By Ronan Coughlan (@r_coughlan147 via Twitter)
So September as a month is massive to the technology community as we see take place the tops tech brands go head to head in an all out battle. The iPhone 6 might just be on its way, but who is behind them in its shadows. Let’s take a look at what to expect from IFA 2014 in Berlin.
Sony.
Sony is expected to continue a 6 month trend of launching with its Xperia Z3 announcement. Given that the Z2 came out recently the Z3 isn’t going to be much of an upgrade but is expected to follow along the lines of the Z2 with the same 1080p screen, 20.7-megapixel G-lens camera and the familiar oblong design that’s synonymous with the Xperia range. Rumours have long suggested that the Z3 will be a slight upgrade on the Z2, with most of the improvements happening in the chassis.
The Z3 is tipped to include a 2.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon 805 processor, 3GB of RAM and an Adreno 420 graphics chip. We may also see an Xperia Z3 compact with such features as a 20 megapixel camera, 2gb of ram and a 4.7″ screen.
We may also see the Smartwatch 3 unveiled at Sony’s conference
Features could include improved resolution, a new transflective screen for better visibility in direct sunlight and its own Wi-Fi chip to give it some independence from a smartphone. Despite the launch of Android Wear this year, Sony will likely stick with its own wearable operating system.
Samsung.
Samsung has jumped the IFA gun and launched its new flagship the Galaxy Alpha, a more powerful, all metal, version of its Galaxy S5 in an attempt to eat into the heavily leaked iPhone 6 sales.
It’s not uncommon for Samsung to launch a number of devices at once, and to be constantly working and releasing new products to flood the market. Samsung’s pre-IFA event on the 3rd September is expected to follow suit with a new Galaxy Note 4 and a Gear Solo smartwatch.
The Note 4 should have a 5.7-inch QHD screen like the LG G3, retina scanner, UV sensor and be available in two versions – standard and curved screen. Under the hood, reports say that it will have a 16-megapixel camera, 4GB of Ram, the new Snapdragon 805 processor and an Andreno 420 graphics chip.
LG.
LG is expected to announce a second G watch that will have a more premium build, a build good enough to complete with a rumoured iWatch by Apple.
LG is also looking to do a Samsung and launch a souped version of the successful LG G3 called the LG G3 Prime, which will be largely similar to its predecessor except for a 2.7GHz Snapdragon 805 CPU and 3Gb of RAM.
A new L series of budget smartphones will be launched at IFA too, LG announced today, with the manufacturer looking to capitalise on emerging markets with cheaper devices. The new devices will have the same rear-button layout as the high-end LG series and feature modest specifications that keep the cost down. The LG L Bello and LG L Fino will debut in Latin America.
Motorola.
Motorola could also launch a smartphone and smartwatch duo at IFA this year. The Moto 360 smartwatch may finally make an appearance after it was unveiled at Google I/O in June. Best Buy briefly listed it at $250 (before pulling it from the site) and said that it will ship with a “dock”, which is tipped to be its wireless charging accessory.
The Moto 360 is expected to have a nice 201 ppi. Great going for a smartwatch.
Nokia.
Finally I don’t have much on Nokia’s event. One phone they may launch tipped to have a 5-megapixel front facing camera, a 5-inch display and a 6.7-megapixel rear camera. Also people are saying there next device is expected to be a Lumia 830 and Lumia 730.
So that’s a wrap up of what to expect from IFA 2014. What are you looking forward too? Let us know, and remember to enjoy this technology filled September!