Tech Trends @IFA_Berlin 2018

 

It’s that time again! Tech Trends is off to Berlin for IFA 2018 on 30th August.

I love and hate these huge technology shows, the industry leading speakers and the hands-on time with the latest and greatest devices is fantastic but the sore feet and stampedes between product launch events can be quite scary. All in all, IFA is a must attend show and as the world’s most important trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances is well worth the crowds and weary legs plus you are guaranteed a freebie or two 😉

IFA is a must attend show and as the world's most important trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances Click To Tweet

“From our IFA vantage point, we see the key trends across brands, start-ups, inventors, retailers and consumers. And what’s obvious to us is that we are at the tipping point for a dramatic acceleration of innovation, driven by technology megatrends and ever closer co-operation across the whole industry ecosystem. This will kickstart growth, transform our lives and will soon give the term “consumer electronics” a completely new meaning.” said IFA Executive Director, Jens Heithecker

This year smart and connected devices for the home, powerful AI applications that are deeply integrated in consumer electronics and wellness products, and bigger TVs with ever better screen quality are among the big trendsetters that will probably dominate in Berlin. The event brings together the big brands plus suppliers, component manufacturers, OEMs and ODMs with a broad range of potential customers, all in a huge space at Messe Berlin.

We're at a tipping point for acceleration of innovation, driven by technology megatrends and ever closer co-operation across industry ecosystems Click To Tweet

Tech Trends is excited to see a new kid on the block at IFA this year, Shift AUTOMOTIVE, a biannual convention on the future of mobility Click To Tweet

Apart from the expected new devices and upgrades we all love to check out, Tech Trends is very excited to see the new kid on the block at IFA this year, Shift AUTOMOTIVE, a new biannual convention on the future of mobility, which explores how new automotive technologies are changing the way we think, live, and drive. Shift AUTOMOTIVE is a joint venture of the Geneva International Motor Show, Palexpo, IFA, and Messe Berlin. The first Shift AUTOMOTIVE will take place on 4 and 5 September 2018, alongside IFA in Berlin, followed by the Shift AUTOMOTIVE in Geneva in March 2019.

“Amazing things happen when researchers and experts from two different industries face the same challenge,” says Heithecker. “With Shift AUTOMOTIVE we want to work out how new technologies are changing all our lives, thinking and driving habits.”

The new automotive convention will explore the challenges posed by the mobility disruption and explore and celebrate ideas for the automotive future ahead. Industry keynotes, panels and workshop will cover a broad range of issues, including: when will consumers be ready to trust autonomous cars; cybersecurity in cars; how will the Internet of Things transform the driving experience; and how will disruptive mobility change human transport – and society itself – for the better.

The new automotive convention will explore challenges posed by the mobility disruption and explore ideas for the future Click To Tweet

IFA is the convener for tech innovation, it’s the connecting tissue for the global technology ecosystem Click To Tweet

The conference will look beyond technological breakthroughs and investigate whether consumers are ready for the change ahead. Will drivers and passengers see transport disruption as a threat or an opportunity? Will new technologies make driving more complex, or less? What happens when drivers become passengers? And are people ready to switch from owning a car to subscribing to mobility experiences?

“Technology mega-trends are driving innovation, with components that are ever smaller and ever more powerful, which in turn power emerging technologies like voice control and artificial intelligence. IFA is the convener for all this innovation, it’s the connecting tissue for the global technology ecosystem. That’s because it’s not just one sector innovating, but seven, eight or nine different industries that all try to solve the same problems and push the edge of innovation. Each industry brings its own knowledge, insights and skills to the table. All these industries learn from each other, they inspire each other. That’s co-innovation at its best.” said Dr. Christian Göke, CEO of Messe Berlin

For news on this and everything happening at IFA 2018 follow us @TechTrends_Tech and check back here soon for more articles and updates.

Tom Atkinson is a Digital Producer & Photographer at R3Digital and Reviews & Dept. Editor at Tech Trends. Connect on LinkedIn and follow him on Twitter @R3Digital