More of our picks from IFA 2023.
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Technology Preview
The IFA Innovation Media Briefing 2019 showed the world of connectivity is expanding. The emphasis was centered on lifestyle. New home appliances with features aimed at making life easier were shown. I was reminded of those 1950’s television commercials showing new microwave ovens to housewives
A.I. or Artificial Intelligence moves forward. But the subject is so large it felt we are seeing pieces not the whole picture. The moral implications as well as social aspects were examined.
5G roll out continues from carriers.
My Highlights:
From #Berlin @IFA_Berlin. #LG #Washermachine is made to last. OH MY! #Appliance #highheels #technews #ThursdayThoughts #kitchendesign #kitchen #washer #shoes #coinnovation pic.twitter.com/l1dUtGRx1a
— BlackandPaper (@BlackandPaper1) July 11, 2019
Korean brand LG launched a new washer machine with the meaning “durable” as the center piece. (See Video) After seeing the demonstration I can say, “That is Durable”. A second piece of added technology is the steam function, making clothing less wrinkled after washing.
From #Berlin @IFA_Berlin #IMB. A #Cooking device for a Pizza & an Egg from @Philips. I was Amazed! #coinnovation #food #homeappliances #tech #techNews #recipes #cook #kitchen #consumerelectronics #appliances #makelifebetter #IFA2019 #PhilipsPR pic.twitter.com/hDbRARYE3e
— BlackandPaper (@BlackandPaper1) July 11, 2019
The Philips Fryer evolves. A counter top cooking appliance designed for preparing all types of foods.
Chinese appliance maker Hisense has moved upscale with new kitchen looks with smooth rich surfaces.
From #Berlin @IFA_Berlin IMB. Has #R2D2 arrived? MediSana has a #tech monitoring #device that feels like a #droid from #StarWars. #coinnovation #consumerelectronics #technews #FridayThoughts #technology pic.twitter.com/cVYlBU6ZtM
— BlackandPaper (@BlackandPaper1) July 12, 2019
The Medisana droid is the Star Wars is here now moment. A robot with multiple cameras, screen, and self movement made for senior care monitoring. Soon, R2D2 will soon be a household appliance.
Small appliance goods producer WMF introduced a few products for relaxing. A herbal pot with light, a wine chiller, and a table top fondue set for 8.
Tech giant Samsung is rolling out Bixby. A smart-home voice service challenge to Google Assistant and Alexa.
I hate moping floors. The Karcher floor steamer maybe my life saver. The brand still produces in it’s home country, Germany.
The side conversations at IMB were interesting. They are opportunities for learning inside information and getting real opinions.
Google Assistant and Amazon now dominate the home leaving Microsoft and Apple in the dust.
Will American technology dominate in the future in the face of Trade Wars?
I was a bit surprised by the lack of mobile phone technology this year.
Stay Tuned for full coverage of IFA 2019 starting September 6th. We will have the latest news and trends.
IFA 2018 coverage sponsored by Canon Camera/Werbung
IFA 2018 was not all about the glamour tech of smart phones or pc’s. There was also a lot on offer for new devices that do not get the attention but are just as innovative. Check out these 3 stories.
IFA 2018 coverage sponsored by Canon Camera/Werbung
Themes from CES 2016
There were drones of all kind in every shape and size. A drone able to carry people in the air like the futuristic cars from the animated cartoon The Jetsons.
There will be OLED screens for laptops meaning imaging quality will get improved. OLED allows each pixel to emit its own light making a superior display contrast for better imaging.
Wearables are the rage in the tech world in the forms of health bands and watches from a number of brands introducing devices with abilities ranging from measuring heart rates to message notifications.
Smart appliances that will help you cook; washing machines with dual chambers, Wi-Fi kettles for coffee on demand, and motion activated home greeters are coming to the home in 2016.
Virtual Reality is the future. Presently, the VR equipment is expensive but I expect prices to drop in the medium to longer future as well there are apps and content being developed for the platform.
There were many highlights from IFA 2015 from smartwatches to smart appliances. The overall theme was connecting not just digitally but also emotionally. Whereas in the past devices were cold and impersonal today they represent our personalities.
Our criteria’s were based on design or aesthetic that caught our attention. We wanted the gadget to look good. Secondly, the usefulness of the device was important. Lastly, the most important aspect of any technology is usage and functionality. We looked at the evolution of a product along a brand or category line with an eye on new features and upgrades for better user interaction experiences. The device should be natural to use. The software and hardware should be seamless as well as intuitive.
Our Picks:
Huawei Smartwatch has a nice user interface.
LG Urbane Watch looks classic.
Minimalist Kitchen appliances by renowned Designer Philipe Starck for Gorenje
Illy Espresso Machine is just too sexy not to have on the kitchen counter.
The ZTE Axon was an award winner at IFA 2015 based on user experience. The camera and sound features stood out in my mind.
What impressed about the Wiko Highway Pure smartphone was the thin shape and light feel.
Parrot Headphones in Black/Red Crocodile Style is a case study of fashion meets technology.
BeyerDynamic Headphones The material was lightweight
Harmon/Kardon Mini Esquire Bluetooth Portable Speaker is an elegant mixture of style, functionality, and technology.
TCL Curved A87 HD TV with 4000R. A crisp picture with great sound.
Polaroid Television is an affordable alternative to the big brands but not a sacrifice on picture quality.
Haier Double Washer gives you the ability to wash two loads at once. Who says you can’t colors and whites at the same time? At the time of writing this model was not online. It will be available at the end of 2015.
Philips Multi Cooker comes with its own app and recipes.
Acer Revo Buid is a modular stackable device that is both sharp and functional. At the time of writing this model was not online but will be available shortly.