The IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin) 2013 trade show is one of the world’s leading consumer electronics and home appliances trade shows.
The main focus of the trade show this year, was on innovative digital products such as smart TVs, tablet computers, smartphones and networked home appliances. First initiated in 1924, the tradeshow has traditionally been a hub of cutting-edge technology, allowing exhibitors to present their latest products and offerings to the mass consumer market.
The following are some of the most impressive gadgets showcased in IFA 2013:
Galaxy Gear
Marking its first foray into the wearable computer market, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Gear smartwatch designed to sync with the Galaxy smartphone (Note 3 and higher) and allow users to talk using their wrist as opposed to reaching into your pocket to access your phone every few minutes.
Amongst other things, users can also take photos and HD video, use S-voice to record and send text messages and email, access time and weather information, and utilize around seventy 3rd-party apps currently available for it.
The Galaxy Gear is powered by an 800 MHz processor and features a 1.63 inch screen 320 x 320 Super AMOLED display.
Sony Xperia Z1
“The Xperia Z1 embodies everything Sony has to offer,” said Chief Executive Kazuo Hirai as he unveiled the Sony Xperia Z1 at the IFA conference in Berlin.
The smartphone, which will be available in September, is a waterproof model coming with a 5 inch display and a 20.7 megapixel rear-facing camera. Sony has used the same Triluminous and X-reality technology for the Z1 display as it does for its cutting-edge Bravia line of televisions.
Galaxy Note 3
Samsung revealed its newest phablet, the Galaxy Note 3, at the IFA conference in Berlin. The Galaxy Note 3 comes with a 5.7” Super AMOLED Full HD screen, equipped with a 13 megapixel camera capable of recording 4K quality video and delivering 4128 x 3096 images.
The phone is powered by a 2.3 GHz Snapdragon 800 series processor supported by 3GB RAM as well as 64GB of storage space, supporting microSD storage.
As it is part of the Note series, it also comes with its signature S Pen and a slew of new features such as Air Command, Action Memo, Scrapbook, Screen Write and Pen Window. The Note 3 will be available for consumers on September 25th.
Acer Liquid S2
The Acer Liquid S2, unveiled at the IFA conference in Berlin, is a breathtaking device boasting a 6” 1080p IPS display and a 13 megapixel camera capable of shooting 4K Ultra-High Definition video.
While its screen size puts it strictly in the ‘phablet’ category of smartphones, its RAM is slightly on the lower side at 2GB but it is still powered by an impressive 2.2 GHz Snapdragon processor. Internal storage is 16 GB but it can be increased up to 128 GB via microSD storage.
Samsung UHD TV
At 110”, the Samsung Ultra High Definition 4K television is the largest one of its kind. Unveiled on the 1st day of the consumer electronics IFA tradeshow in Berlin, it will be available for sale next Autumn and offers four times the resolution of full high-definition screens. 4K technology has also been introduced in smartphones and video cameras at the IFA tradeshow.
AwoX Striim Light
The AwoX Striim Light is an LED-light bulb that also features an integrated Bluetooth speaker. Introduced at the IFA 2013 conference in Berlin, the Striim Light is capable of playing audio from any Bluetooth-enabled device, including computers, smartphones and tablets. It fits into a standard electric lamp, comes equipped with a 10 watt speaker and features a remote control that allows you to switch the light on/off and toggle the volume settings.
Besides these showcased gadgets, IFA 2013 also displayed an array of cutting-edge devices such as attachable smartphone cameras, high-performance speakers and headphones, household appliances such as fridges and heating systems, memory cards, and Mp3 devices.