Tablets and smartphones will emerge as the blockbuster products at this year’s Gitex Shopper and Consumer Electronics Expo, said an expert.

“While laptops will probably contribute to 60 per cent of our sales at Gitex Shopper, we do expect to see tablets and smartphones generate more consumer interest this time around,” said Ashish Panjabi, chief operating officer, Jacky’s Electronics, the UAE’s leading multi-brand consumer electronics retailer.

“Tablets are positioned as devices where you ‘consume’ content whereas laptops are traditionally used for ‘creating’ content so we can expect to see the tablet continue to grow for the foreseeable future,” he added.

The company said the buzz around tablets, such as the Apple iPad as well as Android-based tablets that are due to be launched by other brands, could see more people buying tablets this year.

The Android platform is also expected to give the smartphone segment a boost this year along with the anticipated official launch of the Apple iPhone 4 in the region.

“Last year, BlackBerry phones were among the most popular products at Gitex Shopper but this time, we see Android-run smartphones such as those from Samsung, HTC, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and LG taking the spotlight,” Panjabi said.

“Nokia is also making a strong comeback with their latest smartphone, the N8 at the event. Apple iPhone 4 will also most likely be on sale and we expect to see a lot of excitement surrounding this with possible data plans from Etisalat and du,” he added.

In addition, Jacky’s Electronics will retail a whole host of products from digital cameras, mobile phones, gaming devices, televisions, MP3 players and other IT products, he said.

“This year’s Gitex Shopper is extra special since we are celebrating our 40-year anniversary. We are rolling out innovative promotions and special discounts on most product categories,” Panjabi concluded.

Gitex Shopper and Consumer Electronics Expo will run from October 16 to 23 at Airport Expo Dubai. – TradeArabia News Service