VOA标准英语2015--可穿戴技术主导台北国际电脑展

Wearable Technology Dominates Taiwan Expo 可穿戴技术主导台北国际电脑展

Asia’s biggest tech trade show, Computex Taipei, is often seen as a good source of signs about the latest technology trends. This year, the signs all point toward wearable technology, as well as greater interconnection of appliances and services that we depend on.

As could be expected, big Taiwanese computer manufacturers came out with their latest and most powerful machines, ranging from laptops to smartphones.

Counting on the popularity of self-photography, or selfies, ASUS is boasting its newest smartphone with 13-megapixel cameras, both front and rear, as well as a powerful flash.

IvyLink from China is promoting its smart ring that can send and receive messages or calls between couples. If you rub it, it will send a signal to your partner.  It can also lock and unlock your smart door or relay basic information about you to the nearest smartphone if you suffer from dementia.

But Martyn Williams, a senior correspondent for IDG News Service, said this year’s Computex is not as exciting as expected.

“I have been coming to the Computex for 15 years, and this is certainly the smallest show I have seen so far," the technology journalist said. "I think it's partly the growing importance of the Chinese vendors¹, but also services are getting more important.”

Google has yet to release its smart glasses, but Taiwanese company ChipSip is already showcasing its own glasses for specialized² purposes, such as museum guided tours. Other manufacturers think their glasses may be useful in offices, stores and factories.

A number of firms exhibited their versions of smart watches. But Williams said he was disappointed with the level of innovation this year.

“Fitness trackers, simple smart watches — everyone has them, but the industry really seems to be looking to the U.S, and especially Apple, for some sort of innovations, some sort of ideas that would make people actually go out and buy them,” he said.

Wearable electronics need suitable power sources, so batteries are another product being featured, such as a bendable cell suitable to be incorporated into garments.

Following the trend in cloud computing³, the Taiwan-based firm Acer exhibited technology that offers not only data storage but also active service to businesses.

The firm says its "Build Your Own Cloud" service can be adapted to manage smart cars, hospital patients, surveillance cameras or even household appliances.

The Computex trade show runs through Saturday.

1 vendors   

n.摊贩( vendor的名词复数 )；小贩；（房屋等的）卖主；卖方

参考例句：

• The vendors were gazundered at the last minute. 卖主在最后一刻被要求降低房价。
• At the same time, interface standards also benefIt'software vendors. 同时，界面标准也有利于软件开发商。 来自About Face 3交互设计精髓

2 specialized   

adj.专门的，专业化的

参考例句：

• There are many specialized agencies in the United Nations.联合国有许多专门机构。
• These tools are very specialized.这些是专用工具。

3 computing   

n.计算

参考例句：

• to work in computing 从事信息处理
• Back in the dark ages of computing, in about 1980, they started a software company. 早在计算机尚未普及的时代（约1980年），他们就创办了软件公司。