Consumer & Home Electronics Trends at IFA 2019

Artificial intelligence, AI for short, is again the trending topic this year: many types of appliances and devices use digital systems that learn on their own, becoming increasingly powerful over time. Voice control systems, for example, are continuously improving their capabilities. The newest generation of screens, reaching an amazing 8K resolution, need AI in order to perfectly upscale the video signals received to the new, extremely fine pixels. AI is also making sure that the sound matches the impressive picture: intelligent software recognizes whether the sound is coming from a football stadium, a news studio or a concert hall and adjusts the sound appropriately.

5G, the technology for super-fast, next-generation communication networks, is shaping the future. At IFA 2019, the first production-ready 5G smartphones are on show, and new mobile data devices are expected to follow this trend quickly.

Innovative screen technologies are a highlight at IFA: large-screen televisions that roll up like projector screens and disappear into compact housings fascinate IFA attendees, as do the tablets that can be folded to half their size, transforming into handy smartphones.

Cutting-edge prototypes show what mobile phones could look like in the future: as wide bracelets that wrap decoratively around your wrist, for example. Other screen prototypes can turn transparent at a command. They look like windows until they receive a video signal and display a colorful picture again.

Micro LED, also known as crystal LED, is another screen technology with lots of future potential. Such displays use colored crystalline light-emitting diodes to display an image, and are already inspiring completely new products today: IFA is featuring micro LED components that can be combined like tiles to create screens of any shape and size.

The new generation of projectors can show images as large as a wall. Living-room friendly solutions, in particular, are now able to achieve this within a very short distance: for example, installed on a cabinet directly in front of the projection surface.

Other models to watch include some that can be set up effortlessly anywhere, with slim, vertical housings and convenient carry handles. They throw the projected image upwards against hinged mirrors allowing you to position the image precisely on the screen without needing to make complicated adjustments.

Spectacular colors are promised by new projectors that use separate lasers as light sources in the primary colors, red, blue and green.

Impressive sound to match the big picture is now provided by a wide range of soundbars, creating a home cinema atmosphere by reproducing surround sound formats. The latest audio trend is called 360-degree sound: speakers emit sound in all directions, including up high into the room, giving the term surround sound a completely new meaning.

Wireless speakers are still one of the most sought-after types of consumer electronics. Many models can network to form multi-room systems, and they are all competing for consumer-attention with the ever-increasing variety of streaming services, including those that deliver amazing quality music via the internet.

Vinyl record players are enjoying a lasting popularity. IFA reflects this trend, showcasing new models that combine yesterday’s records with modern hi-fi concepts. The latest devices not only impress with their incredible mechanical precision, they also bridge to the modern age with built-in preamplifiers, and even integrated Bluetooth transmitters.

The major trend is the networking of home appliances. The use of voice control and artificial intelligence (AI) is creating smarter, more versatile and more powerful products. Large and small domestic appliances increase comfort and user-friendliness while at the same time enhancing functionality and efficiency. New device classes merge functions and possibilities of previously separate devices into a clever combination. Further developments, for example in battery technology, create more freedom of use, others keep food fresh longer or optimise washing and cleaning results. Large and small electrical appliances make household work easier and save valuable resources such as energy, water and time.

Networked devices exchange information with each other, can record personal habits and make suggestions for improvement or optimization, as well as putting them into practice. Networked devices thus save the user time, capacities and resources. With numerous apps, they provide many tips, for example on saving energy or laundry care, new ways of preparing food, nutritional advice and recipes.

The networked electrical devices are not only controlled and monitored with mobile devices and associated apps. Control with gestures and speech is becoming increasingly popular. The superiority of operation with voice control is a clear (comfort) advantage: devices with voice control can still be operated even with “full hands”. With networked devices, the current program status, notifications or information for care, maintenance and service can be conveniently received or called up. A view into the cooker or refrigerator from a distance is easily possible thanks to networking and integrated cameras. Solutions with artificial intelligence enable devices with functions that think for themselves, are capable of learning and provide the user with practical suggestions and tips. The result is further simplification in everyday life with more comfort, safety and efficiency.

Consumers are putting more importance on criteria such as sustainability, energy efficiency and resource conservation. Domestic appliances have delivered on these criteria outstandingly for many years, always aiming for the lowest consumption of energy, water and detergent. Appliances are constantly being optimized with each new generation. Consumers find purchasing new electrical appliances worthwhile in many ways: in addition to the many technical innovations and increased convenience of use, the improved efficiency and lower consumption of resources cover the purchase costs within a very short time.

For some time now, the current selection of large and small domestic appliances with their innovative designs have made fun of the common term “white goods”. Characterized by excellent design, high quality and exclusive materials, as well as a range of colors, they are truly beautiful objects. Not to mention, there are many different ways you can customize the design to suit your personal taste.