24 minute read
IFA REPORT 2024
IFA celebrates 100th anniversary edition with over 215,000 visitors
-EMILY BENCIC & JAMES WELLS
Over 1,800 exhibitors gathered at the 100th anniversary edition of IFA in Berlin to show cutting-edge innovation in consumer electronics and home appliances to more than 215,000 visitors from 138 countries, up 18% on 2023 numbers.
IFA Berlin 2024 presented itself to visitors with a new look and feel – a rebrand that combined bold and fresh colours with the traditional ‘Funk Otto’ logo.
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Sustainability and Digital Health were among the big themes of IFA 2024. Keynote speakers included Miele Group executive director and co-proprietor, Dr Reinhard Zinkann, who discussed how whitegoods can become part of the circular economy and SharkNinja CEO, Mark Barrocas, who spoke about the innovation engine powering his business.
With halls fully booked, IFA experienced strong growth especially in the Smart Home, Communication & Connectivity, Computing & Gaming, Audio and Photo, Video & Content Creation, and Digital Health sectors. More than 200 start-ups crowded into the innovation hub, IFA NEXT, showcasing a flying car, cognitive robots and AI-powered drones, among other devices.
The feedback from partners, exhibitors, retail industry and visitors was unanimous. IFA 100 was a huge success for them.
IFA 100 also saw the return of the famous Sommergarten, delivering performances from international music legends like Bryan Adams, Faithless and some of Germany’s top hip hop artists. A live recording of Germany’s popular Fest and Flauschig podcasts also saw thousands of fans flock to the Sommergarten.
IFA Berlin Management GmbH CEO, Leif Lindner said, “What a wonderful 100th birthday party for IFA, and what an amazing year for the world’s leading technology trade fair. We are grateful to our industry, trade visitors, the public and the media who came to Berlin and truly made IFA 100 a year and an event to remember. We are satisfied with the huge number of commitments already from our exhibitors to participate at IFA 2025.”
gfu Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH, owner of the IFA brand, managing director, Dr Sara Warneke said IFA 100 exceeded expectations.
“We can see that the changed concept of IFA is working, in no small part due to the fact that young media professionals and content creators in particular were able to inspire their generation for IFA. The feedback from partners, exhibitors, retail industry and visitors was unanimous. IFA 100 was a huge success for them, for their business and for our industry. This year, IFA has proven to be truly the platform for the next 100 years.”
Samsung sets new standard in smart home cooking
Samsung Electronics announced new features and updates for Samsung Food to celebrate the first anniversary of the AI-powered food and recipe platform, which debuted at IFA 2023.
Samsung Food is available on various Samsung devices including and beyond home appliances. Samsung Food+, the premium subscription service, elevates the experience by integrating a health profile and goals, providing personalised meal plans with recipe recommendations.
Samsung is rolling out Vision AI technology for Samsung Food+ to add items to the Food List by taking a photo with a smartphone. Owners of a Samsung Bespoke refrigerator with Family Hub screen (without AI Vision Inside) can now also add items with photos.
Other benefits of the Samsung Food+ subscription service include automatically adding purchased ingredients to the Food List when users check out at the store or online and search for recipes based on the contents of the list. Users can also receive alerts to help them use items before the manually set use-by-date, helping reduce food waste.
Samsung Food+ provides meal plans based on users’ Food List to support sustainable food practice goals by personalising each plan based on the ingredients in Food Lists. With the new ‘Search with Your Food List’ feature, recipes using the ingredients in Food Lists will show on top of search results. Recipe recommendations are also provided based on the list.
Samsung Food now features enhanced tools designed to support users to better maintain their health and reach wellness goals. The platform provides nutrition-focused meal plans that track and monitor calorie intake within daily meal schedules. It offers ‘Tailored for You’ plans, delivering weekly recipe and snack recommendations based on users’ nutritional needs, chosen diets and previous recipe preferences.
Samsung ultra short throw projectors
Samsung Australia previewed The Premiere 9 and Premiere 7 ultra-short throw projectors. Both models offer ultra-short throw capabilities and 4K resolution on screens up to 130-inches. The Premiere 9 features triple laser technology for enhanced colour accuracy and brightness.
The Premiere 9 and Premiere 7 projectors provide colour gamut coverage of 154% and 100% of the DCI-P3 standard, respectively, while both models support HDR10+. With a maximum brightness of 3,450 ISO lumens for The Premiere 9 and 2,500 ISO lumens for The Premiere 7, both projectors deliver sharp and dynamic visuals.
