This year’s IFA in Berlin, Europe’s biggest and one of the most prestigious tech shows, has probably been the most exciting yet with a superb range of hot new phones, smart watches, tablets, TV’s and laptops being showcased by the likes of Sony, Panasonic, Samsung and others.
We take a look back at some of the hottest releases to come out of IFA 2013.
Wednesday saw the unpacking of the fantastic Samsung Galaxy Note 3. Other introductions included Sony’s long awaited new flagship phone the Xperia Z1, a stunning high-end waterproof smart phone as well as LG’s new 8.3 G Pad tablet, an altogether well rounded device.
Here’s a round-up of 5 favourites
Samsung Galaxy Note 3
Packed with features the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 incorporates innovative handwriting recognition with the optimised S Pen and enhanced multitasking capabilities allowing users to fully utilise the impressive 5.7 inch Full HD super AMOLED display screen.
With a textured-touch back cover and delicate stitching the Note 3 offers an entirely new premium look and feel compared to previous models in Samsung’s Galaxy Note range. Running on the latest version of the Android Jelly Bean (v4.3) software platform with support for 4G LTE connectivity and boasting a powerful 2.3 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 800 processor backed up by 3GB of RAM, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is both powerful and fast.
Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Android smart phone
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is slimmer, lighter, larger, faster and longer lasting than it’s predecessors as says their Chief Executive JK Shin, carrying on the huge success of last years flagship phone with the addition of some significant improvements and enhancements and a number of unique features that will appeal to many android enthusiasts worldwide. Including the new Multi-Window, Samsung’s Air Command wheel, upgraded S Note and new My Magazine feature.
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Samsung Galaxy Gear Smart Watch
Some would say though that the undisputed star of the show however was the Galaxy Gear. Integrating smart device technology into every day life the Galaxy Gear works in perfect harmony with the Galaxy Note 3 to make life easier. With its premium design and high quality features, the Galaxy Gear smart watch lets you carry out a variety of functions from making calls to taking pictures.
A serious competitor for Sony’s Smart Watch 2, the Bluetooth-enabled touch screen Galaxy Gear smart watch will work with Samsung’s latest Note 3 smart phone or Note 10.1 (2014 edition) tablet, as well as Galaxy S3 and Galaxy S4 models.
Samsung Galaxy Gear Smart Watch
It may be “something out of a sci-fi movie” but the Korean manufacturing company says “Samsung was inspired by the traditional wristwatch with a simple face”. Mr Mistry said “You don’t need to talk to the air like a bluetooth handset or get your phone out of your pocket”
A revolution in wrist wear the Samsung Galaxy Gear Smart Watch will be released in over 140 countries from the 25th September.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition
In addition to unveiling the Galaxy Note 3 + Galaxy Gear, Samsung also showcased an updated version to their Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet.
The Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition has seen some significant hardware improvements and software enhancement plus the latest in S Pen technology. Lighter than the original Note 10.1 and just as slim, the new 10.1 Note features a similar soft textured back to that of the Note 3 that was announced.
Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 Tablet – 2014 Edition
Running Android v4.3 OS, it’s packed with Samsung’s latest apps, widgets and S Pen features including Multi-Window for multitasking, Magazine Style UX for designing your own menu screen, Smart S Note for easier and quicker note taking and the renowned Air Command that gives you quick access to 5 useful S Pen features.
The additional 64 GB you’ll get through microSD expansion will come in handy and like the Galaxy Note 3 the quad-core 2.3GHz processor is backed up with 3GB of RAM, topped off with a super sized 8220 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery.
Samsung will be releasing 16 / 32 and 64 GB versions of the new Note 10.1. There’s no word on pricing or a release date as yet, albeit we expect it will be available within the next couple of months, but we do know that it will come in a choice of either Black or White.
LG G Pad 8.3 Tablet
Rivalling the Apple iPad Mini, Samsung Galaxy Note 8.0 and Google Nexus 7 2, the G Pad 8.3 is LG’s new Android Tablet. Based on the design and functionality of the LG G2, the Korean firm’s flagship smart phone, the 8.3 Inch G Pad with its Full HD IPS display with image density of 273 ppi and a quad-core 1.7 GHz Snapdragon 600 processor with 2GB of RAM packed in, it’s their latest attempt to dominate the tablet market.
LG G Pad 8.3 mid-sized tablet
With a choice of Black or White, the 16 GB tablet with mircoSD expansion is slim at 8.3 mm and features an aluminium backing which gives it a luxurious finish. Packed full of features such as KnockON and Slide Aside, that can be similarly be found in the G2, the LG G Pad 8.3 with its 5 mega pixel front facing camera and 1.3 MP video camera is impressive to say the least but whether it is impressive enough to take on the likes of Apple we’ll have to see.
There is no indication as to when the LG G Pad 8.3 will be released in the UK or how much it will be priced at but we will keep you posted.
Sony Xperia Z1
Last but by no means least, a high-end smart phone the Sony Xperia Z1 is IP 58 certified which means that its not just dust proof but water resistant to depths of 1 metre for up to 30 mins, perfect for those beach day snaps.
Powered by a 2.2 GHz quad-core processor the Xperia Z1 is Sony’s best smart phone yet. Elegantly designed with superb screen and image quality thanks to its Full HD 1080p Triluminos display with X-Reality for mobile, it offers powerful performance and a superior user experience.
Sony’s Xperia Z1 flagship phone
With a vast array of features and top notch camera apps, the Sony Xperia Z1 is an exciting upgrade to the Sony Xperia Z. A camera enthusiasts dream smart phone, it’s ultra high resolution 20.7 mega pixel camera with Exmor RS sensor and award wining G lens ensures high quality pictures with supreme sharpness and clarity.
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By no means an exhaustive look at the finer spec details of these 5 devices but rather a quick overview recapping on the last week’s biggest headliners. Tomorrow sees the official announcement of the hotly anticipated Apple iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c models, so check back with us for the latest updates and news.
