New Technology

Last week the doors opened for the 51st IFA, the world’s largest technology and home appliance show.

The IFA, now an annual event, is usually the platform from which the major technology companies show-off and launch their latest line of products, and thousands of people from the industry flocked to Berlin to see what the next step in technological advancement would be.

Some gadgets have caused more of a stir than others, and the developments in certain fields have come to the fore after this year’s IFA fair. Perhaps predictably, there were a lot of gadgets that may be considered by some as a challenge to the current leaders in certain groups.

In the e-book market, Sony launched their latest challenger to the field dominated by Amazon’s Kindle, with the new and improved Sony Reader Wi-Fi PRS-T1. It is an enhanced design of a previous model that failed to properly challenge the competition as it didn’t have a wi-fi connection, forcing any user to be attached to a computer to use it (as well as a larger price tag).

However, Sony’s new and improved model has apparently made the necessary changes for it to become one of the leading e-book makers. The technology has been simplified, and with the inclusion of a touch-screen, something the Kindle is yet to possess, the Sony Reader may appeal to some.

Sony also premiered their latest android-powered Walkman device, and although not yet a fully completed project, they were able to show it off with some confidence. Pricing and availability are yet to be announced, but its links with the android market are certain to arouse some attention from potential purchasers.

In the tablet world, Toshiba launched their version of what is becoming a more and more popular phenomenon. They have also claimed that their model is the lightest and thinnest of all competitive models with a similar screen size, something that will appeal to those keen on potentially purchasing a tablet device.

Samsung have also launched their latest product that is said to fall between a mobile phone and a tablet, called the Samsung Galaxy Note. Samsung have already released a tablet model as well as its vast range of mobile phones, but they feel that their latest model transcends the restrictions of both mobile phone and tablet forms, being small enough to carry around easily but allowing for the same technology and benefits of a tablet.

Panasonic have shown off prototypes of a new range of digital camera that also has a video recording facility. It is thought that the camera will be amongst the first to use newly developed 3D technology, however beyond this there is little technological differences or surprises compared to past models.

Further details of the IFA can be found here, and further details and reviews of the products featured and more products showcased can be found here.