AI picture enhancements include AI Upscaling, which ensures that content is displayed in 4K resolution, and Vision Booster to automatically adjust brightness and contrast in various lighting conditions.
The Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo will see an Optimal Scheduling function added, which delays the start of the appliance to not run during peak energy usage hours.
The built-in speakers with Dolby Atmos provide powerful and immersive audio. The Premiere 9 features 40W 2.2.2 channel up-firing speakers, while The Premiere 7 includes 30W 2.2 channel speakers.
The projectors come with Samsung Tizen OS Home for access to Samsung TV Plus, Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and more. The Samsung Gaming Hub allows users to enjoy games without the need for a console.
Users can share content from their smartphones to the big screen with Tap View and Mirroring, while embedded voice assistant support allows control of the projector and other connected devices with simple voice commands. In addition, Samsung’s SmartThings integration enables users to manage smart home compatible devices.
Samsung future-proofs home appliances
Samsung Australia confirmed new features via Smart Forward, Samsung’s over-the-network updates for home appliances, which will roll out to select devices throughout the second half of 2024. These updates are designed to provide new functionality to existing appliances, future-proofing and delivering enhanced safety and energy savings.
The Smart Forward updates help enhance the user experience and appliance performance. The Family Hub touch screen on the Samsung four-door French Door refrigerator now comes with Quick Share and Fridge Call, to improve connectivity and usability.
Quick Share allows users to send photos to the Family Hub screen directly from their mobile device with just a few clicks. With Fridge Call directly on the Family Hub, using its microphone and speaker, eliminates the need to find a phone.
Quick Remote, an additional feature in which a smartphone becomes a remote control for connected Samsung appliances, is being expanded across refrigerators, with and without a Family Hub screen.
Upgraded Bixby functionality understands commands with multiple intentions and remembers the most recent conversation. Bixby now opens doors for 2024 refrigerators with Family Hub upon verbal request, without the need for wake-up commands like ‘Hi Bixby’. Users can simply say, ‘Open the refrigerator door’.
In terms of safety and energy savings, Samsung is rolling out updates to older models, including refrigerators made in 2021. Users can now choose different chimes for open door notifications and put ice makers in sleep mode.
The Bespoke AI Heat Pump Combo will see an Optimal Scheduling function added, which delays the start of the appliance to not run during peak energy usage hours or periods of high carbon intensity. The 7-inch AI Home is designed to automatically switch to power-save mode during wash cycles.
Bosch unveils new laundry, cooking and floorcare products
On its exhibition stand, themed ‘There is no place #LikeABosch. Welcome Home’, Bosch launched new products including energy efficient Series 6 and Series 8 washing machines that use pre-heated water and are available with microplastic filters; new Series 4 and Series 6 ovens with air fry and steam function; and the Unlimited 10 cordless vacuum cleaner with MicroClean technology.
The new washing machine line-up includes the Bosch WGB244AW0 Series 8 washing machine, which is 50% more energy-efficient than energy efficiency class A, and the Series 6 BiThermic washing machine, which uses pre-heated water to save energy costs during the wash cycle. The new Bosch microplastic filter minimises microplastics during laundry care. It can be connected to any washing machine or washer-dryer and helps reduce microplastics in waste water.
The appliance delivers up to 97% filtration efficiency and the most flexible installation options on the market. The self- cleaning filter can reliably be used for numerous wash cycles before manual cleaning is required.
The new Bosch Series 4 and Series 6 ovens feature air fry heating mode to easily prepare healthier fried foods, and steam function to ensure perfect results for bread, roasts and other dishes.
The new Bosch Unlimited 10 cordless vacuum cleaner features patented MicroClean technology, which removes particles invisible to the human eye. The patented MicroClean nozzle eliminates all types of dust and dirt from any floor type and the MicroClean sensor detects whether a surface is truly clean.
If the MicroClean ring is white then the surface is still dirty and if it is blue, this confirms that the area is perfectly cleaned. New dust compression technology means the dust box needs to be emptied only half as much as usual.
Siemens iQ700 studioLine ovens extend AI capabilities
Siemens announced the iQ700 studioLine ovens have doubled their AI capabilities, reflecting further progress with dish recognition technology utilising AI and built-in camera with 80 dishes now automatically recognised – twice the number announced earlier this year at Eurocucina in Milan.
The iQ700 studioLine oven with dish recognition has doubled its application range – it now recognises 80 dishes and use cases and sets the optimal preparation method.
“As a leading brand in the field of kitchen AI, Siemens continues to make progress. The iQ700 studioLine oven with dish recognition has doubled its application range – it now recognises 80 dishes and use cases and sets the optimal preparation method. Place the dish in the oven, close the door and off you go – operating an oven can be that simple,” the company said.
