World IT Show highlights media changes

Samsung, LG, KT, SKT to feature gadgets, up-to-date communications technologies


The 2011 World Information and Technology Show will take place in southern Seoul for four days beginning Wednesday, putting the focus on the new paradigm of multimedia and display.

With the theme “Get IT Smart,” the show has prompted the participation of 500 firms, such as well-known local and overseas electronics makers Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, KT Corp., SK Telecom and Qualcomm.

The event is co-hosted by the Korea Communications Commission, the Ministry of Knowledge Economy and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

“World-level IT Technologies, not only existing best IT technologies but future technologies, will appear in Korea throughout the show,” said the show’s organizers.

LG Electronics, the world third-largest handset maker, said it plans to unveil its new 3-D smartphone dubbed “Optimus 3-D” for the first time in Korea at the event. Optimus 3-D, which is equipped with a dual lens, enables people to film, play and share 3-D content without having to wear special glasses.

LG’s rival Samsung Electronics is expected to feature its upgraded smartphones Galaxy S 2 and Wave 2 that run on Samsung’s proprietary mobile operating system.

The world’s top flat-screen TV maker will also display its 3-D Smart TV which supports the active shutter glass technology. The company’s theme at the event will be “Smart Connectivity.”

Rumor had it that the company was to publicize its new tablet PC Galaxy Tab 10.1 at the event, but it has been deferred, according to Samsung officials.

Telecom giants KT and SKT will also participate in the IT show, featuring Near Field Communication and N-Screen technologies.

KT’s to-be-displayed NFC technology allows shoppers to apply their mobile devices to an electronics reader at the checkout to pay for goods and services directly from their bank account.

SKT’s N-Screen technology, or numerous screen service, enables data sharing on different platforms.

Apart from the exhibitions, speeches will also be given on the smart era led by converged communications, new paradigm and opportunities in the smart era, and the vision and direction of smart ubiquitous networks as well as media convergence and new opportunities. Sessions will also focus on privacy, identity and mobility, and smart business life.

In a related event, the World Information and Communications Summit 2011 and the seventh Korea Communications Conference will also be held together with the electronics trade show at the COEX Convention Center from Wednesday to Thursday.

Ministers and vice ministers from 21 different nations will take part in the summit to share their experience and vision on creating a smart society.

Participating countries are Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Bhutan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Iran, Bangladesh, East Timor, Azerbaijan, Congo, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Rwanda and Korea.

A total of 12 summit meetings are currently scheduled to take place, said KCC officials.

It has designated its slogan as “Smart society and mobile revolution” and the KCC’s global conference has chosen its theme as new opportunities in the smart era.

Last year’s World It Show secured $45 million in exports and $200 million worth of contracts with the participation of 550 domestic and foreign enterprises. It also attracted up to 165,387 visitors, which included 4,161 visitors from overseas.

By Cho Ji-hyun (sharon@heraldcorp.com)