What to expect from IFA 2013: Samsung, Philips, and others prep new product launches for Sept.

We are pleased to have the opportunity to attend the annual IFA Global Press Conference this year. Taking place in Sardinia, Italy, over 300 journalists from 55 countries have been invited to learn about exactly what’s in store for one of the world’s biggest consumer electronics trade shows this summer in Berlin. We all know IFA has become one of the premiere destinations for tech companies to introduce and show off new and upcoming products each summer, so we were excited to learn what the show has planned for 2013.

As for Android products, Samsung was showing off its line of Smart washing machines and dryers that can be controlled via its Android devices. A new update, we’re told, will be rolling out for the connected white goods in the coming months that will allow full control over the majority of functions through a cellular connection. Currently these features of the app are limited to devices connected to the same home network as the appliance.

Samsung also had its just released flagship Galaxy S4 on show and we didn’t hesitate to get some extra hands-on time with the device before posting our full review.

Although Google TV didn’t seem to really be on the radar when it came to trends in the TV industry– Samsung, and talks from analysts such as NPD’s DisplaySearch, focused mainly on 4K and OLED trends — wearable technologies was a big topic of conversation throughout presentations and panels at IFA’s GPC this week. Not surprisingly, Google Glass was one of the most talked about wearable technology trends, and wearables are expected to be an even bigger focus at IFA 2013 this summer thanks to Glass.

Much of the talks around future trends in tech centred on what Google is doing in this space, and of course the industry leaders from most of the mobile related presentations discussed the potential for Glass and other wearable form factors, such as watches, to have an impact on the mobile device industry in the coming year.

Good news for potential product announcements at IFA 2013 this summer, not only is IFA expecting growth among both trade visitors and exhibitors, most companies on hand this week, including Samsung, Kobo, Philips and more, confirmed new products will be on show in early September in Berlin. Philips is planning a new generation of app-enabled accessories, while Samsung will have new sizes of its Ultra HD TVs and more mobile related products.

We plan to be on hand at IFA 2013 in Berlin when it kicks off the first week of September, so stay tuned to 9to5Google for the latest product announcements.