“100 years ago, the first IFA opened and almost simultaneously, Siemens launched the first electric kitchen. At that time, the introduction of electricity mainly took over physical labour and thus revolutionised the way households were run. Today a similar turning point is imminent – intelligent technologies and AI increasingly ensure that you no longer need to know and master a lot to cook well, look neat or contribute to climate and environmental protection.”
Electrolux introduces smart laundry line-up
Electrolux delivered its latest range of smart laundry appliances, aimed at making clothes last longer, while reducing use of resources.
Thanks to smart pre-mixing technology, UltraQuick claims to deliver the market’s best stain removal results, proven to remove more than 50 common household stains, all at 30°C in less than an hour. The UltraQuick program is optimised for daily mixed loads of cottons and synthetics and can save up to 30% of energy.
The Series 700 to 900 tumble dryers are the first tumble dryers to be recognised with Wool Care Green, the highest accolade by The Woolmark Company, the global authority on wool.
DynamicDisplay is Electrolux’s most advanced display to date, allowing for easy navigation and personalised guidance. Favourite cycles can be quickly accessed by customising settings or via the Electrolux app, with on-screen tips provided.
New SmartSelect guides consumers to save time, energy and water. It adjusts washing based on soil level. When a cycle is selected by the user, SmartSelect, adjusts program length and temperature as a guide to save up to 80% of energy, 50% of time and 20% of water.
SmartSelect is also available on 700 to 900 Series tumble dryers, which also automatically adjusts cycle length for minimum energy consumption.
JURA debuts two new fully automatic coffee machines
JURA presented the latest additions to its fully automatic coffee machine range with a new premium flagship and more affordable ‘premium economy’ model.
The new J10 is the first machine that can make every combination of coffee specialties possible from a JURA with 42 specialties to choose from. Together with the latest state-of-the-art technology, it’s now possible to make hot and cold brew specialities with Sweet Foam. Other key features include the Professional Aroma Grinder (P.A.G.2+ ) grinder, Coffee Eye cup sensor, intuitive operating screen and one-touch milk system cleaning.
The new C8 sees JURA expand into the ‘premium economy’ segment with a compact machine that provides maximum performance at a more affordable price point. Adopting a minimalist approach, the C8 creates classic specialties including coffee, espresso, cappuccino and latte macchiato.
Equipped with the Professional Aroma Grinder (P.A.G.), it guarantees maximum flavour with the ability to adjust the amount of coffee and milk, as well as coffee intensity. The easy control panel and buttons ensure simple and intuitive operation. Together with Wi-Fi Connect and the J.O.E. app, the C8 can be operated via smartphone or tablet.
Hisense flexes muscle in large screen displays and new smart home appliances
Hisense debuted its latest large screen displays including the Hisense Laser Cinema PX3, the first ‘Designed for Xbox’ Ultra Short Throw Projector. It features a customisable 4K display, with 80-inch to 150-inch projection size, certified for Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced. A refresh rate of up to HSR240 is coupled with advanced features including MEMC technology and Auto-Low Latency mode.
Hisense also showcased the Xbox certified 4K Laser Smart Mini Projector C2 Ultra, which delivers a versatile projection experience, spanning from 65-inches to 300-inches, with the latter supporting split-screen gaming. The C2 Ultra features Auto Low Latency mode and MEMC technology with a refresh rate of up to 240fps.
Hisense also introduced the ULED X Mini LED 110-inch UX featuring Mini LED X technology, delivering over 40,000 local dimming zones and a peak brightness of up to 10,000 nits. Hisense’s proprietary Hi-View Engine X AI chipset is complemented by a Dynamic X-Display that delivers clear image quality at any angle and in any light conditions.
A new addition to the Hisense TV line-up is the 65-inch Canvas TV (S7N) which blends art and technology. Art Mode transforms the TV into a personal art gallery using hundreds of free artworks, with an anti-glare Hi-Matte Display and sleek wall mount giving the impression of a textured canvas-like screen.
Hisense also presented its latest smart home appliances including the Hisense PureFlat Smart Series Refrigerator, equipped with a 21-inch TFT touchscreen and AI Recipe feature, which leverages food inventory tracking to suggest personalised recipes based on available ingredients and expiration dates. Other key features include a dual-tech cooling system, My Fresh Choice compartment and an on-door ice and water dispenser, as well as compatibility with the ConnectLife app.
The Hisense Hi8 Series Oven delivers air frying functionality, fast pre-heating, and pizza mode. The VisonPlus Screen provides a user-friendly interface for accessing programs and settings.
