IFA 2023 Recap: Best of IFA 2023

Every year, hundreds, if not thousands, of brands assimilate at IFA, Berlin, to showcase the latest advancements in technology. Unlike some other platforms, IFA shines a light on a wide range of tech, including smartphones, laptops, audio gear, white goods, and much more. Understandably, with launches happening left, right, and center, it can be tricky to follow all the latest happenings at IFA. 

That’s partly why our team was on the show floor at IFA, canvassing the grounds for the top contenders for the Guiding Tech Best of IFA awards. So, if you want a glimpse at the best the show has to offer, read on. We’ve handpicked 16 notable devices worthy of your attention. 

1. Honor Magic V2

By now, Samsung knows the formula to design a foldable like the back of its hands. But, that hasn’t deterred newer entities from stepping into the segment with outlandish folding phones. Take the Honor Magic V2, for instance, which, in our books, addresses the biggest issue with folding smartphones – the girth. 

As innovative as foldables are, they aren’t the most comfortable devices to stow in the pocket of your jeans. Well, the Magic V2 changes that, thanks to its astoundingly slender frame that measures just 9.9mm when folded, and 4.7mm when unfolded. Despite that, the foldable comes with a sizeable 6.43-inch cover screen and a  7.92-inch inner screen. 

What’s more, the smartphone is packed with other niceties, including the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor from Qualcomm and a triple-camera array spearheaded by a 50MP, OIS-enabled camera sensor. Needless to say, the Magic V2 features never-seen-before hardware wizardry, and we can’t wait to get our hands on the smartphone and put it through its paces. 

2. Honor V Purse

Foldables have, for years, pushed the envelope of smartphone technology, and Honor continues to innovate with the V Purse smartphone. As its name suggests, the smartphone is designed to mimic a purse. And, although the concept is still in its infancy, the Honor V Purse truly stands out, unlike any other smartphone on the market. So, what gives?

Well, the Honor V Purse makes use of a folding display, too. Although, unlike the screen on the Honor Magic V2, the Purse’s screen wraps around the outside. As such, with the device folded, the V Purse’s outer screen portrays a stylish AOD to mimic the design of a handbag. The smartphone offers a variety of AOD styles, so buyers can mix and match the V Purse’s aesthetic to their outfits. Additionally, the concept phone can be paired with an elegant strap, and buyers can then wear it over their shoulders.

As bizarre as the concept is, the Honor V Purse has been designed with sustainability in mind. In fact, the company hopes to get a lid on fast-fashion accessories with the V Purse. Now, Honor hasn’t shared any specs for the device, and we only know that it measures just 9mm when folded. Regardless, the Honor V Purse is, quite possibly, the most unique smartphone we’ve seen in a while.

3. Lenovo Legion Go

Of late, we’re seeing an influx of handheld gaming devices. Be it the Steam Deck, the Logitech G Cloud, or the ASUS ROG Ally, buyers looking to game on the go are spoilt for choices. To no one’s surprise, Lenovo wants a piece of the action, too. To that end, the company showcased the Legion Go at IFA, which hopes to address one of the biggest pain points of a handheld gaming console.

Handheld gaming consoles work wonders for playing games of a variety of genres. For instance, you could pick up a superb platformer like Hollow Knight and use your handheld’s D-pad for precise inputs. Or, you could dazzle your opponents by performing slick tricks in FIFA, thanks to the bundled joysticks. However, it’s almost impossible to get precise inputs for games of the FPS variety. Well, the Lenovo Legion Go hopes to change that with its ergonomic controllers.

To do so, the company allows buyers to remove the controller from each side – think of it like removing the JoyCons from the Nintendo Switch. Additionally, the device comes with a circular stand of sorts that can be affixed to the bottom of the right controller. Once done, the right controller acts as a mouse, with the left controller allowing buyers to move their character. Although the apparatus may seem janky, it works surprisingly well too!

More notably, the handheld comes with an 8.8-inch display with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,600 pixels. The panel can refresh at up to 144Hz, and it offers touch input too. In terms of performance, the handheld is backed by AMD’s Ryzen Z1 Extreme platform, which coincidentally, powers the ROG Ally too.

