Media events often carry a certain energy: a whirlwind of fast conversations, camera flashes, and the rush to capture it all. But attending the Global Connect Media Day in Shenzhen revealed a refreshing alternative approach. The event created space for genuine dialogue and thoughtful exploration, allowing us to absorb innovations at a more natural pace.
The organizers deliberately crafted an environment where quality interactions took precedence over quantity. This thoughtful approach allowed brands to showcase their innovations in context, giving us a deeper understanding of their vision and purpose. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged authentic connections that rarely happen in traditional press events.
Organizers: iMpact, CommunicateMore PR
As members of the press, we weren’t just observers, we became active participants, encouraged to dive deep into product demos, ask detailed questions, and engage with the people behind the innovations. This hands-on approach transformed our experience from passive reporting to active discovery. It was a rare opportunity to experience innovation on a human scale, and a credit to the thoughtful organization by the teams at iMpact and CommunicateMore PR.
A New Format for Media Engagement
From the moment we entered, it was clear this event was different from typical media gatherings. Instead of the high-speed rush that often defines similar events, Global Connect offered a relaxed, thoughtful atmosphere where meaningful interactions could happen. The spacious layout and carefully timed schedule allowed for deeper exploration of each innovation.
Each brand had carefully curated their booths, offering hands-on experiences rather than hurried pitches. Representatives were prepared with detailed knowledge and encouraged us to test products thoroughly. This approach allowed us to understand not just what the products did, but why they mattered and how they might fit into consumers’ lives.
The fireside chats between PR teams and the press offered valuable insights, highlighting how storytelling, branding, and communication are evolving in the innovation space. These discussions revealed the strategic thinking behind product launches and market positioning. They also provided context about the challenges and opportunities in bringing new technologies to global audiences in today’s complex media landscape.
Smarter Homes and Smarter Futures: Even Realities and Ulike
One of the strongest themes to emerge was the focus on smart living and personal well-being. Even Realities showcased their next-gen glasses, reimagining what augmented productivity could look like in our daily lives. Their AR glasses feature advanced micro-LED displays with 2K resolution per eye and a 50-degree field of view, creating immersive yet practical augmented experiences.
Designer: Even Realities
The technology behind Even Realities’ glasses represents years of development in miniaturization and optical engineering. What impressed me most was how they balanced technological capability with wearability. The frames weigh just 65 grams, making them practical for extended use. Their spatial computing features allow users to place virtual screens anywhere in their environment, effectively turning any space into a customizable workspace.
Ulike’s Air 3 IPL hair removal device stood out for making personal care technology more approachable, efficient, and consumer-friendly. This FDA-cleared device uses intense pulsed light technology with sapphire ice-cooling to make at-home hair removal both effective and comfortable. The Air 3 features five intensity levels and can achieve permanent hair reduction in as little as four weeks with consistent use.
Designer: Ulike
Portable Power Reimagined: Yoshino, BLUETTI, and CUKTECH
Another major trend was the rethinking of portable energy solutions. Yoshino impressed with their beautifully crafted power stations, developed in collaboration with Fuseproject, a design studio renowned for blending form and function seamlessly. Their latest model features a 1000W capacity with multiple output options and fast-charging capabilities, all housed in an elegant aluminum shell.
Designer: Yoshino
What makes Yoshino’s approach unique is their attention to aesthetic details without compromising performance. The power station incorporates intuitive touch controls and a digital display that provides real-time power management data. Their commitment to sustainable materials extends to packaging, which uses recycled and biodegradable elements throughout.
Designer: BLUETTI
BLUETTI’s rugged APEX 300 and CUKTECH’s ultra-compact power banks showed how portable energy is evolving beyond basic capacity, emphasizing usability, design, and the demands of a fast-paced world. The APEX 300 offers an impressive 299Wh capacity in a weatherproof housing that can withstand extreme conditions, while CUKTECH’s latest models feature GaN technology that reduces size while maintaining fast-charging capabilities up to 65W.
Designer: CUKTECH
Next-Gen Tools: Anycubic, Arpobot, and Airseekers
Innovation was also clearly visible in tools that bridge the digital and physical worlds. Anycubic’s Kobra S1 Combo 3D printer, a Red Dot Award winner, offered a glimpse into a future where creative expression and advanced manufacturing go hand in hand. This dual-extruder printer achieves print speeds up to 500mm/s while maintaining precision down to 0.05mm layer heights.