Cleaning is made simple with Steam Clean Pro, Pyrolytic Self Clean, and Removable Door&Glass. The more premium Hisense Hi 9 Series Oven offers AI-powered InCamera technology for intelligent baking, auto door opening and auto lock. Its larger TFT screen makes it easy to explore over 140 pre-programmed recipes and cooking settings.
For the laundry, the Hisense Series 7i washing machines incorporate an iPlay Intelligent Display interface and iJet threechannel spray system to ensure a thorough wash. AI Super Wash intelligently adjusts washing parameters based on load weight, material type, water level, hardness, and turbidity, while the AI Super Dry program in the Series 7i tumble dryer delivers precise drying with 3D humidity sensor.
Tempo previews Sharp microwave oven drawer
Tempo showcased a new Sharp microwave oven drawer as it looks to expand into other cooking adjacencies.
“In the coming years, we are looking to continue to grow the microwave category through new product innovation, new models and refreshing models. Our recent five in one convection with air fry microwave models have been very successful in the market with great feedback from our retail partners and customers in terms of product performance, as well as features and functionality,” Sharp product and marketing manager, Matt Pearce told Appliance Retailer
“In the coming year, we are looking to solidify and build on these strengths, but now we are looking to leverage that into other cooking products. The Sharp microwave oven drawer has been launched in the US market with great success and we are looking to bring it to the Australian market around July 2025. We are currently in discussions with our retail partners around the launch opportunity for this product.
“This 33L microwave oven drawer with flatbed and a black glass design allows consumers to open up their kitchen design. It enables our retail partners to offer consumers something different in their stores. We believe we are building on the heritage of the cooking category and leveraging that into a product with a unique selling proposition. We will also look at other colours, as well as convection technology at a later time.”
TCL delivers premium TVs and new range of home appliance innovations
The new TCL X11 Premium QD-Mini LED TV represents the brand’s most premium TV series to date, offering the pinnacle of picture quality with more than 14,000 local dimming zones and 6,500 nits of brightness.
The TCL NXTFRAME TV (A300W) is set to redefine digital art and entertainment in the home with a canvas screen, magnetic frame and wall mount in the box. The A300W Pro version also comes with 3.1.2 channel ultra-slim wireless soundbar with Bang & Olufsen sound. The NXTFRAME TV will be available in sizes ranging from 55-inch to 85-inch in the Australian market.
TCL also unveiled a range of home appliances including the Free Built-in Refrigerator offering a seamless design that fits perfectly into kitchen cavities with only a 4mm gap required. Available in a variety of finishes and configurations, the Free Built-In Series also features a T-Fresh system designed for increased sterilisation and Humidity Slider crisper to keep produce fresher for longer.
The P68 Washer and Dryer Pair with a stackable design is perfect for compact spaces and includes an eco heat pump, digital inverter motor and advanced anti-wrinkle technology. The TCL P7 SuperDrum Laundry Care Series has an extralarge capacity of 12kg with an ultra-thin drum which ensures efficient use of space and reduced depth.
The FreshIN 3.0 fresh air conditioner features healthfocused QuadruPuri Filters, an AI energy-saving algorithm, gentle breeze mode and voice control. The TCL BreezeIN 2.0 air conditioner leads the industry with its energy-efficient AI big data model.
Miele launches world-first W2 Nova washing machine without internal drum ribs
Miele introduced new top of the line washing machines, including the W2 Nova washing machine – the first in the world without internal drum ribs – and T2 Nova tumble dryer.
The machines feature a new design, shorter program times, as well as innovations such as MotionReact where the machine switches on automatically as someone approaches and a reconfigured door that is 25% larger in diameter and opens easily with the ComfortOpen feature.
The highlight of the W2 Nova washing machine is the new InfinityCare honeycomb drum, making it the first product built without ribs inside the drum. After years of development, Miele has invested in the intellectual property of the innovation and protected it with numerous patents.
“Drum ribs are a standard feature of every washing machine on the market worldwide. The main purpose of the drum ribs is to ensure that the laundry is carried along as the drum rotates rather than simply sitting on the bottom of the drum. But that puts additional mechanical strain on the fabric which increases the wear and tear of clothes,” Miele co-proprietor, Dr Markus Miele explained.
“In 2001, we revolutionised laundry care with the honeycomb drum, and today we are taking it to the next level and making washing clothes even more gentle. Developed with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the drum rhythm adjusts automatically and efficiently turns the laundry through a gentle pendulum motion.”
