September 7th 2024.
I have been a regular attendee at the annual IFA show in Berlin every September for many years now. It's an exciting event where people from all over the world come together to get a sneak peek at the newest generation of gadgets, gizmos, and, most importantly, home appliances.
The event, formerly known as the Internationale Funkausstellung or Berlin Radio Show, is now simply called IFA. While there have been some pretty cool and crazy gadgets showcased over the years, the focus these days is primarily on retailers from all corners of the globe. And let me tell you, some of Australia's biggest retailers, like Harvey Norman, JB HiFi, and The Good Guys, are here to do some serious business and get their hands on the latest home appliances.
If 2023 was the year that AI made its big breakthrough with ChatGPT making headlines, then 2024 is the year it will go mainstream. We can expect every smartphone to come equipped with some form of AI. And here at IFA, I can tell you that the future is looking bright for our household appliances. Your next fridge, washing machine, and TV will all have AI technology on board.
Kicking off the event this year was Samsung, who showcased their latest technologies. And let me tell you, it was a sight to behold. But the real highlight was their use of AI. Not only did they upscale an old film recording of Albert Einstein speaking at IFA in 1930, but they also enhanced the audio using AI technology. It was truly impressive to see how AI could take a low-quality video and make it look fantastic on a large screen. Instead of just stretching the image to fit, AI adds detail and enhances the overall quality. It was one of the best examples of AI upscaling that I have seen.
But it doesn't stop there. The use of AI was evident in all areas of the home on display at the event. From laundry appliances that can detect fabric and program a wash cycle accordingly, to TVs that can enhance the sound and eliminate background noise for a better viewing experience. It's clear that AI is the key to making our homes smarter and more efficient.
LG took a unique approach by not showcasing specific products, but instead, they grouped ideas and products into different zones, demonstrating the many possibilities of AI. They even went as far as labeling it "Affectionate Intelligence" to make the technology feel more personal and human. In one zone, called "Second Youth," LG targeted the elderly with robot ironing boards, robot vacuums, and other smart technology to make their lives easier and prolong their time living at home. It's clear that there is a vast ecosystem of connected products that can now work together seamlessly.
The challenge for companies like Samsung and LG is to make these products accessible through the technology we already use and love, such as our TVs and phones. Samsung is even taking it a step further by allowing their Bixby voice assistant to control smart home devices through their smart fridge.
I had the opportunity to speak exclusively with Samsung's head of Lifestyle products, Mr. Wonki Kim, about their new range of TV products that break the traditional concept of a TV. Their "The Frame" and "Serif" TVs, along with their Freestyle and Premiere projectors, offer consumers a wide range of options. And according to Mr. Kim, there is more to come in the future. He hinted at big plans for next year, saying, "You'll see a lot of new things coming next year."
However, success isn't always immediate for companies like Samsung. Despite being the global leader in TVs, there is fierce competition in the projector space. In Australia, competitors like Hisense have a strong product range, and Wonki Kim acknowledges that there is still much to learn in this market. He feels that Samsung is strong in other categories, but they are still learning about how consumers interact with projectors. As he put it, "The projector category is still new to us, and we are still learning about how people engage with the product."
As I walked through the event, I couldn't help but feel amazed by the extravagant displays and out-of-this-world technology on display. And one product that truly caught my eye was the 163-inch Hisense MicroLED TV. It was enormous, and I immediately wanted one for myself.
I was fortunate to travel to Berlin with support from Samsung and LG. It was an incredible experience, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the world of AI and technology. Make sure to follow us on WhatsApp to stay up to date with all the latest breaking news, celebrity gossip, and sports updates. And the best part? No comments, no algorithm, and your private details will remain private.
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