CONSUMER LIFESTYLE SNEAK
CONSUMER LIFESTYLE SNEAK PEEK PANASONIC CHARTS THE FUTURE OF TV Panasonic revealed a working “Concept” transparent OLED screen at the recent IFA innovations media briefing – turning many heads… Hall 5.2 Stand 101 During his power briefing at the Innovations Media Briefing, Mike Bolatzky, manager at the Panasonic Institute, gave insights into the status quo, innovations, and forecast of the company’s focus on the future of TV. According to our findings, 95% of those surveyed in Germany said that they watch TV at least once a week. Further statistics indicate a clear downward incline in cinema visits, whereas TV sales shot up 47% between 2017 and 2018. Current market trends are large screen, OLED technology, improved image and sound quality through technologies like HDR 10, Dolby Vision, and HLG Broadcast. 12.35 million smart TVs in Germany are connected to the internet. Pa n a s o n i c h a s s e v e ra l innovations in 2019. Requiring access only to a home WiFi network and electricity, TV>IP offers a server and client function so that users can watch media on a smart TV, which can then be transmitted to a non-smart TV, allowing users to live flexibly and save costs on purchasing two separate smart TVs. Another new product forecast for 2019 is the HbbTV Operator App. It is standardised, meaning that one application can be used on many devices regardless of manufacturer or model, conforming to industry guideline and avoiding several different user interfaces. It combines a linear broadcast with non-linear IP content. In a demonstration, HD+ was shown to encrypt private broadcasts (i.e. integrate them into linear broadcasting). Its features include a virtual TV guide allowing the viewer to go seven days back, browsing a media selection of a channel different to the one currently being viewed, with everything in one place. Users also have the opportunity to search by genre, i.e. “music” will display all music-themed TV shows across all channels, and create a userdefined list of channels in the sidebar. In future developments, Panasonic is continuing the trend of making the TV a central object in a smart home, while also simultaneously allowing it to blend in. Mr Bolatzky spoke of its “discreet integration” into the decor, with pale wooden frames surrounding an aesthetically pleasing iridescent screen when not in use New Jura coffee maker at the recent Innovations Media Briefing JURA PLACES YOUR FAVOURITE COFFEE “AT YOUR FINGERTIPS” The Swiss coffee making specialist JURA presented their latest high-tech machines at the Innovations Media Briefing. “The ENA 8 utilises AI to the fullest and will also allow you to order via our J.O.E. App (JURA Operating Experience) and Siri. Not only does it enable you to order your favourite coffee – and ENA offers over 12 different types of coffee - but it also instructs you in how best to care for this nifty, compact device”, explains Wiebke Reineke, Sales Director, JURA Germany. At the Innovations Media Briefing, the Swiss coffee and gourmet specialist announced ENA 8, the latest version of their single-cup, fully automatic coffee machine. Two models were presented: The Full Metropolitan Black and Solid Aluminium. Both models combine impressive design with sophisticated technology and now come with a touch screen. They also now offer a choice of 12 coffee types. “Those of us who are espresso connoisseurs know that the espresso cup needs to be heated before the coffee comes in,” says Reineke. A 2.8-inch TFT touch screen, combined with Artificial Intelligence and the JURA App J.O.E. are combined to make creating a coffee even easier. ENA 8 features a Rondell view on the display. Coffee connoisseurs can now look forward to a perfect Coffee Barista or the new Cortado. The latter is an espresso mixed with just a touch of warm milk. Further to this, a specially developed algorithm ensures that the ENA 8 can independently recognize the individual preferences of each coffee lover and adapt the start screen accordingly. The single-cup automatic machine uses an AromaG3 grinder and the pulse extraction process (P.E.P.) and an automatic filter type detection (I.W.S.) indicates whether the ENA 8 is being used and adjusts the corresponding settings automatically. Reineke says, “It is all about ordering and creating your coffee in the most comfortable way possible” Hall 2.1 Stand 202 36
REGION SPOTLIGHT ON TAIWAN TAIWAN PUSHES ITS IOT CAPABILITIES Mark Wu, executive director of the strategic marketing department at the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) highlights the state’s role in IoT. With the rise of AI and IoT, Taiwan is now shifting from hightech manufacturing to an innovation-driven economy. We asked Wu, how consumer electronics, telco and home appliance manufacturing industries evolving in Taiwan today. TAIWAN IS NOW SHIFTING TO AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS DRIVEN ECONOMY Mark Wu Executive Director of the Strategic Marketing Department, Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) Taiwanese companies aim to integrate their experience of developing and manufacturing consumer electronics with highlight trends, such as AI, IoT, Big Data, VR, etc. Taiwan is now shifting from high tech manufacturing to an innovative solutions driven economy. Therefore, Taiwanese companies have committed to strengthening their competence in the integration of devices, networking and systems for AI, Big Data and edge computing in order to grasp the business opportunities in smart living, robotics, healthcare and home appliances. This will be the key to enhancing service capabilities, application and offerings in the market of consumer electronics. Are there any new and interesting companies from Taiwan attending IFA this year? This year, in addition to leading ICT companies, such as Acer, Asus and Adata, there are also lots of companies from Taiwan that will showcase innovative ideas for smart living and products developed based on technology of AI, IoT, VR, and so on. For example, New Kinpo Group will showcase its consumer electronics brand, HiMirror, which is producing the world’s first smart mirror. HiMirror’s smart beauty device combines skin analysis, fitness management and digital make-up try-on through AR technology. In addition, the world’s first adjustable electric wine aerator from Mercuries Asia will be showcased at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion. The patented Adjustable Air Intake Mechanism lets consumers mix their red wine with different volumes of air to arrive at the desired aerated texture and flavour. What product categories are the “sweet spots” at the moment? Smart appliances are becoming necessary for everyone to access and control things at home. The majority of smart appliances are powered by the internet of things (IoT), and AI pushes the IoT revolution. AI is now a mainstay in consumer tech by being integrated into every piece of IoT technology and changing the way companies do business. With the development of voice and facial recognition, applications between AI and robots, and increasing availability of connected appliances, the future of the smart home market and personal service robot looks promising. You have been attending IFA for some time. Please tell us about your relationship with IFA and why this show is important for your members. Germany is Taiwan’s 7th trade partner and ICT products represent the highest percentage in Taiwanese global exportation. IFA, as the biggest tech trade show, is the main meeting place for key buyers and experts from the industry and the media. In addition, IFA is the perfect platform to communicate with consumers and introduce new ideas into the European market. Attending IFA is always a good opportunity for Taiwan Excellence to introduce excellent Taiwanese companies and brands and also to enhance Taiwan’s image Hall 25 Stand 415 www.ifa-international.org IFA International • Monday 2 September 2019 37