4. Withings ScanWatch 2

Withings has a reputation for elegant timepieces that tread the line between an analog watch and a smart wearable. And, the brand’s ScanWatch 2 is no different. From afar, the ScanWatch 2 looks regal. So much so, that the unit’s stainless steel case and its premium straps can pass it off as a bespoke timepiece, a conversation starter amidst folks who get excited about automatic hand movements. 

But, look closely, and you’ll notice the company has furnished the device with a Grayscale OLED screen. The display can give useful insights into your steps, sleep score, and other health-related metrics. Speaking of which, the watch comes with a handful of sensors and can track your heart rate and SpO2 levels. You can also map your ECG with the device, and it even gets a TempTech24/7 module, which can give insights into your body temperature fluctuations. 

The aforementioned metric can give you a heads-up if you’re about to fall ill. Additionally, the sensor can also help you understand the efficacy of your workouts. To do so, the watch divides your body temperature into three zones, namely the warm-up zone, performance zone, and overheating zone. Needless to say, you should keep an eye out whenever your body temperature falls into the overheating zone, as it can result in cramps, dizziness, and headaches. 

5. Xgimi Horizon Ultra

We saw a handful of projectors at IFA, although Xgimi’s Horizon Ultra stood out, partly because it’s the world’s first long-throw 4K projector with Dolby Vision. For those unaware, Dolby Vision is an HDR codec that offers a wider gamut and a more accurate rendition of colors, enhanced brightness, and superb contrast.

The Horizon Ultra can leverage the format to truly immerse viewers into a movie or a TV show. Additionally, the device offers a peak brightness of 2,300 ISO Lumens, and it comes calibrated to offer a delta E≈1. This, in turn, allows the projector to output a picture without any color-fringing. The projector comes with features like keystone correction and autofocus and is backed by a set of 12W Harman Kardon speakers.

And, it runs Android TV from the word go, so you will be able to watch your favorite TV shows and movies seamlessly. Put everything together, and the Horizon Ultra, albeit expensive, looks quite promising.

6. Yaber U12 and K300 Projectors

The Yaber U12 and K300 projectors deserve a mention, too. For those unaware, Yaber makes a truckload of projectors geared toward home entertainment. The company had two enticing launches at IFA, namely the U12, which is rated for 600 ANSI Lumens. Needless to say, the projector should be able to output superbly bright images. Additionally, the device comes with a handle, which should let you carry it from one room to the other seamlessly. 

It also supports Keystone projection, so it should be able to correct the distortions incurred if the projector is not aligned perpendicularly to the surface. The K300, on the other hand, is an Ultra-short Throw projector. Correspondingly, it can cast a wide image even if it is positioned eerily close to a wall or a screen. Add to that, the projector offers a 1080p output and boasts a 950 ANSI Lumens rating. Going by the numbers, you should be able to use the projector in well-lit rooms, too. 

7. Tecno Megabook T1 Laptop and True 1 TWS Earbuds

Let’s face it – we could all benefit from laptops with a beefy battery backup. And, that’s precisely what Tecno presented at IFA this year. The company’s Megabook T1, in particular, sports a 14-inch display. Despite that, the laptop offers a massive 75Whr battery that can purportedly last 18.5 hours on a single charge. Additionally, the device ships with a speedy 65W GaN adapter.

The company also took the wraps off their flagship True 1 TWS earbuds. Much like the Megabook T1, the True 1 TWS earbuds also boast a healthy battery backup and can last up to 45 hours. Furthermore, the earbuds can reportedly cancel out up to 42dB of noise, which is excellent. Rest assured, we can’t wait to take Tecno’s latest for a spin.

8. Aiper Surfer S1 

Robot vacuums are nifty gadgets that can mop the floors and keep your home in pristine condition. Well, folks over at Aiper thought about extending their functionality to your swimming pool! Enter, the Surfer S1, which is a cordless robotic pool skimmer for the masses. 

For the longest time, we had to use a leaf rake to clear out the clutter from the pool. The process could take hours, depending on the size of the pool. Well, now you can sit by the poolside, sip on a delicious cocktail, and let the Surfer S1 do your bidding. To that end, the device is well-suited for all pool types, be it a standard or a saltwater pool. 

