NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY
NEWS BROUGHT TO YOU BY EDITORIAL Richard Barnes Editor-In-Chief WHAT’S NEXT? It’s a showcase to the future. The heart of what IFA is all about: IFA NEXT was conceived two years ago as a way to project the future, through start-ups, research projects and conference sessions, all in one place. As with everything else at IFA, the concept has grown and evolved quickly to become an unavoidable concentration of forward thought that will be the basis of a countless number of roadmaps for the future. So, it makes sense to get back to the heart of where much of the world’s innovation has come from in the past decades: Japan – as the first Global Innovation Partner of IFA NEXT. The Japan Pavilion’s maxim is “Interface with Consideration and Sensibility”, where examples of new human-machine interface developed in line with inherent Japanese traits, in a society where cyberspace and physical space are highly integrated, are being demonstrated. Whether it’s Artificial intelligence, IoT, big data, or robotics - the world ahead will achieve advanced convergence between cyberspace and physical space, giving rise to the demand for human-machine interfaces. The Japan Pavilion presents new user interfaces developed by various innovators from major corporations to start-ups. These user interfaces embody high reliability and Japan’s unique sensibility to create natural comfort. Interfaces that augment a variety of human actions and create new value – as IFA NEXT’s first partner county, Japan invites you to experience tomorrow’s user interfaces created by Japanese tech culture. For many, it won’t be the first time that Japan takes us “Back to the Future” … but what a future it will be! Artificial Intelligence, voice and 5G connectivity are the three big trends shaping consumer electronics and home appliances at IFA 2019. With all exhibition space fully booked, IFA is hosting 1,939 manufacturers and brands across 163,900 sq m. “During the six days ahead, our exhibitors, trade visitors, the media and the general public will see more innovation and new products than ever before,” said Hans-Joachim Kamp, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of gfu Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH, the organiser of IFA, at the event’s opening press conference. Dr Reinhard Zinkann, Chairman of ZVEI, the German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, says key themes this year are performance, simplification, premium and sustainability. While announcing that market conditions had become more challenging, Dr Zinkann stated, “As Winston Churchill once said, ‘A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity. An optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty’, and surely we are among the optimists.” Dr Christian Göke CEO, Messe Berlin at the IFA 2019 opening press conference IFA POWERS-UP WITH AI, VOICE AND 5G CONNECTIVITY He went on to say, “Despite business challenges, the household appliance industry is doing quite well, which makes us optimistic for the future. IFA, as the most important meeting and marketplace for the home appliances industry, will help to give us an extra boost.” Dr Christian Göke, CEO Messe Berlin, welcomed all to this year’s IFA, stating, “What you see here in Berlin is the cutting edge of technology, and ready for consumers ahead of the most important shopping season – from Black Friday and Singles Day to Cyber Monday and Christmas.” After outlining the importance of keeping trade barriers low, Dr Göke announced: “This year’s keynote on Friday at 10:30am could be our most anticipated keynote yet, with Richard Yu, the chief executive of Huawei consumer business group. Here is my promise: You will hear a great news story.” Doubtless it will be only one of many enthralling tales to tell about what is set to be a great show. 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