IFA 2015 is only officially underway from 4 to 9 September, with the biggest names in the tech world announcing or unveiling products at the Berlin show.
CBR has rounded up some of the biggest news from companies exhibiting at the show.
1. Sony
Sony launched its Xperia Z5 smartphone line, including the Z5, the Z5 Compact and Z5 Premium. The basic model of the phone claims to provide the ‘best camera in a leading smartphone’ and is waterproof.
The Z5 Compact provides the same features in a hand-sized device, while the Premium model provides the world’s first 4K ultra HD display on a smartphone and 4K Ultra HD upscaling technology.
2. Toshiba
The Japanese electronics giant launched the Toshiba Satellite Radius 12, building on the previous Radius 15. The Windows 10-based laptop-tablet hybrid running on Intel’s newly unveiled sixth generation Skylake Core processor.
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The device uses the processor to power a 4K screen. Weighing 1.3 kg, it features a 12.5in screen with a 3840×2160 pixel Ultra HD screen.
3. Asus
Asus launched the ZenWatch 2, a new smartwatch with 2 days of battery available in several designs. Three Android tablets, the ZenPad S 8.0, ZenPad 8.0 and ZenPad 10 were unveiled, as well as the Zen AiO S, an all-in-one PC.
Asus also launched the world’s thinnest smartphone to feature a 3X optical zoom on its camera, the ZenFone Zoom, as well as the miniature VivoStick PC turning any HDMI-enabled TV into a Windows 10 PC. In addition, the company launched the RT0AC5300, a wi-fi router capable of combined total speeds of 5334 Mbps.
4. Lenovo
Lenovo is betting on Windows 10 with the launch of several devices, including the ThinkPad E tablets, carrying Intel RealSense 3D cameras and the Lenovo IdeaPad Miix 700m, which features a kickstand and HD display.
The company also launched the Yoga Tab 3 Pro, another tablet equipped with a 2K display and featuring a 70" built-in projector. Smartphone-wise, Lenovo launched the VIBE P1 and P1m, as well as the VIBE S1 featuring two front-facing cameras. It also unveiled the Lenovo PHAB, a phablet designed for single-hand use.
5. Plantronics
The headset makers launched two new sets of wireless headphones, the BackBeat SENSE and the Voyager Focus UC. SENSE provides built in smart sensors, intelligent pairing, whispered voice alerts and dual mcs for HD communication.
The Voyager Focus UC headphones are designed for enterprise workers in open plan offices r loud environments. They feature extended Bluetooth range, on-board sensors and interoperability with collaboration solutions by Microsoft, Cisco, Avaya and Huawei.
6. Huawei
Huawei continued its smartphone offensive with the Mate S, featuring a 5.5-inch, pressure-sensitive display using Force Touch technology which allows the user to perform different tasks by applying different pressure.
Huawei also announced the availability in Europe of the Huawei Watch, Huawei’s wearable.
Read CBR’s full write-up here.
7. Intel
Intel launched the 6th generation Intel Core processor family based on Skylake microarchitecture, with a chip developed using its14nm manufacturing process technology.
The processor is designed to work on lower power levels ever and supports a range of device designs including ultra-mobile compute sticks and new mobile workstations.
Read CBR’s full write-up here.
8. Acer
Acer unveiled the Revo Build, featuring modular components that allow users to customise their computer without opening up the chassis.
The ‘blocks’ can be connected through pogo pins with magnetic alignment, allowing users to swap modules without needing to unscrew any parts.
Acer also announced a Windows 10-based smartphone, the Acer Jade Primo. Details and specs are not yet available.
Read CBR’s full write-up here.
9. Motorola
Motorola unveiled the next generation of its Moto 360 smartwatch, an Android Wear-based wearable that is designed to look like an actual watch rather than a technological gizmo.
The 360 is customisable through the Moto Maker store. As well as the normal notification and control features of a wearable, the new Moto 360 Sport enhancement allows you to use the device without carrying your phone. Live Dials provide shortcuts on the watch face to your favourite apps.
Read CBR’s full write-up here.
10. Samsung
Samsung launched the Gear S2, its answer to the Apple Watch. The device is available in two styles, the Gear S2 and the Gear S2 Classic. The former is designed to be more minimalist, while the latter aims to appeal to lovers of traditional watch designs.
The display offers 360 x 360 resolution, running the Tizen operating system on a 1 GHz dual-core processor. It comes with NFC technology which will enable mobile payments without the need for a wallet.
Read CBR’s full write-up here.
