Ahead of Europe’s biggest tech show, IFA- held annually in Berlin, which reveals many companies’ new releases of smartphones, wearables, smartwatches and various other connected devices.
Following announcements of company releases, CBR put together a list of the possible top 10 gadgets of 2016.
- Asus ZenWatch 3
The noticeably unique, Asus ZenWatch 3 is the company’s first round smartwatch. Although it can be compared as similar to the Android Wear watch, the product is expected to come in silver, gunmetal and rose gold with over 50 customisable watch faces.
The physical button added to the watch allows users to launch their favourite app, in connection with a smartphone. It has also been announced to include HyperCharge technology for a longer battery life, lasting two days.
Asus ZenWatch is expected to be priced at €229, launching by the end of the year.
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- Fitbit Flex 2/ Charge 2
Fitbit’s latest wearables, Flex 2 and Charge 2 join the scale of its fitness tracker roster. Following the release of the announcement of the products on Tuesday, the company is expected to reveal its features at IFA today.
(Click here for our previous post on Fitbit's new fitness trackers)
The Charge 2 appears to be an improved version of Charge HR, with the inclusion of GPS, a larger 2.5in display and several interchangeable bands.
The Flex 2 on the other hand, appears to have a completely unique design with a waterproof feature- giving users the ability to track swimming.
The Charge 2 is expected to launch this September, whilst the Flex 2 will launch in October.
- Sony Xperia XZ/ X Compact
Sony launches two versions of its smartphone; Xperia XZ and the X Compact, which both come with exclusive camera hardware on the back.
Both smartphones include built-in processor Qualcomm’s powerful snapdragon and RAM.
Hideyuki Furumi, Executive Vice President for Global Sales and Marketing, Sony Mobile Communications said: “With Xperia we want to assist you when and where it matters most, making your everyday lives more convenient, more effortless, and more spontaneous.”
The smartphones will be released in October 2016.
4. Qualcomm Snapdragon VR820
As part of Qualcomm’s VR reference platform, the processor is optimised for virtual reality content and applications.
The Snapdragon VR820 is built upon the powerful Snapdragon 820 mobile processor, designed to support and advance requirements for immersive VR.
Senior Vice president and general manager of IoT, Qualcomm Technologies International Ltd said: “The Snapdragon VR820 integrates key technologies and features for an exceptional VR experience and provides a springboard for OEMs and developers to usher in the next generation of truly portable and untethered devices that we think are necessary for mass consumer adoption of VR.”
With the inclusion of both visual and sound quality, intuitive interactions and powerful computing; it is anticipated to be available in the fourth quarter of 2016.
5. Huawei Nova/ Nova Plus
The Nova and Nova Plus have been launched as Huawei’s new smartphone line, both powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 625 processor.
The Nova features a 12MP sensor with phase-detection autofocus and 1.25 micron pixels, whilst the Nova Plus upgrades to 16MP and optical image stabilisation.
Both smartphones will be made available in over 50 markets in Asia and Europe in early October.
6. Lenovo Moto Z Play
The Moto Z Play appears as a cheaper version of the Moto Z, this being Lenovo’s third smartphone in its series.
Including a dual sim option and water resistance, the smartphone comes with water-repellent Nano-coating.
The high-quality camera allows users to shoot images in RAW format- a feature that is rarely found in smartphones.
Lenovo has announced the availability for October.
7. LG SmartthinQ Hub
The LG SmartthinQ Hub is revealed amongst the home automation devices, although it may be seen as a competitor to the Amazon Echo. It will surprisingly include Amazon’s digital assistant, Alexa.
Its inclusion of Hub is designed to respond to requests and show information such as the weather.
This device is also expected to have button-shaped sensors to send alerts to users, for instance when the washing machine finishes.
The LG SmartthinQ is expected to launch early next year.
8. Samsung Gear S3
The Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch, which has two versions, Frontier and Classic is known to be the updated follow-up of the Gear S2.
Both watches include Samsung Pay and a longer battery life, which is expected to last 3-4 days with one charge.
View our recent post on the Samsung Gear S3.
9. Alcatel VR Headset
The Alcatel Virtual Reality Headset is designed to work with users smartphones.
With two 1080p displays at 3.8-inches a piece, the vision is expected to be of a unique purpose.
It is revealed that no wires are required or additional sensors, therefore users will have no need to plug the device into a PC or smartphone.
10. LG Signature OLED G6
From the minimal TV launches at IFA’s 2016 show is the LG Signature OLED G6. The connected device is one out of all smart home gadgets.
The smart TV is available in 65 inch and 77 inch versions, with surprisingly thin screens.
The LG Signature OLED G6 is out now and available to purchase.
