Organized by the New York based Rand Luxury Company, the 2015 edition of the Luxury Technology Show on March 12 show featured at the Metropolitan Pavilion the latest innovative technologies spanning a wide spectrum Including products presented for the first time in the United States. They covered numerous audio visual technologies, upscale appliances, cars, mobile devices, accessories, and more.  Appealing to affluent consumers relatively few low cost products were shown. The price range from encrypted I phones for $5,000 or more by KryptAll, to the $ 140,000 sound system from the Fine Sounds Group   and the $250,000 Lamborghini.

Attendance was by invitation only and no tickets for the show could be bought. Apart from journalists and media, a large number of affluent consumers including the tech savvy rich, the VIP crowd, executives, and dealers showed up. Feasting on an outstanding selection of food, champagne and a range of other drinks a relaxed and festive atmosphere developed making review of the products a pleasurable experience.

Among some of the show products drawing attention were:

The hybrid BMW sports car. The BMW i8 is the first plug in sports car with consumption and emission values of a compact car perfectly synchronizing its electric motor and combustion engine. Also on display was the AUDI competitor, the R8L with its outstanding styling and performance. AUDI has used the A8L at many awards shows and film premiers and its cars have become rather popular among actors and show business executives. 

Among the numerous audio technologies presented, CLIO, manufactured by Clear View Audio, was outstanding. It is an award winning invisible wireless speaker system with a transducer   made from ultra-thin glass. Among other companies offering luxury sounds were FUGOO with the its outdoor blue tooth wireless speaker system, GENEVA Lab ranked by specialists to have the best compact hi fi system, CGMM with design awarded speakers and HARMAN covering “premier audio, visual, infotainment and automation solutions for automotive, consumer and professional markets”. Also an award winner is SEURA, a manufacturer of   outdoor television sets   keeping the attention of party guests. These triple sealed thin waterproof televisions perform well in all outdoor contingencies, shade, storm, dust, snow, rain and/or sunshine and retail from about $3.000 to $9.000. Panasonic showcased in its impressive booth high end products including the return of  the Technics brand with upscale audio systems, 4K TV’s, 4K camcorders, body massage chairs and personal care products, signaling a shift in Panasonic’s  product orientation.

The replacement of the Segway by IO Hawk a personal mobility device drew much attention. Directed by balancing feet only elegant models were floating on them throughout the show.  IO Hawk claims that anyone with a sense of balance can maneuver these smart wheels or smart skateboard, a hit at the last Consumer Electronics Show. Covering a range of about 10 miles they can be purchased for $1,800.

Among the less expensive products presented at the show   which may also be among the most useful were Alcohoot, a police-grade breathalyzer for $85 which can “optimize your consumption of alcohol throughout the night” and the Penguin sensor from BioSensor Laboratories which identifies traces of antibiotics and chemicals, including pesticides in your food.  Easy to use, this import from Korea is retailing for about $300. Another product responding to the growing health concerns is the In Body biomedical device. With technologies originating in Korea the units provide an instant measurement of one’s muscle, fat and water composition scoring a validity of 98%. Prices range from $8,000 to $20,000 per unit. Tracking one’s luggage and golf bags will be possible through a new device by LugTrack introduced at the show, tags embedded in luggage or other personal items ensure that possessions do not get lost in transit or hotels because a tag app is also installed in the user’s mobile phone that tracks the location.

As the audience reaction reflected The Luxury Technology Show certainly met the expectations of showcasing the most innovative and appealing products as well as identifying market trends and high end tastes.

Claus Mueller

filmexchange@gmail.com