Latest tech and new features at biggest Gadget Show Live ever!
The Gadget Show Live, the UK's biggest five-day consumer electronics event, which showcases the world's top tech, today announces an additional 2,000 Super Theatre seats, capacity for 15,000 extra visitors and the biggest variety of interactive on-site features ever seen!
With all of the Friday and weekend (13-15 April) tickets already sold out, 2012 is set to be the biggest Gadget Show Live yet. Taking place at Birmingham's NEC from 11 to 15 April 2012, the event is based on the popular Channel Five TV show. Now in its fourth year, the event is widely recognised as the best place to see, try and buy the latest consumer technology.
New tech on show
The latest tech from the world's leading electronics firms, such as LG, O2, HP, Epson, Pioneer, Phillips, Canon and JVC will be at Gadget Show Live 2012. Visitors can try out the new OLED TVs alongside smart and connected home technology, 3D projectors, 3D and HD camcorders, as well as new tablets, phones, laptops and gaming consoles, much of which will be on show for the first time in the UK.
The latest in audio tech will be available from British companies Bowers and Wilkins and Orbitsound, who'll be presenting the new T12v3 soundbar. Pioneer will also be revealing the recently launched STEEZ, a boom-box audio system, which will be put to the test with exclusive performances from a team of b-boy champions including Junior.
Other exhibitors include Festo who'll be showing the latest automation technology through its Smartbirds - a robotic bird that can fly and land without a driving mechanism and Leonar3DO, exhibiting its integrated software and hardware platforms, which allow users to design virtual 3D objects in real space.
New immersive features and future technology
Gadget Show Live visitors can participate in a range of immersive features to help make it the perfect family day out. The hugely successful International Future Tech Zone returns with demonstrations of the latest brain wave technology from Neurosky. Neurosky will demo its latest product Necomimi, wearable cat ears that react and move in accordance to their user's emotions.
Aurasma will also be in the International Future Tech Zone presenting its latest augmented reality apps, which now have over 3 million users. spnKIX will show its motorised shoes - battery powered motorized skates, which strap onto any shoes and are controlled by a hand-held remote control - a true step into the future for wearers.
Other key features include the HUB Theatre, which returns after a hugely successful first run at last year's event. The Hub is a theatre offering six free daily presentations of the best tech on show, gadgets to look out for and tips to get the best out of you gadgets. This year will even include a session on how to create a number one single just through the power of your smartphone The Hub is presented by Stuff TV's Lucy Hedges and Radio One's Aled Hayden Jones.
The Game Zone is also extended for 2012 with games and products from the likes of Kuoda, Codemasters, Alienware, Epic and Leapfrog, as well as retailer GAME and many gaming challenges for everyone to get involved - pro and amateur players alike! Epic and Train to Gain will give visitors the chance to design and build games of their own within its new theatre.
Not forgetting the one hour long, high energy, live theatre version of the TV show which will take place in the expanded Super Theatre three times daily. The show's presenters will be on stage competing in high-energy tech challenges and inviting the audience to participate in a range of contests to win more gadgets! Each show seats 6,000 people (an increase of 2,000 seats from 2011).
Last year's event saw 104,759 people in attendance, an increase of 50 per cent on the 2010 event. Organisers anticipate another sell out this year, with 120,000 anticipated visitors to the NEC.
Matt Hodgins, Head of Event at Upper Street Events said: "We're really pleased about how the event has shaped up for 2012, with a bigger variety of features and some great exhibitors like Philips, Dell, Denon and Canon making their debuts this year.
"Gadget Show Live has remained THE place to get involved with the latest tech available in the UK. Having won Best Consumer Show at both the Exhibition News and Association of Exhibition Organisers Awards last year, 2012 promises to be the best yet and a hugely entertaining day out for all the family," added Matt.
New and improved features at The Gadget Show Live 2012 include:
Hub Theatre where visionaries will talk about the latest tech, their predictions for future trends, and provide advice and demos on how to get the most out of your personal gadgets
Extended International Future Tech Zone will showcase the latest inventions and academic thinking on how technology will impact our lives in the future, from robotics to augmented reality and even a bus stop that smells like Jacket Potatoes!
Extended Game Zone dedicated to showcasing the very best in computer games and consoles, where visitors can try and buy the latest gaming tech.
New Active Zone See some great products for camping, cycling and outdoor pursuits as well as the chance to try out some great personal transport devices, play virtual golf and even have a go a zip wire high above the show!
Photographic Zone will provide visitors with top tips on taking better photographs and how best to use the latest hardware and software from a 200 seat demo theatre, with presentations from top professional photographers.
In-Car Zone see the latest on offer for your car from exhibitors including Car Audio Security, Alpine and Kenwood.
Expanded Home Gadget Zone will bring the best in home and garden gadgetry. Look out for some very unusual products designed to transform everyday chores through the use of tech and some very clever design.
New Music Zone. For the first time we will bring together manufacturers and retailers of a wide range of instruments, DJ equipment and music making technology.
For more information about exhibiting or booking tickets for The Gadget Show Live 2012, visit gadgetshowlive.net.