The latest consumer devices and cellphones were major draw cards as the Cebit 2005 technology conference kicked off in Germany today.
Dubbed the largest technology show in the world, Cebit is expected to attract over half a million visitors to the event over the next four days.
The show will feature over 6 000 exhibitors this year, and follows trends such as globalisation, multifunctionalism and miniaturisation, which are redefining the technology marketplace.
Delivering the keynote address at the official opening, Henning Kagermann, chairman and CEO of SAP AG, noted that IT embedded in communication devices, consumer products and business processes would be the innovation driver and core enabler of business growth in the 21st century.
He said IT industry players had to step up to the task of helping companies to develop and adapt new business models that distinguish their products and services from the competition.
One of the most popular attractions at Cebit is the technology expo, in which various international vendors unveil some of the latest techno gadgetry.
With convergence continuing to be a pervasive trend in the technology market, many companies used the expo to launch multifunctional mobile devices. Visitors are reported to be impressed with the range of new features on the phones on show.
"This is the first time that [next-generation] phones are getting close to being sexy and attractive," said Leif-Olof Wallin, who follows mobile phone development and marketing for the Meta Group from Sweden.
Samsung introduced its SCH-V770 mobile phone, which it claims is the first 7-Megapixel camera phone, while Sony Ericsson and Nokia emphasised their focus on converging mobile phones with mobile entertainment.
Sony and Ericsson also unveiled a new Walkman phone, which features the ability to download and listen to music.
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