IFA, or the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin, is one of the biggest consumer electronics shows of the year — like CES in January, and in Berlin instead of Las Vegas. This year’s IFA showcase finally commenced, with some of the biggest electronics manufacturers — Samsung, Sony, LG and Fitbit — announcing exciting products for this fall. These are the best gadgets that came out of IFA 2017 — wearables, smartphones, wireless speakers, computers and more.
Logitech Craft Advanced Keyboard
Logitech’s latest wireless keyboard is a master of productivity. It features a creative dial, called the “crown,” that lets you perform simple tasks in various apps — notably, the usual suspects from Adobe’s and Microsoft’s respective creative and office suites — without lifting a hand off the keyboard. It’s compatible with both Mac and PC and will be available in October.
LG V30
LG’s newest flagship smartphone is a stunner. With its OLED display, curved edges and an impressive dual-camera system, it bears more resemblance to a Samsung Galaxy S8 than to its predecessor, the LG V20. It also has built-in hi-fi quad DAC, so music should sound phenomenal on the V30.
Samsung Gear Sport
The Gear Sport smartwatch combines the look and functionality of last year’s rugged Gear S3 with the premium fitness-tracking capabilities of last year’s Gear Fit2 (meaning, among other things, that you can now swim with it). In many ways, the Gear Sport is Samsung’s latest attempt to compete with the Apple Watch.
Marshall’s First Wireless Multi-Room Speakers
Marshall announced three wireless multi-room speakers: the Acton ($350), the Stanmore ($450) and the Woburn ($600). All share an aesthetic based on Marshall’s classic amps; the main difference between each is size and power. Each speaker has a multitude of built-in connectivity options, including Chromecast, Spotify Connect, AirPlay, RCA, aux and Bluetooth.
Sony LF-S50G Smart Speaker
Sony’s first smart speaker looks a lot like Apple’s December-bound HomePod, and it promises to work similarly as well; instead of Siri, however, the speaker works with Google Assistant. The LF-S50G boasts a few unique features, including a splash-proof body and a built-in clock; you can also control music playback with hand gestures.
Fitbit Ionic
This is Fitbit’s first true smartwatch because, unlike like last year’s Fitbit Blaze, the Ionic supports third-party apps and mobile payments. It can track your sleep and monitor your blood-oxygen levels. It also has enough internal storage to hold 300+ songs.
Beoplay E8
These are B&O Play’s first truly wireless earbuds. True, at $300 they are much more expensive than Apple’s AirPods, but the E8 is designed specifically for audiophile: According to B&O Play, each pair is made with premium materials and superior drivers; they also work with a companion app that lets you toggle with the EQ.
Lenovo Yoga 920
The Yoga 920 is the most exciting 2-in-1 laptop to come out of IFA this year. It has a beautiful 13.9-inch display that supports 4K. Additionally, it has a powerful processor and two Thunderbolt 3 ports. It sports Dolby Atmos audio, as well, for a more immersive sound experience.