Once in your pool, the Surfer S1’s path can be customized via the companion app. The unit is also aided by ultrasonic detectors that can intelligently guide it toward the edges of your pool, thereby ensuring the skimmer cleans the pool thoroughly. Additionally, the S1 comes with a beefy battery backup and can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. 

What’s more, the company has outfitted it with a solar panel, which should further its mileage. And, on the off chance your place of residence doesn’t get much natural light, you can use S1’s built-in magnetic charger to juice up the device. 

9. JLab JBuds Mini

You must be familiar with the adage – good things come in small packages. Well, JLabs took the phrase literally and, at IFA, showcased the smallest TWS earbuds from any major headphone brand. Dubbed the JLabs JBuds Mini, the earbuds are lighter and more compact than popular TWS alternatives like the AirPods.

Despite that, the JBuds Mini is chockablock with enticing features, and the earbuds support Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity. As such, you can connect the JBuds Mini to two devices simultaneously. More notably, the earbuds offer an IP55 rating, so you can use the pair in the gym, or when you’re out for a run too.

Now, we were a bit skeptical about the unit’s battery backup. But, lo and behold, the earbuds can last over five hours on a single charge. What’s more, with the bundled case, the JBuds Mini’s battery backup is projected to be at least 20 hours! Some other stand-out features include support for Google Fast Pair, as well as a ‘Be-Aware’ mode, that can let some ambient noise in to keep you in tune with your surroundings.

On the flip side, we would’ve liked it if the earbuds leveraged ANC tech, too. Additionally, the buds can relay audio only over the SBC codec. As such, the JBuds Mini will not work with an iPhone and is not compatible with lossless media either.

10. CLEANR Vortex Filter

Little did you know, the wastewater from a washing machine is the biggest source of microplastic pollution in the world. Well, CLEANR’s Vortex filter – which is a microplastic filter for washers and dryers – hopes to be the voice for change. You see, CLEANR’s proprietary technology creates a vortex of sorts, that aggregates plastics and empties them into a capture unit.

Interestingly, the methodology was derived from Manta Rays and Sharks, who use a similar technique to filter their food to avoid clogging their gills. Per the brand, the Vortex filter is over 300 percent more effective than conventional crossflow filters. Additionally, the CLEANR Vortex filter surpassed competing devices in nearly every performance test. Needless to say, consumers seeking eco-friendly alternatives will find plenty to like about the Vortex Filter.

11. Roborock Zeo One Washer Dryer

The Roborock Zeo One is a washer, and a dryer rolled into one. While that’s not uncommon, Roborock’s offering uses Zeo-cycle Drying technology, which captures moisture from damp clothes without subjecting them to extreme heat. The same can be accredited to the use of Zeolites, which have a strong affinity for absorption.

Correspondingly, the Roborock Zeo One uses a unique double-air circulation method wherein, the humid air in the drum is passed through zeolite. Once done, the dry air is then blown into the drum to dehumidify the clothes. Additionally, the dehumidification treatment is also subjected to the zeolite, thereby restoring its absorption capacity for yet another cycle. Unlike extreme heat treatment, which can weaken the fiber strength, clothes passed through a Zeo-cycle will not show any signs of shrinkage or discoloration. 

The Zeo One has a couple more aces up its sleeves. For instance, the washer-dryer gets the company’s LintClear self-cleaning system. As its name suggests, the machine automatically removes excess lint from your clothes by passing them through a separate water line. It also supports auto-dosing, and the machine can dispense detergent by gauging the weight of the clothes. You can even use the companion app to schedule the cleaning process or customize the washing temperature, rinse times, and more from the comfort of your couch. 

12. Belkin BoostCharge Pro

Belkin announced a host of wireless charging accessories at IFA this year. Off the lot, the company’s upgraded BoostCharge Pro stood out, thanks to the use of Qi2 charging tech. For those unaware, Qi2 was recently coined by the WPC or the Wireless Power Consortium as the successor to the Qi charging standard. And, the newer protocol addresses the biggest issue plaguing its predecessor. 

You see, Qi2-backed wireless chargers will come with magnets. As such, you won’t have to contend with aligning your phone on a Qi charging pad perfectly to get the feature to work. Instead, the chargers should snap seamlessly on the back of a smartphone. As you might’ve guessed by now, Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro also comes with a magnetic base. 

