The highlights and trends of the technology fair
The IFA 2022 is in full swing in Berlin. BASIC thinking was on site for several days. In this article we present the highlights and trends of the fair.
Contents
IFA 2022: Foldable laptops are already ready for the market
Two manufacturers showed new foldable laptops at the IFA. Lenovo started with the second generation of their ThinkPad X1 Fold. This now comes with 16 inches and improved technical data. The idea is to use the device in different modes for different tasks.
The new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold (Image: BASIC thinking)
There would be the normal “laptop mode” when the supplied keyboard is “placed” on the second display and held there by magnets. In “desktop mode” you place the Foldab on the table with the stand and place the keyboard in front of you. So you have the full display available. The device can also be operated by touch, which is not very handy given the weight of almost 1.5 kg.
The price of 2,999 euros in the basic version is very high, the same applies to the 3,699 euros for the ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED. ASUS advertises this as the “first 17-inch foldable laptop” that folds into a small 12.5-inch device. The ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED also has a magnetic keyboard, which feels quite high quality in the first hands-on.
ASUS Zenbook 17 Fold OLED (Image: BASIC thinking)
The manufacturers are tied to Microsoft on the software side, which has not yet specially adapted Windows 11 to foldables. ASUS uses a specially developed “quick split-screen function” with its device. This works quite well, but takes a little getting used to. The laptops are not suitable for the mass market yet.
IFA 2022: New smartphones at the technology fair
Nokia brand owner HMD Global has unveiled several new devices, with the focus now on the sustainability of the devices. The Nokia X30 is difficult to convince with its technical data in the price range of 500 euros, but it is made of 100 percent recycled metal. When it comes to plastic, the manufacturer speaks of 65 percent recycled material.
The Huawei booth at the IFA (Image: BASIC thinking)
Huawei’s mobile division hasn’t been completely squeezed out of the western market either, although they haven’t been allowed to buy Google services and 5G processors since 2020. The manufacturer presented its Nova 10 and Nova 10 Pro smartphones at IFA 2022, which should stand out from the market with a lot of technology and luxurious designs. But the lack of Play Store support will probably push smartphones further into the niche.
The new Honor 70 5G (Image: BASIC thining)
Honor wants to get out of the niche with its Honor 70 5G. The mid-range smartphone from the former Huawei subsidiary can use Google services again and would like to offer some technology for an RRP of 549 euros. The manufacturer particularly emphasizes the 54-megapixel main camera.
IFA 2022: New wearables and headphones
There were also smartwatches. Fitbit in particular attracted attention with three new wearables: Versa 4, Sense 2 and Inspire 3. Since only prototypes of the devices were exhibited, an early market launch is not yet in sight. The company also announced a new app based on Google’s Material You design language. More information should be available in autumn 2022.
Soundcore, Anker’s sub-brand, was also present at the show. They showed off new Space A40 and Q45 headphones. the Space Q45 over-ear headphones have adaptive active noise canceling and a maximum battery life of 50 hours with activated ANC. The same functionality should also In-ears Space A40 offer: The headphones are already available in stores for 150 or 100 euros.
IFA 2022: New network technology from TP-Link and AVM.
Network technology manufacturers TP-Link and AVM also presented new products at IFA 2022. AVM went ahead and presented a mesh repeater (3000 AX), which should be able to distribute WLAN 6 throughout the apartment. A new Fritz Fon was also presented, with which content can be displayed in color on a 2.4-inch HD display.
BASIC thinking
Meanwhile, TP-Link showed new IoT hardware for the home. The Tapo Smart Bulb should particularly impress with its energy efficiency, while the Tapo 420S2 surveillance camera should ensure security at home. With the release of the Wi-Fi 6E frequencies by the Federal Network Agency in July, the manufacturer can now also bring the Deco XE200 to Germany. The tri-band WLAN mesh system should enable lightning-fast connections in the house, provided the end devices also support this standard.
