In the days leading to IFA 2014, consumers will start seeing exciting new mobile devices from a multitude of major manufacturers - namely Sony, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, LG, Huawei, HTC, Lenovo, Acer, and Asus.
We will look at what will be featured at the internationally-renowned electronics trade show in the coming days. IFA 2014 will start on September 5 thru 10 in Berlin, Germany.
Samsung (Wednesday, Sept. 3)
Samsung's Galaxy Note 4 is expected to debut two days before IFA begins. On Wednesday, Sept. 3, the South Korean firm will host the Unpacked Event.
The invite-only gathering is scheduled to be held in New York City, Berlin, and Beijing. However, Samsung plans to live stream the event via YouTube. So, the general public will also be able to see the official unveiling of the highly-anticipated device.
Besides the Galaxy Note 4, Samsung will unveil its Gear S smartwatch at IFA. Announced in late August, the Gear S is able to connect independently to the internet.
In contrast, the current model Gear Live smartwatch needs to be paired with a smartphone in order to work. Also, the Gear S uses Samsung's proprietary Tizen OS. With the exception of Apple's iWatch, most current smartwatches are running on the Android Wear operating system.
Update: Samsung Rolls Out 5.7 inch Galaxy Note 4
Sony (Wednesday, Sept. 3)
On the same day as Samsung's massive unveiling event, Sony will be showing off its upcoming Xperia Z3 flagship device at a private press conference. According to BGR, the Japanese tech giant has not said what device will be shown at the gathering.
Naturally, a number of tech observers believe that the long-rumored Xperia Z3 will be featured at the event in question. As of now, Sony has yet to formally introduce its newest mobile device.
Even so, this has not stopped other sources from leaking details about the new phone. On Aug. 21, China's TENAA agency posted pictures and specs information for what appears to an Xperia Z3. The organization officially handles certification for mobile devices sold in China.
Nokia (Thursday, Sept. 4)
Nokia will bring three mobile devices to the conference. These products will include the Lumia 830 and Lumia 930 smartphones that fall into the moderate price range. The third device to be featured is the Lumia 730, which will be targeted at more economically-minded consumers.
Due to the fact Microsoft now owns Nokia, all three versions of the Nokia Lumia run on the Windows Phone 8.1 software. As such, the devices may be shown at a media event hosted by Microsoft on Thursday, Sept. 4. For now, Microsoft has remained silent about details.
Update: Microsoft launches Nokia Lumia 830, 730, 735 today
Motorola vs. LG (Thursday, Sept. 4)
There has been much debate over whether smartwatches will become a mainstay of the mobile device market.
Even so, there is no question that Motorola's Moto 360 is going to receive much attention at IFA 2014. Many consumers have been wooed by the Moto 360's classical round face. Other smartwatches tend to be squared, just like their smartphone counterparts. The Moto 360 was first unveiled at Google I/O. There is a good chance Motorola will announce a release schedule for the new device at an upcoming invite-only press conference in Chicago, IL.
LG is obviously feeling the pressure. Recently, they announced the so-called LG G Watch R that features a redesigned circular shape. Their previous LG G smartwatch was rectangular. Apart from the latest teaser featuring the LG G Watch R, not much information has been released so far. It remains to be seen whether the LG device will actually unseat the hype surrounding the Moto 360.
Besides smartwatches, both manufacturers will be introducing smartphones. Motorola is expected to bring the Moto G2 and the Moto X+1 to IFA, while LG may show off its recently released G3 Stylus.
Update: LG G Watch R Hitting Shelves on October 2014
Asus, HTC, Acer
A number of Taiwan-based manufacturers are exhibiting their products as well. Asus will unveil its newest devices on Wednesday, Sept. 3. HTC and Acer will reveal their products the following day on Sept. 4, Thursday.
Based on speculation from Chinese social media, HTC may feature the Desire 820 at IFA 2014. Its compatriot rival Acer has remained comparatively silent. The normally active rumor mill has yet to reveal any clues as to what Acer will introduce at the upcoming tech conference.
In contrast, Asus will feature fifteen new devices that include the so-called ZenWatch, which is expected to undercut the prices offered of other major smartwatches. According to rumors, the ZenWatch may sell for as little as $150. The watch was the subject of the latest ad campaign video campaign from Asus, which has kept relatively quiet about the device's performance.
Huawei and Lenovo (Thursday, Sept. 4)
China's consumer base rivals that of many in the world. Not surprisingly, a number of major manufacturers have targeted the Chinese market, which has a rapidly burgeoning mobile device market.
Even so, China has produced a number of tech companies that stand to challenge those abroad. Two of these companies will be making their presence known at IFA 2014.
Huawaei may feature a new line of budget phablets at its upcoming Sept. 4 conference. Still, the Chinese corporation may launch the Huawei Ascend Mate 7, which is considered their highest-end phone to date. The device has a metal back with a 13-megapixel camera and fingerprint scanner.
Lenovo has already invited members of the press to its Vibe X2 exhibition that is also scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 4. The latest unofficial leaks suggest the device has a 5-inch display with 1080p resolution. Regarding performance, the Vibe X2 has either an octa-core or dual-core processor. Like the Ascend Mate 7, the Lenovo device may have a 13 mega-pixel rear camera.
