NEWS EDITORIAL Richard
NEWS EDITORIAL Richard Barnes Editor-In-Chief Berlin Calling In 1930, Albert Einstein gave a speech marking the opening of IFA, in which he hailed the invention of radio as being this “wonderful tool of communication”. At the time, he stated that, “The origin of all technical achievements is the divine curiosity and the play instinct of the working and thinking researcher as well as the constructive fantasy of the technical inventor.” He added that we should “think gratefully of the big number of unknown engineers who simplified the instruments of communication via radio and adapted them to mass production in such a fashion that they have become ready to be used by everybody nowadays.” Given the countless people employed around the globe in R&D positions that have contributed to the amazing advances at this year’s IFA, this statement is possibly truer today than it was 87 years ago! The man who came up with the theory of relativity did get one thing wrong on that day, predicting that radio would “contribute to end the feeling of bilateral strangeness which so easily turns to mistrust and hostility.” Sadly, we know what ensued. Today, radio is just one of the very many media that cover what happens at IFA, relating its revelations and innovations to the entire world. This year, journalists from more than 70 countries came to Berlin to report on the flood of new and innovative products and technology trends shown this year at IFA. IFA’s Global Broadcast Centre played host to broadcasters from all around the world, including news agencies such as AP and Reuters, public broadcasters from the EBU and commercial broadcasters partnering through ENEX. At IFA International, we are happy to have been a resource for the media, and look forward to being of service in the years to come IFA+ Summit The Contentious Side of IoT This year’s IFA+ Summit offered an exclusive platform for global trendsetters and creative visionaries. Among the key topics, five innovators talked about opportunities and risks of IoT – The Internet of Things – in a panel discussion. The speakers pointed out the positive effects of global connectivity as well as its negative side effects. Klaus Schroeder from Design People in Denmark emphasised for example the fact, that specialised doctors can provide their knowledge worldwide via IoT. Frederike Kaltheuner, Policy Officer at Privacy International discussed the lack of transparency concerning the collection of data by the example of a smart metre: “The consumer buys a smart metre, because he wants to control the energy consumption, he does not know, that the product can also monitor his bedtime habits or, if he or she is in a relationship or not.” Products are collecting data without the knowledge of the customer. All speakers see need for action here. “We need to be more transparent”, said Kacy Harding from Philips. Tom Van de Wiele from F-Secure in Denmark claims that the implementation of transparency will include a design challenge for the products. But it´s also a technological issue: “You can buy the fastest car in the world but your breaks have to be as good as the accelerator,” he said. “All companies have to act responsibly, using the right hard-and software to make products safe”, stated Raj Taller Senior Vice President of Qualcomm IFA International is a CLEVERDIS Publication • 65 avenue Jules Cantini - Tour Méditerranée – 13006 Marseille, France • Tel: + 33 442 77 46 00 •Fax: + 33 442 77 46 01 • SARL capitalised at e155,750 • VAT FR 95413604471 • RCS Marseille 413 604 471 • info@cleverdis.com • www.cleverdis.com • info@ifa-international.org • www.ifa-international.org • Publisher: Gérard Lefebvre • Publishing Director: Jean-Guy Bienfait • Managing Director: Jean-François Pieri • Project Manager: Bettina Badon • Editor-in-Chief: Richard Barnes • Editorial Coordination: Pauline Cazanova • Editorial team: Stuart Braun, Neil Crossley, Andy Fry, Simon King, Julian Newby • Photos: Stéphane Lelarge • Art Director: Hélène Beunat • Design & Page Setting: Guillaume Vinrich • Marketing Manager: Nathalie Meissner • With the participation of: Quentin Ankri, Naila Ben Ghorbal, Melina Maniura, Robin Presthus, Wenchao Wang • To contact them : first name.last name@ifa-international.org • Cover: © Cleverdis Registration of Copyright September 2017. Information presented in this publication is purely indicative in order to illustrate subjects contained therein. No guarantee can be given as to the accuracy of data or content at time of printing and thus the latter should not be used for professional or commercial ends. While all efforts have been made as to accuracy and pertinence of content and data contained in this publication, CLEVERDIS may in no case be held responsible for the consequences, whatever their nature may be, that may result from the interpretation of this data or content, or any eventual errors therein. Any reproduction of the content of this publication, even partial, by any means whatsoever, is strictly prohibited without the prior autorisation of the publisher. Any copy, whether by photography, photography film, magnetic tape, disc or other means constitutes a forgery, liable to punishment under French law according to the legislation of 11 th March 1957 covering copyright. All brands cited in this publication are registered trade marks and/or belong to companies which are their respective proprietors. The publishers and editorial staff decline all responsibility as to opinions formulated in this publication by those interviewed or cited therein. Their opinions are entirely their own, and are included with the understanding that they contain, to our knowledge, no malicious intent. The inclusion of all texts, photographs and other documents supplied by those included in this publication imply the acceptance by their authors of their free publication therein. Documents and photographs will not be returned. It should be understood that this publication contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include assumptions relating to the timing of the recorded date. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialises or any of these assumptions proves incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the expectations outlined in these statements. Cleverdis assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements during the period of publication. Photo Credits and Copyright: All Rights Reserved. www.ifa-international.org IFA International • Friday 15 th September 2017 3
