Digital Life Expo gets going

Johannesburg, 18 Apr 2008

Today saw the Digital Life Expo open its doors for the first time in SA, with over 60 exhibitors.

The day kicked off with keynote addresses by technology specialists from Microsoft and Ericsson, presenting several of the first registered delegates a taste of the future of a digital lifestyle. Ericsson discussed the future of the mobile phone, including sharing mobile TV.

Microsoft focused on the Internet as a provider of software that can always be accessed, no matter what device a consumer is using. Delegates also had a taste of products and software features that both companies are bringing into the market over the next few months.

The expo opened to 290 delegates in the first hour and according to the ITWeb events team, that number is growing rapidly. "The expo is great. It's a great opportunity to see the latest and greatest that all the top vendors have to offer," commented one attendee.

Some delegates took the opportunity to upgrade their cellphone packages at the MTN stand. "So far, so good. We've done several upgrades already and have noticed that attendees are expressing a lot of interest in our wireless products," said an MTN spokesman.

Some of the biggest attractions are the gaming stands. A Sony spokesperson said the expo was going well so far, with consumers crowding the PlayStations set up for users to try out. "Attendees are loving it. They are expressing a lot of interest in our products and the expo as a whole."

Absa Bank says the expo as a good opportunity to target new markets. "It's still early days, but we see this as a chance to show customers and delegates alike what is on the cutting-edge of technology, and what our bank has to offer."

Mobile device and cellphone companies are predominant at the exhibition. According to HTC, the company hopes to encourage the incorporation of mobile devices into the consumer digital lifestyle. "This is what HTC is all about, and the expo is a great way of illustrating this to existing and potential clients," said an HTC spokesman.

Smaller companies are also happy. Ergo-tilt, creator of ergonomic laptop stands, said its stall has been busy so far and it sees the event as a great opportunity to get into new markets.

Delegates are being encouraged by the Digital Life team to explore a fully-functional digital home on display.

Exhibitors will showcase their wares at the Sandton Convention Centre until Sunday.

(Additional reporting by Candice Jones)