It’s been a few years since Team Gizmodo has roamed the Messe Berlin halls for IFA, but we’re back this year to catch all the action. The world’s biggest electronics show saw major announcements and reveals from tech giants like Intel, Lenovo, and Samsung, and we were among the first to witness them.
Just like CES 2024, the highlight of IFA 2024 was discovering the coolest and quirkiest tech. From an Acer gaming laptop with an integrated controller pad to Lenovo’s innovative dancing laptop, there was no shortage of standout gadgets.
With so much to explore, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite tech from the show floor. Keep checking back throughout the weekend as we continue to showcase more amazing and delightfully unconventional gadgets from IFA 2024.
Acer’s Orion 7000 Desktop Features a Hot-Swappable SSD Slot
Acer’s latest desktop design might have been overshadowed by the spotlight on its Nitro Blaze 7 handheld and DualPlay concept, but it features a noteworthy detail that deserves attention. On top of the chassis is a slot for a Predator-brand SSD. Simply pull the tab to remove the drive from its USB-C port. While hot-swappable SSDs aren’t a new concept, Acer’s integration into the desktop is sleek and user-friendly. Think of it like swapping game cartridges on an old console—imagine loading one 1TB SSD with half your games and another with the rest.
The Lenovo Auto Twist AI PC: A Laptop That Can Dance
Lenovo’s Auto Twist device boasts what the company describes as “Dual Degree of Freedom” automatic rotation. This feature leverages AI to track your eye movements, ensuring the screen remains at optimal visibility. It responds to voice commands, allowing you to switch between modes such as closed, open, or tablet mode if it’s a two-in-one. Additionally, the lid will close when it detects you’ve stepped away, minimizing distractions in the office. Lenovo also claims this technology can enhance ergonomic use by reducing eye strain.
TCL’s NXTPaper Phone Might Finally Deliver the E-Reader We Can’t Leave Behind
If a fairy granted me one wish to bring a phone from overseas to the U.S., I’d choose the TCL 50 Pro NXTPaper 5G. While many might scoff at my preference for this over the latest Oppo or Honor models, I’m drawn to the concept of a phone that effortlessly transforms into a basic E-Reader with a simple switch. It may not be perfect or as powerful as some might hope, but the idea is promising. Let’s hope TCL doesn’t make us wait too long before bringing this device to North America.
Acer’s Nitro Blaze 7 might look like a racecar, but it’s more akin to the reliable four-door sedan that everyone drives
While I’m eager to see more gaming handhelds hit the market, there needs to be a clear standard for these emerging devices. Acer’s Nitro Blaze 7 raises several questions, including its price and release date. So far, the features, such as a potential swappable 2TB SSD and a 144Hz display, haven’t been particularly compelling. The absence of back buttons is curious, and the software still needs significant refinement. Plus, its design, with decals resembling a car’s dashboard, doesn’t necessarily suggest superior performance compared to rivals like the ROG Ally X or Legion Go.
Amazon Put Someone in a Fridge
I was on the verge of ignoring Amazon’s IFA promotion, but then they put a guy in a fridge and had him serve drinks. I’m not revealing what he was promoting (though the tablecloth might offer a hint), but the key takeaway is this: there’s a guy in a fridge serving drinks at IFA. That’s all you need to know.
The DJI Neo Will Be the Most Affordable, Compact Drone Ready to Disrupt Our Neighborhoods
The palm-sized DJI Neo is a 4K drone so compact and lightweight it can fit in a purse. Priced at just $200 for the base model, it’s incredibly affordable. The package includes only the drone and a single battery, with a bundle of two additional batteries available for around $280. The Neo can be paired with some of DJI’s latest controllers and headsets, though most users will likely opt for the DJI Fly app for control. While it’s marketed as a vlogging drone, it’s likely to become a go-to spy cam for curious neighbors.
Kodak’s Barbie Camera Is Extremely Pink
While The Barbie Movie was a hit, I’m hoping the flood of Barbie-branded products doesn’t last much longer. Kodak’s booth at IFA 2024 was decked out in pink from top to bottom. Their Printomatic instant print cameras, which have been available for a few months, don’t improve in quality or price with the addition of Barbie branding. After trying out a demo unit, I faced long wait times and unexpected errors on the first attempt, and the second attempt yielded an oversaturated, unattractive photo. Although these cameras often go on sale, their MSRP is a hefty $107. For a better option, consider a Fujifilm Instax printer instead.
Harness Solar Energy on Your Hike with This Solar-Powered Hat
If I need anything beyond the pink Barbie phone, it’s the EcoFlow Power Hat. It might sound strange and a bit unusual, but the idea of wearing a hat with eight solar panels and dual charging ports is intriguing. I’m not sure how it will feel to wear, but the thought of charging two devices while hiking is exciting. At $80, it may seem pricey for a casual beach hat, but considering it functions as a power bank with dual output, it’s a reasonable investment.
