What to expect at IFA 2022 Berlin

IN just a few days, IFA 2022 will open its doors to welcome visitors and the leading companies from entertainment electronics, electrical household appliances, information technology and telecommunications. IFA or Internationale Funkausstellung, Europe's biggest technology showcase for consumer electronics and home appliances is held in September every year in Berlin. IFA 2022 is scheduled from September 2 to 6 and will be the first fully in-person IFA since 2019, which I also attended. It hosted 238,700 visitors, 1,930 industry partners, and 5,360 journalists. I am really excited to cover it again this year for The Manila Times. With Official IFA Media Days on August 31 and September 1, I will be able to get a preview of the 12 segments and 821 products. Comprising the 12 segments are audio, communication, computing and gaming, fitness and digital health, global markets, home and entertainment, household appliances, imaging, reseller park, IFA Next, IFA Next Startups, and SHIFT Mobility.

Fortunately, ShowStoppers @ IFA (https://showstoppers.com/) organized a private press-only event on September 1 so I don't get overwhelmed with the number of products. From smart cities, the future of mobility and artificial intelligence to robotics and virtual reality, Showstoppers will showcase a unique combination of future technologies, hands-on products, engaging experiences and top entertainment. The companies plan to introduce and show solar generators, semi-solid state home energy storage, smart thermostats and radiator valves, mini ovens, zero-waste backpacks, tools that use AI and machine learning for energy-efficient and sustainable smart homes, smart helmets for motorcycle safety, Bluetooth speakers, smart locks, robotic pool cleaners, home theaters in a box, whole-home wireless ecosystems, virtual-reality devices, global translators, wireless earbuds, hardware and software systems to make cosmetics at home, indoor farm systems, tech for male sexual health, smart toothbrushes, air purifiers to combat allergies, notebooks, Chromebooks, gaming computers, tablets, laptops, monitors, glasses, the first biometric collar for dogs to monitor heart, respiration, activity and location — and more surprises.