IFA 2024 Highlights: Laptops, Phones, Drones And More

Our visit revealed a remarkable level of innovation, primarily centered around AI, which dominated many discussions. From cutting-edge laptops to creative smart home solutions, we’ve compiled a roundup of the standout tech from IFA 2024.

Honor Magic V3

While IFA 2024 didn’t feature a slew of new smartphones, the Honor Magic V3 certainly made an impression. Among a wave of foldable phones this year, it stands out impressively. Why? Because it feels unlike any other folding phone.

Compact at just 9.2mm thick when closed and weighing 226 grams, it’s comparable to the iPhone 16 Pro Max in thickness and even lighter than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. This design makes the Magic V3 significantly more user-friendly. It boasts a 7.92-inch interior display perfect for gaming, streaming videos, and more.

Astonishing hardware and visually striking, the Magic V3 is a highlight in the foldable market this year. -Joe Maring

Lenovo Auto Twist AI PC

Named for its AI capabilities, the laptop can respond to voice commands, enabling it to open and close its lid as well as transition to tablet mode. One fantastically practical feature allows the screen to follow you as you move, ideal for presentations.

Witnessing the effectiveness of the voice recognition and face-tracking technology exceeded my expectations, making it feel more like a finished product than a mere tech demo. Lenovo continues its legacy of embracing innovative laptop technologies with this daring concept. -Luke Larsen

Roborock Qrevo Curv

Unveiled at IFA 2024, the Roborock Qrevo Curv represents a significant advancement in robotic vacuum technology, aiming to enhance maintenance-free operation. It comes equipped with a new and efficient vacuuming system alongside a sleek design.

Featuring a DuoDivide Main Brush that effectively separates debris for an optimal cleaning experience, it boasts a 100% hair removal rate. Its FlexiArm Side Brush, designed to reach hair along baseboards and furniture, offers a zero-tangle guarantee thanks to its innovative design.

Combined with a powerful motor capable of crossing obstacles up to 4 centimeters, wheels that can elevate 10 millimeters for better handling on thick carpets, and an extraordinary suction power of 18,500Pa, this robotic vacuum is definitely one to watch. A full review will follow soon! -Jon Bitner

Intel Core Ultra Series 2

Intel had a lot at stake this year at IFA. Given its competitive landscape, the company was under pressure to deliver something impressive, and it appears that the Intel Core Ultra Series 2 represents that breakthrough. These new chips focus on efficiency amidst the rise of competing Arm chips, particularly from Qualcomm.

These processors promise a 50% boost in performance-per-watt for Performance cores and a generational enhancement of 20% to 80% for Efficiency cores. This leads to an expectation of greater speed, efficiency, and extended battery life in laptops. Notably, these chips are being manufactured by Intel’s competitor, TSMC, the same manufacturer for Qualcomm and Apple’s Arm chips.

A key feature of the Core Ultra Series 2 is its integrated graphics, built on Intel Xe2, positioning it as potentially gaming-ready for the very first time, which opens exciting possibilities for gaming on laptops and devices like the upcoming MSI Claw 8 AI+. -Luke Larsen

DJI Neo

Drone enthusiasts often face a dilemma: quality drones can be prohibitively expensive while budget options can be subpar. The DJI Neo aims to change that narrative, offering a compelling solution at just $200. It can capture 4K video at 30 fps, launch from the palm of your hand, and autonomously track your movements using AI.

Lightweight at 0.3 pounds—almost half the size of the DJI Mini 4 Pro—it comes with a 1425mAh battery that allows up to 18 minutes of flight time. This balance between features and pricing may make it a favorite for casual users.

The drone can be operated via a controller or the DJI app on a smartphone, providing a hands-free flying experience. It’s an exciting development that could broaden its appeal, making it a holiday favorite this year. -Luke Larsen

Acer Project DualPlay

Acer showcased an innovative concept at IFA 2024 designed to enhance local multiplayer experiences in gaming laptops. The Project DualPlay features a cleverly integrated game controller that sits within the laptop’s touchpad. Users can detach the controller and even split it in half for multiplayer gaming, borrowing inspiration from the Nintendo Switch.

This wireless controller charges right inside the laptop. While this setup may impact battery size, the concept exudes creativity, generating excitement among attendees during the press event. The future of this quirky idea remains to be seen, but it highlights the ongoing innovation within the PC gaming sphere. -Luke Larsen