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Berlin IFA 2014: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

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Berlin IFA is right around the corner, and gadget fans are already getting excited about the new devices expected to debut at the technology fair. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Berlin IFA.

1. IFA Started as a Radio Exhibition

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The IFA (aka Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin) started way back in 1924 as a radio exhibition. Over the years, it has been referred to as the Berlin Radio Show or the International Radio Show. The image above from the 1974 exhibition showcases a Philips automatic turntable featured at the show.

These days, everything from smartphones to TV sets to home appliances get highlighted at this massive trade show. Some of the tech that debuted at last year’s IFA included new IdeaPads from Lenovo, a 77-inch TV from LG, Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear watch, and the Sony Xperia Z1.

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2. Berlin IFA 2014 Will Feature New Smartphones


Check out some of the highlights from last year’s IFA in the video above.

A slew of new smartphones and other consumer electronics are expected to make their public debut at IFA 2014. Some of the devices expected to debut at IFA 2014 include a VR headset from Samsung, and a whole host of Android devices including the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and the Sony Xperia Z3.

3. Some People Really Hate Berlin IFA

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While consumers might watch the goings-on at the IFA with glee, many of the tech reporters on the ground in Berlin aren’t having much fun. Recombu amusingly describes IFA as an event that “takes place in a horrifying drab venue in Berlin, which is notoriously difficult to navigate and sucks the very soul of the weary journalists who tread its halls, thanks in large part to the overpriced ‘food’ and constant grey decor.”

This cool (if slightly out-of-date) infographic suggests some cool things to do in Berlin if you’re there for IFA. Suggestions include the urban Tiergarten park, the Pergamonmuseum (featuring art and history exhibits, as seen above), and the Bebelplatz public square.

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4. IFA Keynote Speakers Include Samsung & Intel Execs

The IFA keynote speakers this year include big names from a number of the world’s top tech companies. Boo-Keun Yoon, President & CEO of Samsung Electronics, is expected to speak. Additionally, Intel’s Kirk Skaugen and Nest Labs’ Tony Fadell are scheduled to speak.

5. IFA Runs September 5-10

Berlin IFA starts on September 5, but the press get early access starting September 3. It is possible that some of the smartphones expected to be featured at IFA will get official announcements just ahead of IFA proper. The Berlin city website notes that this year’s IFA trade show will boast 1,200 exhibitors from 32 countries.

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Berlin IFA is right around the corner, and gadget fans are already getting excited about the new devices expected to debut at the technology fair.