6 things to watch out for at IFA 2015

3 months ago

One of Europe’s biggest and oldest technology shows opens to the public this week and will see some of the major tech brands show off their new lines.

Samsung, Sony, Phillips, Panasonic and Casio are all at IFA in Berlin with announcements to make, and that’s before you even set foot on the show floor covered with its hundreds of booths.

With so much ground to cover, here’s a run-down of what’s likely to be the biggest stars at the show.

1. Samsung’s Gear S2

The cat is now very much out of the bag on this one thanks to not only the above trailer which appeared over a week ago, but also an official announcement from the tech giant on the existence of the S2.

The first round smartwatch from Samsung already looks like something of a style upgrade on their previous watches, and a strong contender to take on the Apple Watch.

2. The Internet of Things

We’re also expecting a hefty chunk of Samsung’s presentation to be focused on their SmartThings business. This is the smart home products company Samsung purchased last year and has now incorporated into its line-up of products.

Look out for new products, and as a result, a peak at what Samsung thinks our home could look like in years to come.

3. Sony’s new phone?

IFA has become a place where Sony likes to show off new smartphones, so 2015 is likely to continue that trend. The Xperia Z4 was released in Japan this summer, so we could see the device extended to other markets, or maybe something new entirely?

4. Market-disrupting smartphones

The iPhone event is a week away, so it’s a crucial time for the smartphone market. Huawei and Alcatel are both at IFA, and both are expected to try to turn a few heads with new products.

There are rumours that Huawei might have a Force Touch-type technology to unveil – so pressure sensitive screens on a new phone. If so, it would beat Apple to the announcement, and that would be quite something. The Apple Watch screen only has it at the moment.

Elsewhere, there could be two new entry-level phones from Alcatel, looking to compete with the premium models for a fraction of the price.

5. Other smart home crazes

Trade shows such as IFA always bring out the weird and the wonderful – from smart kettles and robotic vacuum cleaners to fridges with built-in sensors to scan expiry dates.

This year will no doubt be no different as the smart home becomes an ever more mainstream idea.

6. It’s not all about phones

LG is already proving that it’s not just smartphones and wearables that people come to see at IFA. They are set to show off a Bluetooth keyboard called Rolly.

It can be rolled up and stored in a box, with the tech giant suggesting those who carry a tablet around with them may prefer it to typing on a touchscreen.