Gadget Show Live showcases latest must-haves

A computer system that allows parents to control access to their children’s mobile phone, an £8,000 flying jetski and a “table PC” that can function as a desktop computer or a large touch-screen tablet were among devices on show for the first time in the UK today.

Programmable £10,000 walking and dancing robots designed to teach schoolchildren and researchers about robotics, a self-guiding lawnmower and a next-generation 84-inch television that will set you back almost £20,000 were also shown off at Gadget Show Live.

Trade visitors were allowed a sneak peak at the devices before the show opens to the public at the NEC in Birmingham tomorrow.

The Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon is a 27-inch (68.5cm) touch-screen device that works with a wireless keyboard and mouse to allow people to use it for work but also has a “10-touch” screen that allows several people to use it at once.

Educational

The manufacturer says the Windows device, which was launched at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, is ideal for multi-player games to be played on one device but also allows children to use educational apps together at home. It is due to go on sale this summer.

James Pank, Lenovo UK’s product manager, said: “We’ve seen technology shift across the four screens, from the desktop to the laptop, tablet and smartphone, and yet, while people have more computing power than ever before, there is still room for technologies like Horizon that bring people together.

“Horizon makes personal computing interpersonal computing with shared, collaborative experiences among several people and we’re delighted to be showing it off to the public for the first time at Gadget Show Live.

“Now many people can enjoy different photos, music and video on the same screen, and they can play games with our special accessories that blend physical and digital interaction.”

Lawnmower

Other gadgets on display include AlphaBlue Parent, a web-based system that allows parents to set time limits in their children’s mobile phones and also limit what apps and services they can access, including texts and social media.

Electronics firm LG is also showing off its 84-inch (213.4cm) Ultra HD 3D television set, which will set shoppers back £19,999 - if they have a wall big enough to mount it.

Honda, the Japanese firm best known for its cars and motorbikes, is showing off something more sedate - an automated lawnmower.

The Miimo will cost up to £2,335 and can be pre-programmed and stay on the grass thanks to a sensor dug into the edge of the lawn.