Techradar: 3D TVs and connected TV looks set to dominate IFA 2010 – the biggest consumer technology show in Europe.
Why does it matter? Because unlike Las Vegas’ CES, where the focus is on the US market, all the major launches at IFA 2010 are likely to make their UK release dates very soon.
Highlights will likely emanate from the showcase stands from the likes of Sony, Panasonic, LG, Toshiba, Philips and Samsung. Each typically has a whole hall to themselves.
The show takes place at the huge Messe Berlin complex. There are a staggering 26 halls, plus other facilities, and it’s all taken over by IFA for the first week of September.
While the show is traditionally AV-centric – there will be more new 3D TVs – recent years have seen more computing wares debut at the show. Last year Samsung took the opportunity to drop several new laptop ranges, while Toshiba showed off new laptops and its Journe Touch tablet.
We’d expect some tablets to make their debut at IFA 2010 – perhaps even running Google’s new Chrome OS.
This year we’re expecting plenty more 3D TVs and associated kit, including universal glasses you’ll be able to use with 3D TVs from various brands.
Content providers may well get in on the act, too. We might hear some more news about Google TV, perhaps a LoveFilm tie-up or maybe even Hulu for Europe. Whatever the partnerships announced, connected TV will be big news.
As usual, IFA 2010 will attempt to cover the whole gamut of consumer electronics across its 121,000 square metres of showspace – mobile, home entertainment, computing, videogames, digital imaging, car audio and sat nav – as well as domestic appliances like high-tech cookers and fridges.
Nestled among the 1,164 exhibitor stands at IFA 2010 will be a brand new iZone, which will focus on the growing popularity of the Mac, iPhone, iPod and iPad with apps showcases and the latest iPhone 4 accessories – including Cinemizer glasses that will enable you to watch 3D movies anywhere.
Also new to IFA 2010 is the eLibrary – an area of the show dedicated to eBooks and tablet PCs, with content providers displaying their wares.
Last year there were also some new phone handsets, such as the Samsung Galaxy running Android. It’s wholly possible we might see some Windows Phone 7 handsets at the show – perhaps even the Samsung Cetus running Microsoft’s new mobile OS.
Like Las Vegas’ CES, IFA has an enviable record when it comes to breaking new technologies with past highlights including colour television (1967), MP3 (1991) and 3D TV (1998). We expect this year – the exhibition’s 50th – to be no different.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the brand new products, technologies and innovations being shown off at IFA 2010, make sure you follow TechRadar’s in-depth coverage of events, both in the run-up to the show and on the show floor itself – we’ll be there in force to bring you the very latest updates.
IFA 2010 runs from Friday 3 to Wednesday 8 September, though most of the major press conferences happen on Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 September, so expect plenty of news right from the get-go.
You can find out more about the event and what’s being shown there by visiting the official IFA 2010 website.
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