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Technology

A Robot Named EEVE

During IFA 2023 while walking around I saw the EEVE in the IFA Next Hall. What came to my mind, “I’ve seen this before?”

I had a quick talk with founder with Wesley Lorrez. The Belgium born explained the design influence of the Garden mower cam from a Pixar film. As Lorrez told me WALL-E was the inspiration behind the grass cutter. Instead of something industrial, he and his team focused on expression instead of complete functionality. A fan of Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, the startup head wanted to create a different type of gardening robot. EEVE was developed in Waregem, Belgium.

EEVE MOWER at IFA.

Instead of just being a tool, the intelligent mower with green puppy eyes, EEVE could become a part of the family.

With the ability to learn the landscape after one demonstration. Instead of obtrusive noise associated with mowers, the four blades run silent under the three wheeled AI device. The 4K camera allows the user to have a POV.

EEVE makes mowing the grass a cuter experience.

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Feature Technology

More from IFA 2023

More of our picks from IFA 2023.

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Technology

Tech Highlights from IFA 2023

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.

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Technology

The IFA 2023 Breakdown

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.

IFA 2023


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.





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Technology

IFA

 

IFA16 Highlights

Bang and Olufsen

Futuristic minimalism in the shape of a cone from Bang and Olufsen, always known for superior sound quality, the brand played to its strength by introducing two wireless 360 degree speaker designs, the small BeoSound 1 and larger BeoSound 2.  Both are rechargeable with a battery life of 16 hours.   The shining models stuck out but I liked the softer toned ones.

Sphero

Star Wars Fans will have hours of fun with the motion controlled BB8 droid.   The wrist band enables the user to push and pull the droid with arm gestures.  The app describes in details how to full use the small robot.   I saw a demonstration.  It could get addictive, connective toys are the future.

Aedle

Designed and made in Paris, Aedle headphones are for those looking for a subtler but higher style quality with headphone gear.  Constructed with fine leather and other materials there are two choices to choose, over ear or in-ear, both are elegant.   When I travel to Paris I will interview the team behind the brand.

Philips

The consumer brand giant had two products we liked.  The new Innergizer blender can mix anything in a moment.  The second appliance we played with was the Air Cooker, no grease, or oil is needed, all is done by recycled hot air even French Fries.

ZTE

Affordable high end smartphone from the ZTE with Axom 7 mini, a smaller version of the company’s flagship phone but still packing a punch using Android 6.0  OS featuring a 5.2 inch screen, all metal body and curved designed. it delivers a number of good features without breaking the bank including  Dolby Speakers and a 16 megapixel camera.

Huawei

I handled the phone, it is smooth and stylish but what attracted me the most were the colors blue and red.  It is slim and light with a Leica camera.  I have not tested the device yet but soon.

Honorable Mentions

SkullCandy

Skullcandy’s New Crusher Wireless headphones looked nice.  A good accessory for the street wear looks. Check back here for a review.

AfterShockz

I am testing their new sportswear wireless headsets, so far so good.  Check back for the full review.

Xtorm

A better source of mobile recharging, the company improved the capacity of this year’s power bank models while retaining an attractive design. (See our upcoming video)

Samsonite

Added new class to their collection with a slim wireless power bank fitted for a 15 inch laptop integrated into a travel backpack.

Dbramante1928

Affordable leather carrying  cases designed in Denmark for every tech device.  The material is sourced from India.

Fossil

A company introduced a number of wearables this year to track and monitor all activity.  We are using one now.  See the upcoming review.

Keep checking back for more reviews and interviews on tech.

 

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Technology

IFA 2016

IFA 2016 Highlights

YEVO

An intriguing product was the Yevo 1 smart wireless headphones.  These small, futuristic earbuds reminded me of Lt. Uhura’s ear piece from Star Trek, with touch control, 20 hour battery life and a microphone. There is a noise cancellation feature.  We did not test them but I will keep you posted.

MONSTER (Showstoppers)

New generation of headphones and a modern take on the 70’s Boom Box, with the Monster Blaster was on display this season from Monster.  The on ear head devices are equipped with hi resolution audio, Bluetooth, swipe control, and direct digital capabilities.  Monster Blaster has 24 hour battery life built, in microphones. It is good for indoor and outdoor settings.

TCL

Another interesting take on a tablet entering the market has been introduced by TCL.  The Aess is an Android tablet/pc hybrid with either 15.6 or 17 inch screen capable of being positioned in four angles.  Easy for Multi-tasking with voice, gesture control and stylus.

UVIFY and Vuzix (Showstoppers)

Connected to the Vuzix VR helmet the Uvify racing drone is made for the ultimate leave your body experience.  It looks veracious. Camera, detachable arms, and fast battery charge are included.

Vuzix Iwear has a high level of video and audio performance.   The headgear is lightweight with options for complete immersion.   A high pixel number means images are sharp with good resolution.  Sound is clear.  I watched Kung Fu Panda.

The UVIFY cockpit and Vuzix headsets were connected when I tested them.  I wanted to FLY!!!!

LIFEPACK (Showstoppers)

A Solar Powered, anti-theft backpack, Lifepack, from Swedish brand Solgaard integrates a Solor bank, lock in a rugged, sleek carry bag.  The solar powered battery can be recharged in the sun, for a full charge, 4 hours is needed. Intelligent features include; Bluetooth speakers retractable locks on the zippers, drop proof laptop storage, work and personal zone and rain cover.

Stay tuned for more updates

 

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Technology

IFA 2016

IFA Highlights

Geneeo
Alex Feriotto is the designer behind the stylish Geneeo Genius Backpack, Italian style designed to be a portable power bank for all recharging needs.  Equipped with a 7000 mAh battery the bag can simultaneously charge 3 devices at once using hub ports.  The outside battery indicator signals power level.  The bag’s external charging cable can be plugged into an electric outlet, making it convenient for multi recharging in one space.

Alex is a graduate of the prestigious IED University of Milan.  He wanted to create a bag that is both stylish and practical.   Splash proof, made of nylon and rubber details, inside there are three compartments, large enough for a 17 inch laptop.

Illy

Retro. Stylish. Flair.  For the twentieth anniversary of the illycaffe, Illy presented new bespoke capsule café machine, the X1 has an eye catching retro design along with colors.  Red, Black, and Almond colors are available.  If you wish to order a tailored machine, you can go their website. Coffee never looked so good.

Parrot Pot

You never have to worry about watering the plants again when you are away from home.  Parrot gives flower loves the best gift, a smart flower pot, plant sitter, that monitors the soil.   The pot holds 2.2 liters of water with self-watering capability.       An app monitors the plant’s health and gives advice on care.  Additionally, there is a database of 8000 plant suggestions.

Lenovo (from Showstoppers)

Lenovo went to the future with a Halo keyboard for the brands sleek, new Yoga Book.    Foldable, with Android and Windows versions the new devices is equipped with a stylus pen.  The strong Graphic interface means letting the creative juices flow.

Panasonic

Available in 2018.  The tech giant will soon release a machine we have all been waiting for, no more folding clothes.  The Laundroid will wash, dry, and fold clothes.

Stay tuned for more coverage and check out our Instagram Account.