IFA is a massive consumer technology and appliances trade show that takes place annually in Berlin, Germany. The 2024 event commenced in early September and introduced show-goers and those following at home to exciting innovations in all categories, from computing to smart home, wearables and small appliances. Here are a few of the most interesting items we learned of from the show that stand out from the pack thanks to unique features or capabilities.
RingConn Gen 2 Smart Ring
While all eyes have been on the new Apple Watch Series 10 when it comes to wearables, which adds a feature specifically designed to help you detect sleep apnea, Ringconn quietly introduced its new smart ring at IFA 2024 that has a similar feature. The RingConn Gen 2 smart ring uses contact with your skin to measure for metrics like nighttime breathing and respiratory variations that can detect sleep apnea after you have been sleeping for at least three continuous hours. It also offers AI-driven personalized health coaching and can last for up to 12 days per charge, 150 days with the included charging case. Coming in October, it’s an interesting new option in the growing smart ring space with a feature that differentiates it from others. MSRP us US$299.
DJI Neo Palm-Sized Drone
DJI is a leader in the drone space, and the company launched its latest, a palm-sized mini drone, the DJI Neo, that it says is ideal for vloggers and other content creators. It has AI subject tracking so it can follow you while you ride a bike or go for a run. It can record 4K ultra-stabilized video as well as stills and has a runtime of up to 18 minutes per charge. There are several modes, including Dronie modes (flies backwards, ascends, and locks in on subject), Circle (circles around you), Rocket (ascends with the camera pointing down), Spotlight (rotates while subject is kept in frame), Helix (spirals around you), and Boomerang (flies around you in a ovel path, ascends, then descends as it comes back). The DJI Neo can operate without a remote at all or pair it with the DJI Fly app, remote controllers, smartphone, voice, and more. It sells for US$179.
SwitchBot Robot Vacuum K10+ Pro
We’re familiar with cordless upright vacuums and robot vacuums. The SwitchBot K10+ Pro Combo (US$800) combines them both into one machine that can run either way and docks in an auto-emptying base station. It can also be used as a smaller handheld vacuum for furniture, mattresses, even in the car. The base station can hold up to 3 litres of dust and debris, so you only need to empty it every three months or so. It’s an innovative design that combines the best of modern cleaning technology into one machine.
Flic Twist Rotational Device for Matter
Install the Flic Twist controller (US$80) and you can control various Matter smart home devices with it so you don’t have to rely on one of the bigger systems to do so. That might be to turn smart lights up or down or adjust brightness, adjusting volume, rolling automated blinds up or down, and more. It’s a handy little gadget that those with multiple Matter-compatible devices in the home will appreciate. It runs via a Flic Hub that pairs with Flic Twist and Flic Buttons.
UGREEN Uno Magnetic Wireless Power Bank 10,000mAh
Using a previous generation UGREEN magnetic wireless power bank, I love the freedom of not having to bring a charging cord along. This new model in the Uno line offers plenty of improvements, including Qi2 certification, faster 15W charging, and 20W two-way USB-C fast charging for connected wired devices as well. Also built in is a neat metal stand that can function as a kickstand for the phone. Plus, there’s the cute robot face on the front that shows emojis while your device is charging. The Uno line, including this product, is “coming soon.”
Amazfit T-Rex 3 Smartwatch
Amazfit is known for its high-quality yet affordable smartwatches, great alternatives to the bigger brands for those who want to save a few bucks. While the T-Rex line is among the most expensive from the brand, the Amazfit T-Rex 3 is a fitting option for adventurers. It meets military-grade durability standards, includes GPS navigation with access to free offline maps, long battery life, and a large and bright AMOLED display. The best part? You get up to 27 days battery life. Even if you use GPS a lot, you’ll still enjoy about a week of use before you need to recharge. At just US$280 or about $380 in Canada, it’s still not a break-the-bank price, and you get a lot for the investment.
Satechi Passport Cover
How is a passport cover high tech? The Satechi Passport Cover is made of vegan leather and comes with Find My technology built in. It can hold your passport along with up to four other cards, like a driver’s license, room key, health care, and more. It has built-in wireless charging with a five-month battery life, along with Bluetooth 5.2 and RFID protection to keep your personal information secure. With Find My, should the passport become lost or misplaced, you can use the network and Bluetooth connection to find it. You can also ping it to hear an audible alert should it have ended up somewhere in the house. If you head out and leave the passport behind, you’ll also get a notification. It’s a neat option for frequent travelers. At US$60, this is a perfect holiday gift.
Acer Nitro Blaze 7 Gaming Handheld
Handheld gaming devices are popular for playing on the go, and the Acer Nitro Blaze 7 is a cool new option in this space. It comes powered by the AMD Ryzen 8040 Series processor and Windows 11 with up to 2TB storage and 16GB memory. With a Full HD screen, 144Hz refresh rate, AMD Radeon 780M graphics, and AMD FreeSync Premium technology, gamers will love playing on this compact console. Access games through the customized Acer Game Space app and connect via Wi-Fi 6E.
-30-
