirts, and if you're lucky, some new expensive gadget. Some of the electronic retailers at Gitex, such as Jacky's Electronics, will be giving away a bevy of new gear at their outlets (and, I'd like to hope, their expo booths).
A quick aside, as Tom previously mentioned, I'll be covering technology and telecom for The National for a while and as such, I'll be covering Gitex in earnest. So, if you happened to
see a haggard reporter running around the conference grounds, feel free to grab me and say hi. Or fire me an e-mail at dgeorgecosh at thenational.ae and we'll grab what will be likely one of many, many coffees I'll be consuming at the event.