Additionally, the charging pad houses a traditional Qi pad, which can be used to charge your smartphone’s accessories. The BoostCharge Pro also gets a Type-C output port, so you can charge up to three devices simultaneously. Speaking of which, the wireless charging pad offers a peak output of 15W, which should charge your iPhone at the best possible speeds wirelessly.

13. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect

For years, buyers looking to get the most out of advanced sound technologies like Dolby Atmos had to opt for a multi-channel speaker setup. The underlying issue with creating such a setup was that the buyer was tasked with positioning the different speakers appropriately to get the best soundstage. The process is often quite tedious and, at times, requires users to shift their furniture to make room for a symmetrical speaker setup.

Well, at IFA, Dolby showcased a new technology dubbed Dolby Atmos FlexConnect, which takes the guesswork out of the equation by automatically optimizing your wireless speaker setup. The icing on the cake is that the optimization takes into account the relative position of the speakers. As such, you don’t have to worry about moving the woofer, or the left or right stereo channels to get an immersive sound output. Instead, the tech automatically factors in the position of the speakers, even if they’ve been placed asymmetrically around your living room.

More notably, the tech seemingly allows buyers to mix and match different types of speakers, too. At IFA, the company showcased the new tech in conjunction with TCL’s Chroal speakers. The speakers look otherwordly, although their design and specs are subject to change. Regardless, Dolby Atmos FlexConnect could be a game-changer for folks looking to get into home theatre surround sound setups.

14. Mobile Pixels Geminos

If you’ve been contemplating getting multiple monitors to streamline your workflow, you may want to hold off on the purchase. We say this, as Mobile Pixels unveiled its Kickstarter project, the Geminos at IFA. And, if the specs are anything to go by, the company’s stacked monitor concoction might just be the perfect solution for buyers on the hunt for more screen real estate.

The Geminos uses a foldable stack of monitors that can be propped up and connected to your PC. The apparatus comes with a built-in docking station, which doesn’t just let users output their laptop’s contents to the Geminos’ display, but it even charges the laptop as it supports 100W USB-C passthrough charging. Additionally, Geminos’ dock comes with a host of connectors, including two HDMI ports, two USB Type-A ports, and even a full-fledged SD card slot. 

As for the monitors, the company has outfitted the Geminos with two 24-inch, 1080p displays. What stood out to us was that the monitors had little-to-no gaps between them. As such, the Geminos feels more polished than simply stacking two monitors side by side, as there is no thick bezel separating the screens. 

Additionally, the monitors should also help you cut down the clutter on your desk, seeing how the setup features a 10-in-1 dock, along with a built-in webcam as well as speakers and mic for online meetings. For anyone wondering, the top monitor slides up and down, and the one at the bottom can pivot inwards or outwards. As such, you can orient the screens however you deem fit. Our only qualm with the Geminos is that the monitors offer a 60Hz refresh rate. And, although you can fold the screens, the layout is not designed to be moved around. If you are vying for a more portable alternative, check out the next option on the list.

15. Mobile Pixels Duex Max 

A little-known fact about folks working at GuidingTech – we are all accustomed to multi-monitor setups. Then again, there are times when we have to work remotely, say when we’re on the go. If you find yourself in a similar boat, you will appreciate Mobile Pixels’ Duex Max portable monitor. 

The monitor can be affixed to your laptop’s lid. Additionally, it comes with a built-in kickstand, should you want to prop it on a flat surface. The unit sports a premium build and uses ABS and aluminum for its construction. While we have yet to take it for a spin, the Deux Max feels sturdy enough, and it should withstand the usual wear and tear when you’re carrying it with your laptop.

As for the display, the Deux Max sports a 14.1-inch Full HD panel. The screen can get reasonably bright at 300 nits, although you will have to make do with the unit’s 60Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the Deux Max can be snagged in four distinctive hues, so you can color-match the device with your laptop, too. All said and done, if you’re looking to maximize your productivity on the go, the Deux Max could be a great addition to your kit. 

Gadgets Galore!

And, that wraps up our top picks of the best gadgets we spotted at IFA this year. It goes without saying that this isn’t an exhaustive list, and the tech show had a lot more to offer. On that note, do let us know your favorite gadgets from our list, and the ones showcased at IFA, in the comments below.