IFA 2020 highlights: everything you need to know

IFA has traditionally been Europe’s biggest consumer electronics show, with thousands flocking to Berlin at the tail end of summer to drool over new TVs, hi-fi gear, cameras, smartphones and more.

As with so much this year, the COVID-19 pandemic has done a number on the expo, forcing organisers to switch up the format and vastly reduce the size of the in-person conference. Where last year’s show had 2,300 exhibitors, 2020’s “Special Edition” IFA has under 200.

That said, a bunch of big manufacturers have embraced the new part-digital format, while others are launching products during the event window regardless. And naturally we’ll be covering all the biggest, most exciting announcements on the site, with everything linked to or written about in this very article! Don’t ever say we never spoil you…

IFA 2020: TV

5 things you need to know about Philips TV and audio right now

Philips’ glorious new OLED+935 flagship is the successor to our current top-rated telly, and it’s packed with exciting features and premium design touches.

Samsung’s new short-throw 4K laser projector plasters your wall with a 130in virtual screen

If TVs are just too small for you, Samsung has debuted a new 4K short-throw projector, the world’s first to be HDR10+-certified

The Philips Hue Play gradient lightstrip can sync its colour output with your TV, Ambilight style

Meanwhile, a new Philips Hue lightstrip can be attached to your telly and match its multicoloured assortment with whatever’s on screen.

IFA 2020: Audio

Bowers & Wilkins updates its iconic 600 Series speakers

Brit sonic stalwart Bowers & Wilkins has been making its 600 Series for 25 years, and these quality entry-level speakers have started many a music lover on his or her journey into the eye-wateringly expensive but highly rewarding world of audiophile hi-fi. This month sees the arrival of the seventh iteration of the 600 Series, dubbed the Anniversary Edition. It features floorstanding, bookshelf and centre-channel speakers and three different subwoofer options, with prices starting at £419. You’ll be able to pick up a 5.1-channel home cinema package for £2,916.

5 things you need to know about Philips TV and audio right now

As well as the new OLED TV mentioned above, Philips announced new soundbars, over-the-ear headphones, true wireless headphones and multi-room audio this week. Click here for the skinny on everything.

Asus announces ROG Delta S, the world’s first MQA-equipped headphones

MQA (or Master Quality Authenticated) is the audiophile’s preferred way to stream music, but there’s never been a pair of headphones compatible with the lossless audio codec… until now! Curiously enough, the first cans to come with MQA are primarily aimed at gamers rather than traditional music lovers, but golden-eared jazz enthusiasts will doubtless be eyeing up Asus’s ROG Delta S to see how MQA fares in headphone form. No release date or price is confirmed as yet.

JBL’s Xtreme 3 heads up a party pack of new portable speakers and earbuds

The rugged, waterproof headliner is perfect for an alfresco autumn, and only one of several freshly announced audio products from the brand.

The Harman Kardon Citation 200 speaker is looking to mix it with Sonos and Bose

This premium wireless speaker looks the business and comes packed to its Kvadrat-wrapped gills with features.

IFA 2020: Smartphones

6 things you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 2

We’ve known about Samsung’s second-gen bendy blower for some time, but this week it got its official launch – and it looks like a huge improvement on the first Fold. Read this to find out why.

ZTE’s Axon 20 5G is the world’s first phone with an under-display selfie camera

This mid-range handset has found a unique spot for its front-facing snapper.

LG is teasing a curious rotating smartphone called the Wing

Samsung’s phone may bend, but LG’s upcoming handset will twist…

IFA 2020: Cameras

Sony’s new Cinema Line of high-end video cameras is pitched at the pros

Sony’s full-frame mirrorless cameras are already a hit with filmmakers and (ugh) ‘content creators’, but people who make a living from shooting video should consider the brand’s Cinema Line, the new name given to its pro-focussed video range. Alongside existing models the Venice and FX9, the range will feature a new FX6 camera (on sale by the end of 2020) and is intended to provide all the hardware and software necessary to create movies with a cinematic look and feel.

Panasonic Lumix S5 is the full-frame camera that won’t weigh you down

This premium mirrorless model weighs just 630g without a lens – but promises heavyweight performance for both stills and video shooting.

IFA 2020: Smart home and appliances

The Vivoscreen Smeg Oven is almost a vending machine for hot meals

Smeg’s new cooker boasts a colour touchscreen and a connected app, letting you stuff its memory with your most beloved recipes.

The Lenovo Smart Clock Essential is a talkative timepiece that nails the basics

Bless your bedside table with this Google Assistant-equipped alarm clock.

Tado’s V3+ Starter Kit can make 95% of boilers smart

It supports voice control too, and you won’t need expert help installing it

IFA 2020: Computing

Acer goes 5G with its Spin 7 touchscreen laptop

The first laptop to come with Qualcomm’s 5G chip promises scorching download speeds, long battery life and easy portability.

IFA 2020: Wearables

Samsung’s Galaxy Fit 2 targets the best of Fitbit’s trackers

It’s been an interesting few weeks for fitness trackers. First we had the Fitbit Inspire 2, and then came Huawei’s Talkband B6. Samsung completes the step-counting trio with the Galaxy Fit 2. Lighter than its predecessor and sporting a 3D glass display with over 70 different face options, it’s definitely an attractive thing, and offers five different types of activity tracking. Samsung says you can expect 15 days of battery life, which is extendable up to 21 depending on conditions.

Honor heads outside with the ultra-rugged Watch GS Pro

Built to military grade, the Honor Watch GS Pro is designed with explorers in mind. It supports over 100 workout types in the most extreme conditions, and packs in GPS and heart-rate monitoring. You get up to 25 days of battery life, so no need to worry about getting lost in the woods.

About

Tech journalism's answer to The Littlest Hobo, I've written for a host of titles and lived in three different countries in my 15 years-plus as a freelancer. But I've always come back home to Stuff eventually, where I specialise in writing about cameras, streaming services and being tragically addicted to Destiny.