Berlin is set to become Europe’s technopolis as companies and fans descend on the city next week for the annual IFA conference.
While Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress is dominated by smartphones, IFA is the perfect opportunity for companies show off their other new products, namely speakers, TVs, headphones and wearables.
So get your Christmas lists at the ready — here’s the tech you’re going to be coveting over the next few months.
All about the music
Sonos is predicted to launch its first portable Bluetooth speaker, Sonos Move. Typically, Sonos devices rely on wi-fi to play music and podcasts so it’s a big departure for the US company to be taking its sleek designs and making them portable.
There could be a few new headphones on show too. Last year, Sony launched its excellent noise-cancelling WH-1000XM3 ’phones and there could be a new pair of cans unveiled this time.
Sennheiser is set to make an appearance at IFA too — there could be a new soundbar or a follow-up to its Momentum headphones range.
Don’t forget about the fold
IFA may no longer be the launch ground for smartphones but there may be a few kicking around this year. All eyes are on LG, which is set to unveil a new dual-screen device, likely to be named the LG V60 ThinQ, the company’s take on the folding phone trend.
The two screens can be used to together, such as to play a game, or separately, so that you can multi-task on the go. The phone is also likely to support 5G connectivity.
All eyes on Huawei
Despite the spats Chinese tech giant Huawei has had with the US, the company is set for a big show at IFA. Its head of devices, Richard Yu, is doing the keynote speech and there’s talk of a 5G-connected Huawei TV, a preview of its new smartphone range, the Mate 30 series, and information on its new smartphone chip, the Kirin 990 processor.
So it’s business as usual, then.
Watch it
Looking for a new smartwatch or fitness tracker? Garmin is predicted to unveil its new mid-range Vivoactive 4 and 4s models at IFA, with a light-form factor, seven-day battery life and, as well as a new Venu lifestyle watch, with a premium design and large touch screen.
Fossil recently released its Gen 5 smartwatch so these models are expected to be on display alongside new smartwatches from Michael Kors, Diesel and Armani.
Chinese tech brand Huami, known for its affordable, feature-packed wearables, has said it will unveil 10 new devices over the next few months, so expect a new fitness watch or two.
