The IFA technology show began in Berlin yesterday, with some of the world’s biggest tech companies expected to show off new smartphones and wearables for the first time.
The likes of Sony, Samsung and Microsoft are all expected to either announce or present new devices to the world, and there are also new smartwatches expected from LG and Motorola.
Will Findlater, editor-in-chief of UK-based Stuff Magazine is anticipating a hardware-heavy event. He said: “This IFA is shaping up to be a smartphone bonanza.
“Samsung’s dropped heavy hints about the Galaxy Note 4, the latest iteration of its super-sized, stylus-equipped phablet, which is likely to offer the most impressive screen we’ve seen on a pocket device so far - and might even come in a curved variant.
“Microsoft’s first non-Nokia-branded Windows Phone is also expected, and rumours suggest Sony will be releasing an updated version of its flagship Z2 smartphone.”
Korean smartphone maker Samsung has announced the three previous generations of its Galaxy Note smartphone at IFA, and the fourth is expected to debut this time.
The device falls into the ‘phablet’ category, with the screen on the new Note rumoured to be 5.9 inches, meaning it is somewhere in between a smartphone and a tablet in terms of size.
Samsung are looking to bounce back from disappointing financial results in the first half of 2014, when the company reported a 25 per cent fall in operating profit, and warned investors that the rest of the year “remains a challenge” as competition in the smartphone arena intensifies.
The launch of new devices by rivals at IFA highlights that, as does the impending launch of Apple’s iPhone 6, which is due to be announced in California next week.
The technology giant is also expected to offer consumers their first hands-on with the new Galaxy Alpha smartphone – which has already been earmarked a new direct competitor for the iPhone. The 4.7-inch screen and premium metal design puts it toe-to-toe with Apple’s flagship smartphone.
IFA runs until Wednesday in Berlin.