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Ivan Petkov

Do you remember the time, not too long ago, when we were watching in amazement and bewilderment the euphoria of users overseas due to the appearance of a technological gadget? Then subsequently, the fashion of technological mobile gadgets has spread everywhere and even though here, in the Balkans, there is no such "hysteria" about buying a new smartphone or tablet, I can definitely say that regular users have felt this new enthusiasm.

Alas, times change, and, in recent years, the euphoria has been returning only to the territory of technological enthusiasts. The truth is that we have got used to another presentation and to another improvement of the technological specifications of another gadget. Technological boredom has begun to seize consumers, it seems that the vigour of having, at any cost, the latest model of a phone or talbet that will bring the latest innovative wonders in our pockets is missing.

The IFA exhibition in Berlin is taking place for the 90th time and it is known as the meeting point of innovative products and technologies from all over the world. A noteworthy fact is that Einstein was one of its first visitors as well as that the exhibition presented technologies such as the radio, teletext, CD, widescreen TV, DVD and MP4 formats and the devices that use them, and many more.

This year is no exception and, during a technological standstill, the exhibition is offering a number of interesting and innovative products.

Smartphones

About a year and a half after showing the concept of the flexible display, Samsung presented the world's first phone the display of which is not only slightly curved, but part of which is also bent - Note Edge. The name indicates that the phone is part of the Note Series of the Korean manufacturer, which features a large display and a pen for taking notes as well as many other interesting features. The curved right edge of the screen displays information about new messages, emails, missed calls, a virtual button from the camera application and other surprises prepared by the manufacturer.

Along with the interesting appearance and the new vision regarding the use of smartphones, it has to be noted that the curved right edge of the screen will not be convenient for left-handed users. Another "disadvantage" of the device is that it will be intended for specific markets that will probably not include our region.

Together with Note Edge, Samsung introduced the long-awaited Note 4 - the successor to the previous devices in the series. The device already has greater screen resolution - greater than that of most home TVs, a metal frame and other improvements that do not distinguish it in the way in which Note Edge draws our attention. Note 4 carries the "new" design language of the company although it is difficult to distinguish it from its predecessor.

Sony, the company that admired Steve Jobs and that has started to regain its positions in the mobile market in recent years, also presented two new models of its Z series, namely Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact. In this case the flagship does not impress with many new features either - its appearance is very similar to its predecessor Z2, its technical specifications are evolutionary and not so important because the hardware has been able to meet the needs of the average user for a long time now.

On the other hand, Z3 Compact seems to be the more interesting of the two models, since in practice, it has the same powerful hardware inside but it is contained in a compact body. It is no secret that the competition in the improvement of the technical specifications has led to large phones the screens of which have gone beyond the 5-inch barrier. They are friendly to the eye but inconvenient to be carried. Many users want to use phones that do not compromise the comfort of a larger display but also ones that they can safely put in the pockets of their jeans. Z3 Compact is exactly for this type of users, as it has a handy 4.6-inch screen fit into a truly compact size and a thin frame around the screen. A disadvantage of the "midget" is that the metal frame is replaced by plastic. The phone is waterproof, a feature that is already conventional for the phones of the Japanese manufacturer.

Lenovo, which bought veteran Motorola, is currently expanding internationally and the company has recently included Bulgaria among the countries that will offer its smartphones. And this is just the right time for it to present a new range of devices. The company introduced the smartphone Vibe X2. It has an interesting multi-layered design that makes the device look like it is made ​​of different plates that are glued together.

Interestingly, the smartphone is also available with optional accessories - Xtensions. One extends battery life by 75% and the second is a speaker. The price of Lenovo X2 is $ 399, its commercial launch will commence from China (this month) and it will appear in other markets in October.

Some of the phones were presented with 64-bit processors that are part of the technological evolution. In practice, the benefits for the end user will not be tangible for the time being.

Tablets

The trend previously mentioned does not omit tablets either. On the contrary! From fashionable and expensive technological accessories upon their first appearance, tablets have gone a long way in their development. The compact tablets in the price range of up to € 200 and screen size of 7-8 inches have become the best-selling devices. The trend we see at IFA is the input of better and quality materials in this class of devices.

We begin with Sony that offered a compact and stylish 8-inch tablet, The Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact. The device is stylish and has all the features of the Xperia series, including water resistance. Of course, style has its price and the different models of the tablet start at € 379 and go as high as € 449 for the top model. Definitely, this tablet is for people who pay attention to appearance.

Asus is known for its devices at a reasonable price. Until recently the tablets in the price range of about € 200 have not been famous for their especially "premium" appearance but the new model will change this. Memo Pad 7 is thin and light and looks like a beautiful fashion accessory. Its technical specifications are more than acceptable for the price and the device will certainly appeal not only to the fans of the brand.

Lenovo presented TAB S8, which is the first 8-inch tablet of the Chinese manufacturer with Android and Intel processor. Again, we see quality materials and a striving to create a light and easy to use device. Its colours vary by region and include ivory, yellow, pearl white and blue.

Finally, we will present a really cool tablet, in a very literal sense. Samsung presented Galaxy Active Tab, an 8-inch tablet resistant to falling from 1.2 m due to its protective coating. The tablet is also dust resistant and waterproof, and comes with a stronger version of the S Pen stylus called C Pen that offers an alternative form of entering when using gloves. If you are a fan of extreme activities and want to have a tablet in hand, Galaxy Active Tab is right for you.

Wearable devices - smart watches, bracelets, glasses

Samsung introduced its next "smart" watch that is named Gear S. The design looks familiar and has a Gear S 2-inch curved display. The watch has a micro SIM card slot that will allow you to make phone calls, send and receive text messages, and connect to the Internet (albeit with limited functionality) without the need of a connected smartphone. It is interesting to note that the Korean company continues to impose its Tizen operating system on smart watches.

Another interesting accessory is Gear VR, a virtual reality helmet. For now, it will only work with Galaxy Note 4. The interesting device offers expected features such as suppressing the background noise and voice recorder. It also has a QUAD HD resolution. Gear VR allows you to make full 360-degree panoramic images and videos. The company hopes that the product will become popular among users, the concept of Samsung being for users to employ Gear VR for films and games.

LG presented G Watch R. The new watch is in the highest price range and will cost more compared to its competitors, but its unique design justifies this. The calfskin strap, due to its standard 22 mm size, can be easily replaced. The chassis of the watch is made ​​of high quality stainless steel. The watch has an all men’s appearance as well as a more aggressive and adventurous design.

Asus officially presented ZenWatch - its first smart watch with Android Wear. Contrary to expectations, ZenWatch proved to be a stylish accessory positioned in the high-end of wearable devices. The watch has a slight curve that follows the shape of the wrist and high quality leather strap.

The information flow continues and IFA has once again proved that it is an exhibition, which presents innovative technologies.