The hot new phones and gadgets from Sony, Samsung and more will launch at Europe's biggest consumer expo
On Wednesday 29th August, tech journos from across the globe will descend on Berlin, like a horde of gadget-hungry zombies. The reason is the massive IFA 2012 expo: a mass gathering of Earth’s coolest manufacturers, launching a host of shiny new kit and letting us play around with it.
Your good friends Mobile Choice will brave stinky sweat-filled halls, dubious finger food and countless steins of premium German beer to bring you the biggest news and hands-on reviews of new phones and tablets from IFA 2012, so be sure to check back every day for the full skinny!
- Follow us on Twitter to hear the big news as it happens, and Facebook to see our photos from the floor!
Do you come with the smartphone? Tee hee...
Consumer Electronics Unlimited (IFA 2012) Cheat Sheet
What: IFA 2012 is one of the world’s biggest consumer electronics expos, showcasing all kinds of gadgetry goodness from global giants such as Sony, Samsung, Toshiba and many more.
Where: Messe centre, Berlin
When: Wednesday 29th – Thursday 30th August for press; open to public from Friday 31st August
The low-down: With big launches from the likes of Samsung and Sony, as well as exclusive hands-on opportunities with the latest phones, tablets and gadgets from a host of manufacturers, we’ll be charging around like hyperactive children on a massive sugar rush to bring you smokin’ hot news and previews.
Main manufacturer launches
Apple
As usual, the fruity manufacturer won’t be attending IFA, preferring to launch the iPhone 5 on its own terms. Looks like the iPhone 5 will emerge on 12 September, so check back then for the full deets.
Asus
On Wednesday afternoon, Asus will greet us at Berlin’s Science Centre for the official unveiling of its new tablet range, including hints of some new Windows 8 gear. We’re such massive fans of the Asus Transformer Prime that we’re gagging to see what amazing new iPad-smashers will be revealed.
HTC
HTC is shunning IFA this year, but is launching some new kit in London instead, so our UK team will be attending and bringing you a full hands-on preview. We're expecting a powerful, feature-packed follow-up to the HTC One X, rumoured to be called the One X+
Samsung
With its massive ‘Unpacked’ event dominating Wednesday evening from 7pm, Samsung is a huge presence at IFA 2012. Rumours abound that the Korean manufacturer will be launching its much-anticipated Galaxy Note 2 smartphone, the sequel to last year’s enormous five-inch stylus mobile. We’re hoping for some surprises too and will bring you photos, videos and all of the big news live from the event!
Sony
Sony has some hot new Xperias to unveil at IFA 2012, including James Bond’s new blower, the Xperia T. We’re also hoping to see the powerful new Xperia SL, packing a 12.1-megapixel camera and supremely sharp 4.3-inch HD screen. Expect a new Xperia tablet too, to rival anything that Asus and Samsung may launch. It all kicks off just before Samsung’s event on the Wednesday, at a special press-only event.
Toshiba
We’ll be dropping by Toshiba’s Berlin HQ on Thursday to check out the full range of gear. We’re hoping for some new tablet news, after being suitably impressed by its AT200 and AT300 slates.
- In addition to all of these events and launches, we’ll be checking out hot new gadgets, playthings and accessories, reporting on them live from the Messe centre. Remember, follow us on Twitter to hear the big news as it happens, and Facebook to see our photos from the floor!