IFA 2023 had some curious devices on display. The Global tech event never disappoints for debuting newest and sometimes curious gadgets that may or may not be in a store near you.
IFA Berlin 2023 closed on September 5th. The annual technology event is a go to not only for seeing the latest gadgets but also for tech trends. The 99th edition shook off the post Covid malaise from the previous year. 130,000 square meters were sold out with brands and companies from around the world. Since 1924 IFA has been about the latest consumer devices.
This time around, the word “innovation” came across as diluted. Nothing on display in the 26 halls felt as a “must have” product or service. Instead, there were improvements and new features added to appliances, cameras inside of ovens, apps for operating washing machines, lights on vacuums,
while not Earth shattering, connivence comes to mind.
I missed the memo on these: Robot cleaners, solar panels and batteries were front and center. It’s startling the number of companies producing the same products. Some displayed side by side.
Many big consumer electronic names were missing this year the attention turned to lesser known if not obscure labels. A big takeaway from this IFA, Chinese OEM’s on a mission to becoming brands. In the past they were regulated to just making products, no longer, brand building is on the agenda at lower prices with products ranging from headphones to washing machines.
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Many top brands at IFA had to have felt being the Belle of the Ball. It is one thing to copy but a level of disrespect to come to a hall with power point list and brazenly check over a product, even using a tape measure. Even placing a head and camera in an oven to make video of the interior. Maybe it is time for a professional code of conduct at trade fairs.Intellectual Property means nothing in some regions but for companies spending on research and development and IP is a valued asset.
I had the feeling “App overkill” is a reality for household appliances. Some features I found useless. Do consumers really need a control to operate an appliance while driving to work?
Brands have decided to champion sustainability by making some parts available to third parties for repair. Consumers grown used to a disposable technology may not be ready to wait for a repair man. Extending device life cycles was an interesting if not, contradictory topic. Technology sales are based on volume for profitability. How can companies marry less consumption with high sales?
IFA 2023 showed a consumer goods world in flux. Technology has winners and losers. Picking the winning side has gotten harder.
Recently I needed a new pair of earbuds. As a regular gym goer , time goes by faster, tuned into my own music. Another reason, I keep loosing my sound devices. This time my criteria was price, nothing over 50 euros, decent quality and hopefully long life. A journey to the local Media Market, telling the sales person, she recommended Redmi Buds 4 Lite from Xiaomi.
My take on the budget buds after a month usage, yes they are well worth the 20 euros price. Sound quality is fine, easy to pair with devices. The touch control functions are responsive, just tap on the bud.
The Redmi Buds do not have noise cancellation, which could be a bummer in a fitness studio, however, the sound quality and volume were limited but not a deal killer. The in-ear buds fit is snug, I had no problems with a piece falling out during two hour works. The connection was solid, never lost the Bluetooth signal.
Battery life has been reported a five-hour duration. The sound cues tell the user when to recharge in the small case. Also, the smartphone connection indicated the amount of charge on each bud.
I only used the microphone once, passable for connected conversations.
If a buyer thinks the low price means cheap, far from the truth, consider it twenty euros well spent.
Final Words: Redmi Buds 4 Lite are WORTH A BUY
For all the latest news and reviews from IFA 2023 starting August 30th, keep checking here.
Samsung introduced a new flagship phone with a vintage feature, a flip open screen. Reaching back to before mobile phones were smart, flipping open a feature mobile was common from brands Ericsson and Motorola. The Korean giant has the new supped up Galaxy Z Flip 5 smartphone entering the Android arena.
What I liked: The sharp screen and a quick, responsive interface with smooth movement got my attention. Camera is good, and built designed with a tripod for face time conversations.
What I did not like: Folded hinge, my thought, when would it break? The Flip feels awkward, bulky in the pocket.
Priced at 1.299 euros, Samsung is positioning their latest device at the hight end segment while targeting young or millennial consumers.
While foldable phones sales have grown in recent years despite, slowing sales in the smartphone field, the design character falls short of originality and personal expression.
I had limited time to play with the Galaxy Z Flip 5. This quick review is based on limited interaction.
Stay tuned for IFA 2023 technology news and reviews.