Las Vegas has the Consumer Electronics Show and Barcelona the Mobile World Congress, two of the biggest technology conferences in the world. But Berlin's IFA, short for Internationale Funkausstellung is fast becoming one of the most important launching grounds for companies to introduce their newest, hottest pieces of technology.
This year, IFA kicks off in Messe Berlin this month with press conferences from companies such as Samsung, Sony, Microsoft and other major technology firms ready to unveil the latest developments they have been working on.
Samsung, which is set to hold its Unpacked press conference on Wednesday 8:30 P.M. Eastern time, is expected to be the star of the show, with several product launches ranging from the 5.7-inch Galaxy Note 4 to its latest-generation televisions running on quantum dots instead of the OLED TV screens marketed by Korean rival LG, which will also debut its newest curved OLED TVs at IFA this week. Galaxy Note 4, which features a 2K display, Retina scanner and a UV sensor, is said to be Samsung's answer to Apple's 5.5-inch iPhone 6.
Quite possibly, Samsung could even unveil its Gear VR virtual reality headset that the company was reportedly working on with Oculus VR.
Also to look out for is the curved Gear S (Solo) smartwatch running on Samsung's open-source; Linux-based Tizen platform instead of Google's Android Wear used for the much-anticipated round-faced Moto 360 from Motorola and the LG G Watch, both of which are also expected to make their first public appearance at IFA, along with the LG G3 Stylus smartphone.
Sony will also hold a press conference at 3 P.M. Eastern Time on Wednesday and is expected to introduce a new smartphone, the Xperia Z3, which is said to be more of an evolution than a revolution from its successors. The Z3 will come with a full high-definition screen and the same Snapdragon 801 processor and 20.7-megapixel as the Z2 released only a few months ago. Sony will also possibly unveil its rumored waterproof 8-inch Xperia X3 tablet at IFA on Wednesday.
On Thursday, attendees can expect things to get even more interesting with Microsoft's press conference, with an invite to "join us for more face time," suggesting that the Windows maker is gearing up to introduce its rumored Superman mid-range selfie phone and its code-named Tesla phone with a 20.1-megapixel PureView camera. Attendees will also catch first-dibs product glimpses from other companies, including HTC, Lenovo, Electrolux, Huawei, Alcatel and Monster on Thursday.
Beyond smartphones and smartwatches, IFA will also showcase the latest in smart home appliances. Nest, maker of the smart thermostat that started it all, will be there, with Nest CEO Tony Fadell speaking at the event. With Google, Apple and, recently, Samsung launching new smart home platforms, home owners can expect all sorts of energy-efficient smart appliances showing up at IFA, including smart refrigerators that notify owners when they run out of supplies, toasters, grills, coffee makers and vacuum cleaners.
On Friday, IFA opens its doors to the public. Anyone with $20 to spare can enter each of the 30 giant halls of the convention center to view various exhibits on the latest technology companies have to offer.
Notably absent from the event is Apple, which will hold its own event on Sept. 9, presumably to introduce the iPhone 6 and possibly the rumored iWatch.
