IFA this year will be from 31 August – 5 September, 2018. As in previous years, the annual consumer electronics & home appliances show will be preceded by a preview cum global press conference for the media from 19-22 April.
This year’s IFA GPC will be in Rome, Italy (19-22 April, 2018). Venues in the past have included Dubrovnik in Croatia (2012), Sardinia in Italy (2013), and Belek in Turkey (2014).
IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin – international radio exhibition Berlin) is a global consumer electronics and home appliances show held annually in Berlin in September.
IFA GPC 2017 outcomes
The IFA GPC 2017 last year resulted in 19.1 billion potential media impressions via TV reports, print reports and online articles.
During the IFA GPC, some of the IFA exhibitors and partners get to show a preview of their IFA offerings and pitch to the international media what their brands offer to consumers.
The new ESET Smart TV Security was showcased during MWC 2018 to protect against targeted malware attacks on connected TVs and other devices with the Android TV operating system.
According to statistics, there could be as many as 30 billion devices connected to the internet by 2020. While these gadgets bring numerous benefits to households, they also pose a threat to consumers’ everyday lives.
Smart TVs – with their microphones, cameras and USB ports – are increasingly becoming prime targets for malware attacks.
“Given the risks to security and privacy, consumers need to think about protecting smart home devices in the same way they would protect their laptops, tablets or mobiles – they cannot treat them like an average TV, kettle, or watch,” said Branislav Orlik, Mobile Security Product Manager at ESET.
By gaining control over a smart TV, cybercriminals can not only attack other devices on the user’s home network but also spy on individuals to gather sensitive and personal data.
Smart TVs with Android TV OS will also undoubtedly contribute to the spread of Android ransomware, which has already been persistently targeting Android devices for a number of years.
The threat has now crossed over to Android TVs, as incidents of smart TV screen-locks and ransom demands reported in the news have illustrated.
The ESET Smart TV Security application protects consumers with the following security features.
Antivirus protection safeguards against increasing levels of Android malware.
Anti-ransomware technology combats screen-locks.
Multi-device scanning for malware on devices and USBs that connect to the smart TV.
Anti-phishing to protect users from attempts to steal sensitive, personal information. This feature will be available only in the premium version of ESET Smart TV Security.
If ransomware is activated, users are advised to switch their smart TV off/on while the virus database is updated and scanning is initiated.
“Users need to feel safe in the knowledge that they can watch their favourite shows and browse the internet on their smartphones without fear of being watched or having their personal data compromised. ESET is the top-rated provider of security solutions for Android OS devices, so we are the smart choice for consumers to ensure all the devices in their homes, and the data they collect, are kept secure,” explains Orlik.
When ESET Smart TV Security detects ransomware on the device, the user is advised to uninstall the malware.
Once uninstall is confirmed, the ransomware will be cleared.
ESET’s Smart TV Security is available for download via Google Play, and can only be downloaded from a user’s TV device.
Once installed, users will be protected by ESET across their entire Android ecosystem – both smartphone and TV.
The actual press conference for IFA 2017 in Berlin (1-6 September) will be held at 11am today in Lisbon, Portugal. Stay tuned for the excerpt and press release.
Sony Store Wisma Atria will be opened to the public from 1 October 2016, from 10:30am to 9:30pm daily.
These include the recently announced top-of-the-line Z9D series of BRAVIA 4K TVs, as well as the new flagship range of Signature Series High-Resolution Audio (HRA) products.
One of the more impressive showcases at IFA this year was an OLED tunnel put up by LG, measuring 5m tall, 7.4m wide and 15m in length – and comprising 15m of OLED panels and 450 million pixels.
The awesome OLED tunnel provided a stunning and immersive viewing experience with deep black and vibrant colours.
A total of 216 separate 55-inch curved OLED signage displays were assembled to create the structure comprising 447,897,600 pixels – that’s nearly half a billion – to display a collection of breathtaking scenes including Iceland’s Aurora Borealis, underwater ecosystems and deep space footage.
A video titled “From Black to Black” was produced by LG to include footage that accentuate the lifelike colors and the ability to recreate the miniscule details of life which LG’s OLED technology delivers.
The footage includes the black ocean with effervescent jellyfish and the gentle movement of whales, as well as scenes from deep black space and the brilliant northern lights on a black sky.
Samsung’s 2016 SUHD TVs ship with Quantum dot display to offer true-to-life picture quality, 360-degree design and a smart user experience with simpler access to contents. Prices & availability below.
Samsung Singapore launches 2016 line-up of SUHD TVs in Singapore at the Red Dot Museum.
Three key highlights for the new SUHD TV line-up for 2016 below.
Quantum dot display: Unbeatable Picture Quality – Samsung boasts that the TVs feature the world’s only cadmium-free 10 bit Quantum dot display with 1,000-nit high dynamic range (HDR) promising vibrant colour and contrast.
360-degree design – handsome from every angle. From the front, and from the rear.
360 design for Unparalleled Immersion –With no bezel that functions as the frame of the TV, the viewer’s attention is focused purely on the content of the virtually edgeless screen. All exposed screws from the rear of the TV are removed to create an elegant device that is beautiful from every angle.
Unlimited, Seamless Entertainment through Single Access and One Remote – With the Samsung One Remote, consumers do not need to juggle multiple remote controls as they can control all external devices with this remote. The Smart TVs automatically detect the type of game console, OTT box or home theater system that is connected to the TV so no setup is required.
Besides the SUHD TVs, Samsung also launched its latest range of Curved and Flat Soundbars in Singapore.
Sony Singapore showcased the BRAVIA 4K LCD and Full HD televisions that were announced earlier this year at CES 2015 – with new models ranging from 32 to 75 inches in size, some based on Google Android TV and impressively thin models thinner than a smartphone. Prices TBA.
The Sony Bravia X9000C is only 4.9mm at its thinnest – thinner than some smartphones.
This new lineup for 2015 will soon be available in Singapore, with models rolling in as early as next month – June 2015.
Sony BRAVIA KDL-65W850C with Google Android TV.
The 4K models ships with advanced 4K X-Reality PRO upscaling technology by analysing and upscaling content to 4K resolution.
The X9000C Series 4K LCD TV (in 55 and 65 inches) is only 4.9mm at its thinnest part and with its tiny frame – mount it on the wall and it’ll appear like a floating display.
The Bravia X series as well as the W800C and W850C will support Google’s Android TV operating system, making it easy to stream videos, function as a gaming device, and provide enhanced features like Google Cast and Voice Search.
Samsung today introduced its new SUHD TVs, and launched its latest range of UHD TVs and audio products. Complete price list below.
The curved soundbars are designed to match the curved TVs in Samsung’s latest lineup of TV and audio products for 2015.
Below are Samsung’s SUHD TV limited period promotions.
SUHD Launch Event Special
With every purchase of selected Samsung SUHD TVs and Samsung Galaxy S6 edge 4G+ from participating authorised Samsung dealers, consumers are entitled to receive a Complimentary Gift Pack worth $614.
The complimentary gift pack consists of:
Samsung Level On Wireless headphones
Samsung Level Link (Bluetooth streaming dongle)
Wireless Charging Pad
SUHD Launch Special for DBS/POSB Cardmembers
With every purchase of a Samsung SUHD TV from any authorised Samsung dealer, consumers are entitled to a complimentary 28” luggage (worth $200).
This applies to DBS/POSB credit and debit cardmembers only, and is only valid with purchase of selected Samsung SUHD TVs via payment by DBS/POSB credit or debit cards.
Below are the prices for Samsung’s 2015 range of TVs and audio solutions.