The Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA), Europe’s largest consumer electronics trade show, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Launched in 1924 as a radio exhibition, IFA has evolved into a showcase of cutting-edge technology, with Samsung Electronics playing a key role in this journey.
Over the years, home appliances and electronics have transformed from bulky machines into sleek, integrated devices essential for daily life. Samsung, a leader in this evolution, is now poised to drive the next century of innovation by connecting mobile devices, TVs, and home appliances through SmartThings. Additionally, Samsung’s voice assistant, Bixby, has advanced to better understand complex, natural language commands, offering enhanced control over these devices.
As IFA 2024 kicks off on September 6 under the theme “Innovation for All,” Samsung Newsroom reflects on IFA’s century-long journey of technological progress and Samsung’s legacy of breakthroughs.
From Radio Exhibition to AI Innovation Hub
Originally, IFA was a platform for the German government to showcase emerging radio technology in the 1920s, with Albert Einstein delivering the opening speech in 1930. This marked the start of numerous innovations, including the world’s first car radio in 1932 and color TV in 1937. Despite interruptions during World War II, IFA evolved into the consumer electronics show we know today, now highlighting advancements in home appliances as well.
Samsung’s first appearance at IFA was in 1991, with a modest 43-square-meter booth showcasing monitors and PCs. By 2003, Samsung had expanded to a 3,600-square-meter booth, and since 2014, the company has exclusively occupied CityCube Berlin. This year, Samsung is set to impress visitors with a 6,000-square-meter booth.
Leading the AI Era With a Connected Ecosystem
Samsung’s presence at IFA has grown as the company has introduced groundbreaking technologies across various sectors. In 2006, Samsung established itself as a global leader in the TV market with the Bordeaux TV. In 2011, the company launched the smart TV and the Galaxy Note, which bridged the gap between smartphones and tablets.
At IFA 2013, Samsung unveiled the world’s first curved UHD TV and its first smartwatch, the Galaxy Gear. By 2016, the Family Hub refrigerator marked the transition of home appliances into advanced Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Samsung’s acquisition of SmartThings in 2014, just before IFA, highlighted the company’s commitment to connected living. Today, SmartThings is a vast ecosystem with over 340 partners and 350 million users worldwide.
In 2018, Samsung identified AI as a key focus, with connected living becoming a major industry trend. By IFA 2023, Samsung had introduced 15 AI-powered appliances, signaling the arrival of the AI era in home appliances. The company also launched Samsung Food, an AI-powered platform that connects home appliances, TVs, and mobile devices to create a personalized cooking experience.
A Glimpse Into the Future
As Samsung’s journey with IFA continues, the company is now focused on advancing device control through more sophisticated voice commands. What began as basic machines designed to store food and wash clothes a century ago are now evolving into intelligent companions capable of communicating with users and handling complex tasks.
These innovations will be showcased at Samsung’s booth in CityCube Berlin during IFA 2024, from September 6-10.
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