Designer: Anycubic
The Kobra S1 Combo’s intelligent leveling system and AI-assisted print monitoring represent significant advances in user-friendly 3D printing. During our demonstration, we watched as the printer automatically detected and corrected potential issues mid-print, a feature that dramatically reduces failed prints. The accompanying software allows for intuitive design modifications and seamless workflow from concept to finished object.
Arpobot’s dynamic art frames demonstrated how technology can elevate home and gallery spaces, blending functionality with aesthetic emotion. These digital frames feature museum-quality displays with anti-glare coating and 95% Adobe RGB color accuracy. The frames connect to a curated art library containing thousands of works, with new additions monthly.
Designer: Arpobot
Meanwhile, Airseekers presented their upgraded Tron lawn mower, blending autonomy, AI, and practical outdoor innovation in a smart, understated way. The Tron uses advanced computer vision and GPS mapping to navigate complex yard layouts with precision. Its weather-resistant design and quiet electric operation make it suitable for use in any residential setting, while its smartphone app allows for customized mowing schedules and pattern designs.
Designer: Airseekers
Translating Convenience: InnAIO AI Translator
Among the standout innovations was the InnAIO AI Translator, a small device with the power to break down big communication barriers. Compact and easy to attach to a smartphone, InnAIO enables seamless translations across apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and WeChat. The device supports over 40 languages with near-instantaneous translation capabilities.
At a time when remote work and global travel increasingly intersect, solutions like InnAIO feel less like luxury and more like necessity. The device addresses real communication challenges faced by international teams, travelers, and businesses. It’s a reminder that some of the most powerful innovations don’t shout: they whisper, improving our daily lives in ways we barely notice.
From Audio Innovation to Daily Essentials: THX, UWANT, Cocinaré
The day also highlighted how brands are rethinking everyday experiences. THX continued to demonstrate leadership in audio innovation, reminding us how great sound can transform both entertainment and professional environments. Their latest certification standards for spatial audio create immersive soundscapes that adapt to different listening environments.
THX’s approach combines rigorous technical standards with practical user experience considerations. Their engineers demonstrated how their certification process evaluates not just frequency response and distortion levels, but also spatial accuracy and emotional impact. This holistic approach ensures that THX-certified products deliver consistent, high-quality audio experiences regardless of the listening environment.
Designer: UWANT
UWANT’s dry vacuum cleaners showed that even household essentials deserve smarter, more beautiful designs. Their latest model features a 20,000Pa suction power and HEPA filtration system in a sleek, ergonomic housing. The vacuum’s intelligent surface detection automatically adjusts suction power based on floor type, while its ultra-quiet operation keeps noise levels below 65dB.
And Cocinaré’s gooseneck kettle and Essence Duo coffee grinder proved that thoughtful engineering can transform a morning ritual into a moment of joy. The precision-pour kettle features temperature control accurate to within 1°C and a counterbalanced handle for perfect pour control. The Essence Duo grinder uses conical burrs made from hardened steel that maintain consistent grind size from fine espresso to coarse French press settings.
Designer: Cocinare
Final Thoughts
Leaving Global Connect Media Day, we at Yanko Design felt re-energized about the future of innovation. The event showcased technologies that genuinely enhance human experiences rather than simply adding complexity. This human-centered approach to innovation feels particularly relevant as consumers become more discerning about which technologies they welcome into their lives.
The conversations we had with designers and engineers revealed a growing emphasis on sustainability and longevity. Many products featured modular designs that allow for repairs and upgrades, extending their useful life. This shift away from disposable technology represents an important evolution in how we think about innovation and consumption.
A special thanks to the teams at iMpact and CommunicateMore PR for curating an event that reminded us that the best innovations aren’t always found in the spotlight. Their thoughtful approach created space for discovery and genuine connection. Sometimes, the most meaningful technological advances are discovered in the conversations that happen when there’s finally time to listen.
Designer: Lexar
The post Inside Innovation: Highlights from Global Connect Media Day Shenzhen first appeared on Yanko Design.