Subscribe
  • Home
  • /
  • IOT
  • /
  • Flip phones take centre stage at IFA 2019

Flip phones take centre stage at IFA 2019

Simnikiwe Mzekandaba
By Simnikiwe Mzekandaba, IT in government editor
Johannesburg, 09 Sept 2019
IFA 2019 is currently under way in Berlin, until 11 September.
IFA 2019 is currently under way in Berlin, until 11 September.

From 5G-powered smartphones to the retro flip phones on display, IFA 2019 kicked off in spectacular fashion at the Messe Berlin, in Germany.

On Friday, thousands of exhibitors introduced their latest products to the market, with companies like Motorola, HMD Global, Samsung as well as Sony using the annual event to showcase their latest smartphones.

The IFA annual show started in the 1920s and was originally set up to exhibit the latest in radio broadcast technology. It has since shifted focus and now showcases the latest consumer tech products and home appliances.

Officially opening this year’s event on Friday, executive director Jens Heithecker said IFA aims to be at the forefront of showcasing some of the latest consumer electronics and home appliances.

“We are a platform for our industry’s top brands from around the world. At IFA, we will have just two objectives – showcase the best of what is new in our industry and bring the best minds and ideas together to make co-innovation better.

“Co-innovation is people from different industries, companies and nations bringing their own approach and thinking to a problem, and inspiring each other to solve it. But co-innovation is not easy. It works best when there is a free flow of ideas and products can be moved without any barriers.

“In today’s world of global innovation and integrated supply chains, the only way to build the best possible device is by having the freedom to choose the best ideas, components and software, wherever they are from.

“We should always bear in mind that it is the power of innovation that makes everybody, in every country in the world, healthier, safer and better off,” he stated.

These are some of the interesting innovations and products ITWeb spotted at this year's event.

Return of the flip phone
Return of the flip phone

HMD Global, the Finnish company that owns the right to use the Nokia brand on mobile phones, also announced it was bringing back the Nokia 2720 Flip, describing it as a classic flip phone reimagined for today’s user.

The Nokia handset features a familiar flip-phone design and some of today’s popular apps, such as WhatsApp, Facebook and Google Assistant.

In case the unexpected happens, the Nokia 2720 Flip comes with an emergency button as well as an “in case of emergency” information menu.

However, the Finnish company is not the only one to revive the flip phone, with many other phone companies also showcasing the retro device at IFA 2019.

There was major augmented reality (AR) action at the Lenovo hall, with Marvel fans and visitors getting a chance to try out the new Marvel Dimension of Heroes, available only on the Lenovo Mirage AR.

According to Lenovo, the new smartphone-powered AR experience lets players harness the powers of six legendary Marvel superheroes in an original story, which sees them take on infamous supervillains standing right before them in their own living rooms.

Lenovo powers a new augmented reality experience.
Lenovo powers a new augmented reality experience.

Players download the free Marvel Dimension of Heroes app onto a compatible smartphone and, with the Lenovo Mirage AR headset and new dual universal controllers, they can embark on an adventure spanning three full-fledged modes and a variety of augmented reality play styles.

With the new controllers, players can use both hands to punch, slice and blast their way through battles, while ducking and dodging enemy attacks.

Scooters added to smart transportation.
Scooters added to smart transportation.

Battery heated outfits were also on display.
Battery heated outfits were also on display.

 

The Batmobile makes its appearance at IFA 2019.
The Batmobile makes its appearance at IFA 2019.

Share