Tech bytes for tea?

Day 1 of the IFA GPC 2019 kicks off with the MC, Dave Graveline (right), handing the mic over to Jens Heithecker, Executive Director (IFA) & EVP (Messe Berlin Group), for the opening address.

Power Briefing by Philips on how to “#makeLifeBetter: From personal to personalised health”.

Philips is innovating in the field of data-driven insights into health, with its huge expertise in connectivity, big data and Artificial Intelligence. Announced was the Philips Sonicar Teledentistry Solutions. Philips Sonicare Teledentistry service provides patients with remote dental consultation from licensed dentists within 24 hours.

The Philips Sonicare app acts as a “virtual hub” for personal oral healthcare. Users can manage their complete oral care daily and share brushing data with their doctors, putting personalised guidance and advice at their fingertips.

Presenting was Marlies Cebetsberger, Personal Health Leader Philips Market DACH.

Power Briefing by TCL on its smart TV entertainment ecosystem.

Chinese brand TCL outlined its ambitions to become a major player in Europe, across the categories of TV, audio and air-conditioning over the next three years. TCL is aiming for a top three position in Europe by 2020, and top three positions for audio and air-conditioning by 2022. TCL Europe grew 43% in 2018, with 50% growth in Germany and 10% increase in market share in France.

The company is moving into more countries, starting with the Netherlands in May, followed by Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Austria and countries in the Balkan region. New TCL TVs will feature mini-LED in 1,000 zones – that’s 20,000 LEDs – while the super-slim TV is less than 1cm thick. In July, TCL Europe will launch its first ranges of headphones – four ranges in total – as well as a standalone sound bar.

Presenting were Frédéric Langin (right), Sales & Marketing Director; and Marek Maciejewski, Product Development Director of TCL Europe.

Power Briefing by Haier on the company’s growth plans.

Following the recent acquisition of the Candy Hoover Group, Haier intends to serve a wide range of consumer targets based on its multi-brand strategy. Currently ranked fifth in Western Europe in terms of combined revenues, Haier aims to become one of the top three Groups within year 2022. Haier has already been the world’s no. 1 in home appliances for ten consecutive years, building its success on the strategic commitment to innovation, branding, R&D and intelligent manufacturing.

Presenting was Yannick Fierling, CEO for Haier Europe.

Power Briefing by Metz Blue on going global.

Following the successful launch of the new global brand METZ blue in Germany, India, Hong Kong, as well as large parts of Eastern and Southern Europe, Metz Blue presented the future roadmap for its global brand strategy.

Presenting was Dr. Norbert Kotzbauer, CEO of Metz Consumer Electronics.

Power Briefing by Safera on its smart cooking sensor.

The company is launching the Safera Sense, the “First Complete Smart Cooking Sensor”. Safera Sense recognises various cooking events and sets timers automatically, monitors air quality and tells you when it’s time to ventilate, and alarms if the stove has been accidentally left on.

Presenting was Erkka Suvikumpu, CEO, Safera.

Power Briefing by Hisense Gorenje on sponsorship for Euro 2020.

The company’s sponsorship of the Euro 2020 championship will feature both Hisense and Gorenje brands, running across the company’s TV, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, smart phones, tablets, air conditioning and SDA product categories.

The sponsorship also includes the brand logos on the score boards at all matches and Hisense will be the exclusive supplier of display technology in stadia throughout the tournament.

Also presented was the new Hisense U9 ULED Premium TV series, which will be launched at IFA in September.

Presenting was Julian Lietzau, Marketing Director, Gorenje DACH.

Power Briefing by GfK on the global market trends for TCG.

A tremendous variety of products with high innovation rates provide the consumer with a rich choice of products. The worldwide analysis covered the key trends and the possible implications for the future, including products from the overall TCG markets such as Consumer Electronics, Smart Phones, IT products and Major and Small Home Appliances.

Presenting was Friedemann Stöckle, Vice President Global POS Support at GfK.

Power Briefing by IHS MarkIt on “How to delight consumers in a connected world”.

IHS Markit offered expert insights, focused market-trend analysis and timely supply chain information to help brands build competitive positions in technology.

Presenting was Maria Rua Aguete, Executive Director for TV Media at IHS Markit.

Power Briefing by GfK on smart homes.

Millions of devices bought for our homes each year feature ‘smart’ functionality. While the ‘smart’ promise in general resonated well with consumers, the reality is a collection of isolated ‘smart’ devices in our homes. As the ‘first movers’ wave is tailing off, the industry is looking for ways to renew the demand and take the smart home to the next phase.

Consumers are prepared to pay a premium for solutions that are simplifying their lives and catering for their needs. Well-crafted individual solutions within a common ecosystem possess a tangible opportunity to cross the chasm.

Presenting was Igor Richter, Global Strategic Insights at GfK.

Power Briefing by GfK on how the consumer sets the bar for innovation.

More than ever before, the consumer is in the driver’s seat and judges products uncompromisingly. In order to be successful, vendors of consumer electronics devices, smartphones and IT products have to adapt to the evolving consumer preferences. With every other consumer valuing experiences more than possessions, they expect their devices to excite them constantly.

At the same time, consumers are looking for aspirational products to satisfy the need to express identity. They are willing to pay a premium price to pamper the “me”. Delivering on these challenging expectations is a promising opportunity for retailers and manufacturers.

Presenting was Markus Kick, Global Strategic Insights at GfK.

Power Briefing by GfK on home appliances and emerging trends.

The consumer is the origin and center of the trend themes that drive the markets. Still, these needs translate differently per product group. Capturing the context of these trends and how they manifest in small and major domestic appliances helps a lot to judge future scenarios in an educated manner.

Consumers are looking for rich and exciting experiences allowing sales of premium/high performance products. Coupling this with the expectations of fully connected customers leads to plentiful opportunities for retailers and manufacturers when delivering on these with innovations.

Presenting was Norbert Herzog, Global Strategic Insights at GfK.