Other benefits of the new W2 washing machine are a newly redesigned front fascia with ‘Black Effect’ glass, MTouch clean design language and AmbientLight lighting. New load detection software called FlexLoad assists with saving water and electricity.
The T2 Nova Edition tumble dryer features a new program for woollen garments – and can dry up to 4kg of laundry in just 49 minutes with the QuickPowerDry feature that uses an additional ceramic heater to reduce the heating-up phase by up to 50%.
“Our new tumble dryer is another example of gentle care. In 1997, Miele became the first washing machine manufacturer to offer a program for wool, as until then wool could only be washed by hand. With the T2 Nova edition, we take another step forward with our new Wool Dry program with increased drum speed and particularly gentle drying process where the wool textiles lie close to the drum wall instead of being subjected to additional mechanical strain,” Dr Markus Miele said.
Midea showcases future product roadmap
Midea Australia and New Zealand head of sales, Adam Hobson shared details about the company’s local product pipeline across refrigeration, laundry and dishwasher categories for 2025.
We are excited to showcase the Slot-Built-In refrigerator with adjustable height and interchangeable door panels.
“In refrigeration, Midea’s focus will be on energy efficiency, as well as offering different platforms from built-in and side by side to multi-door and French Door configurations, not forgetting top and bottom mount options,” he told Appliance Retailer.
“We anticipate launching an 8-star side by side model in Q1 2025 and based on its specifications and dimensions, we feel that it’s perfectly placed for the Australian market. In line with trending expectations, a real drawcard for the end consumer will be the option of a stainless steel or graphite finish.”
Built-in refrigeration will also represent a significant focus as this segment enjoys positive momentum in the market. “We are excited to showcase the Slot-Built-In refrigerator with adjustable height and interchangeable door panels, allowing users to customise the product to naturally blend in with home décor,” Hobson said.
The Midea laundry strategy will focus on a ‘good, better, best’ tiered approach and an important aspect of the range is that every washer has a matching heat pump dryer.
“For example, our 8kg, 9kg and 10kg front load washing machines will have a single ‘family’ matched heat pump dryer. With a new flat look design, available in different colour options of white or graphite, all products can be stacked using a simple accessory. The hero products will feature a completely different user interface, include Wi-Fi connection, auto dosing, touch screen display and dial, as well as an extra-large porthole with fully reversible doors that can be easily swapped using a Philips-head screwdriver.”
In dishwashers, Midea will look to introduce up to six models with freestanding, built-under and integrated options. One model will incorporate a comfort lift feature in the bottom basket for easier loading and unloading. “A real standout will be the new Ultra Realistic touch screen offering luxurious style with radiant colours, vivid icons, and effortless control.”
LG Electronics demonstrates ‘Affectionate Intelligence’ connected vision
LG Electronics presented its vision for future living, showcasing a range of AI home solutions under the theme of ‘Experience, Affectionate Intelligence (AI) Home’.
Central to the Affectionate Intelligence Home is LG ThinQ ON, an advanced AI home hub that seamlessly integrates with LG AI appliances and learns user routines, preferences and behaviours over time.
Reflecting the company’s commitment to enhancing the lives of the elderly by easing household chores and enriching leisure activities, the ‘Second Youth Home’ space on the LG IFA booth highlighted conversational voice recognition and seamless coordination of home appliances, powered by ThinQ ON, which can provide voice briefings and offer guidance for tasks.
In the ‘Affectionate Home’ zone, the focus was on AI solutions to help families care for children and pets. The SelfDriving AI Home Hub, capable of controlling AI appliances and IoT sensors, adjusts device settings and environmental conditions to meet children’s needs. For example, activate Sleep Mode at bedtime or use generative AI to create stories from children’s drawings.
For pet care, the LG AI Home Solution manages connected appliances and devices to maintain fresh air and clean floors. Air-quality sensors intelligently control the LG Alpha Pet Double air purifier, while temperature and humidity sensors manage the DualCool air conditioner. The robot vacuum autonomously cleans the floor after pets leave. In the ‘Delightful Home’ zone, ThinQ ON took centre stage in creating a culinary experience with live cooking demonstrations and dishes prepared by LG AI ovens with built-in cameras.
The ‘Smart Green Home’ self-sustaining abode featured the Therma V R290 Monobloc air-to-water heat pump and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. LG AI optimises household energy usage in real time, adjusting device settings and schedules according to user lifestyles and routines. ThinQ ON intelligently manages the power consumption of connected devices. The ‘AI to the Core’ zone highlights the innovation of the company’s AI Core-Tech, including the AI DD and the AI Dual Inverter.
