KT unveils new Spider Laptop at IFA show

By Cho Mu-hyun

Mobile carrier KT has unveiled a revamped docking-station notebook used in conjunction with a smartphone at a global consumer electronics tradeshow.

The company said Sunday that its 11-inch portable Spider Laptop ― unveiled at the IFA in Berlin which runs from Aug. 31 to Sept. 5 ― will change the “hardware eco-system.”

The distinguishing feature of the notebook is its near-perfect compatibility with most smartphones, according to KT. The laptop connects with a cable to provide a keyboard and larger screen for smartphone users.

As consumers favor smartphones over personal computers and notebooks more, the touch-screen device is still limited in its hardware capabilities, including screen size and battery life.

“We are confident that the latest addition to our Spider concept lineup will improve the user experience of smartphone owners,” said KT spokeswoman Kim Yoon-jeong. “The Spider Laptop represents KT’s hardware development capabilities and our drive to innovate the market for consumers to get the best they can from the fast-paced technological advancement of the information technology industry.”

Kim said that the new release uses a mobile high-definition link (MHL) cable instead of immobile docks used in its Spider Phones and Spider Pads showcased at last year’s IFA, adding more mobility for convenience.

“Visitors from the across the globe can get a first hands-on look at our new dock that will prove to the world KT’s potential to become a leading hardware maker."

Consumers can link smartphones using Google’s Android operating systems (OS) to the laptop and all the features of their smaller smart devices will be uploaded, only larger, faster and for longer.

KT developed the software for the Spider Laptop that runs on the Android OS, which was approved by Google. The firm plans to patent the technology.

Samsung Electronics’ flagship Galaxy S3 is the first device connectible to the new laptop. KT subscribers need merely to purchase the touch-screen device and receive the firmware upgrade to connect the two gadgets. Kim said the company is in talks with other manufacturers to make their handsets compatible.

The Spider Laptop has an 8000 mAH battery, ensuring longer user time. The latest smartphones, such as the Galaxy S3 and Optimus LTE 2, have a 2150 mAH battery.

“Unlike conventional products that can be connected to specific terminals provided by specific manufacturers, the Spider Laptop can be connected to various smartphones and notebooks,” said Park Yoon-young, senior vice president of KT’s technology development division, who is responsible for the Spider project.

The device is available at www.olleh.com and is priced at 297,000 won. KT plans to launch more variants of the current model that are cheaper. It is in talks with other manufacturers beside Samsung to roll out more versions.