IFA 2023, Europe’s colossal annual tech event that turned 99 this year, has wrapped up and (believe us) it was no less than an ocean of tech wonders. Our mission? To uncover the coolest, quirkiest, and most drool-worthy gadgets for you. We've scoured (this ocean) to bring you the absolute best, the tech world's crème de la crème. Read on.
Top 8 IFA 2023 announcements
Gadgets Galore!
1) LG StanbyME Go
LG has launched something that looks like a giant tablet-TV combo in a suitcase. This contraption sports a 27in 1080p touchscreen display, complete with Dolby Vision and HDR support. You can tilt and rotate the screen for content consumption or lay it flat for two-player touch-control gaming. It boasts four built-in Dolby Atmos speakers, plus, the battery keeps you going for a solid three hours of cord-free entertainment. When it's all packed up, the case looks surprisingly sleek and keeps your precious screen safe on the go. Read more about it here.
2) JBL Authentics 500
For those well-versed in the world of Hi-Fi, JBL's Authentics 500 speaker is a nostalgic nod to the iconic JBL L100 with its distinctive Quadrex grille. The good part is that it won't break the bank or your back like its hefty ancestor. This 500 series flagship boasts a punchy 270W of power wrapped in a seductively curvy shell. Plus, you're in for a treat with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth streaming options, ensuring easy access to your beloved tunes. It's also equipped with Dolby Atmos putting its three 1-inch tweeters and three 2.75-inch midrange woofers to work for an audio experience that's as delightful for your ears as it is for your eyes.
3) SwitchBot S10 Ultra
Imagine the distant past – First, came a primitive broom fashioned from some leaves on a stick. Then came the regular broom. Electricity made us lazier with vacuums, which eventually paved the way for our beloved robot vacuum and mop duos. But now, Switchbot's S10 Ultra is taking convenience to a whole new level. Sure, it's an advanced robot vacuum and floor mopper, complete with the fancy navigation sensors you'd expect. But what sets it apart is its genius addition — a retrofitted water station. This contraption hooks up to your mains water supply, eliminating the hassle of manually filling and emptying clean and dirty water tanks. So, go ahead, stay lazy.
4) Philips Hue Secure system
If you have a Philips Hue setup and are tired of juggling different smart cameras and apps for your home security, here's some great news — Philips has introduced its Hue Security range to ensure your home remains authentically hues (get it?). The star of this lineup is the Philips Hue Secure camera, available in both battery and wired versions. Whether you want to place it indoors or brave the outdoor elements, it's up to the task. Additionally, there's a floodlight model, and you can even greet intruders with Hue light effects of your choice. To top it off, a new Security Center within the Hue app lets you review recordings, set up zones, and monitor your space (depending on your subscription level).
5) Fairphone 5
The modular Fairphone 5 takes a stand as the most repairable phone ever created by the company, boasting 10 replaceable parts. Among these are the 6.46ih 90Hz OLED screen, a 4200mAh battery, and both the 50MP primary and 50MP ultrawide camera sensors. While its mid-range specifications include an octa-core Qualcomm processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of expandable storage, what really sets it apart is the promise of at least five Android OS upgrades, with support guaranteed until 2031 at the earliest. It may not compete for the title of the most spec-packed phone of the year, but its repairability and ethical sourcing of materials make it deserve a spot on our list.
Honor Magic V2
Honor's Magic V2 boasts dimensions that closely resemble those of a regular smartphone. With a thickness of 9.9mm when folded and 4.8mm when unfolded, it's pretty thin. Furthermore, it's lightweight and packed with powerful internals, ensuring that its 7.92in unfolded screen truly shines. Combined with a decent camera setup, this device ranks among the sleekest foldable phones available.
Lenovo Legion Go
Lenovo's Legion Go handheld has entered the ring as a compelling contender for your gaming attention, throwing a wrench into the decision-making process alongside Valve's Steam Deck and Asus' ROG Ally. What sets it apart is its pixel-packed 1600p resolution screen with 144Hz refresh rate. It's a gaming handheld, capable of scaling down to 800p and 60Hz to conserve battery life, and if you find yourself running low, it can juice up to 70% in a mere 30 minutes, thanks to the 65W charger. With a built-in kickstand and Joy-Con controllers reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch, it promises an exciting gaming experience. Plus, it can be connected to a larger display or Lenovo's recently unveiled Legion Go glasses for the ultimate gaming adventure. Read more about it here.
Garmin Venu 3
Garmin's latest addition to the Venu series stands out in the crowded wearable market with a couple of new features. Firstly, it can now detect and track naps, recognising the importance of sleep. Secondly, it introduces a wheelchair mode, replacing step tracking with push counts and offering movement and weight shift reminders. This mode also includes specialised workouts and sports apps, powered by tailored algorithms. Initially, this feature will be exclusive to the Venu 3 and its 3S variant, with plans to expand to other models after testing and feedback.