IFA 2022 Review


October/November 2022 ertonline.co.uk


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Samsung mainly used IFA to promote its vision of the ultimate energy-efficient home, emphasising the benefits of AI-powered smart connections and greater energy efficiency across its appliances. The message follows the introduction of


SmartThings Home earlier this year, which allows connected appliances to take advantage of services like SmartThings Energy with AI Energy Mode. Incoming Samsung refrigerators will intelligently adjust temperatures based on usage, with additional savings coming through more efficient compressor and Defrost AI algorithms. Its washers will also allow users to optimise laundry cycles with technologies such as AI Ecobubble, which basically washes clothes with cold water. On a grander scale, it envisaged a future using Qcells, able to store sustainable energy for a net Zero home.


On more prosaic matters, like new TVs and


CE gadgets, there was less to report. Clearly the company is keeping its AV powder dry until CES in January.


Introducing… Magic Lamp


One relatively new brand making a name for itself at the show was Xgimi. The projection specialist offered Europe the first look at its Magic Lamp, which is a ceiling-mounted projector that doubles as a LED light fixture and Bluetooth speaker. The audio system is supplied by Harman Kardon. The Magic Lamp is yet another form factor for projection, which has already seen new interest thanks to Ultra Short Throw Laser TV models. Very interior design friendly, it could fit in a lounge or bedroom. Beyond power, all connectivity is wireless.


Xgimi Magic Lamp


There were big changes for Panasonic at IFA – a new hall location, a change in philosophy and some high concept reveals. Reflecting its new eco-centric ethos, its hall was deliberately underdressed – think warehouse chic. There was a lifestyle OLED concept on display – a wireless 42-inch panel designed to be hung like a painting… or a shirt. The only lead required is for power. Picture and sound are beamed from a separate wireless tuner box, about the size of a paperback book. By way of demonstration, this wireless screen was hanging on a dressing rail, implying it would be an ideal TV solution for a small apartment. The brand has shown a variety of lifestyle OLED screen designs in the past which have yet to come to market, so I don’t imagine this will find a hanging space in retail anytime soon! But it certainly looked neat. Nearby, Panasonic stressed its credentials with


the gaming community, running a ‘Beat the Pro’ gaming competition wherein visitors could challenge an e-Sports professional using its current OLED screens in Game mode. Stablemate Technics previewed a pair of concept


Inside is an all-new optical engine able to lens shift an image by 32 degrees vertically or horizontally within a one metre range, so installation is refreshingly versatile!


True Wireless earbuds, featuring all new driver technology and earpiece materials. The tiny buds are attached to a thin wire loop, apparently provided to aid you getting them in and out of your ears. However, a company spokesperson confided to ERT that there is more to this design than meets the eye, (or should that be ear?)… so we await more revelations.


Panasonic’s OLED concept on display @


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