This year’s IFA saw two of the consumer electronics giants usher in a new age in high definition technology designed to improve life for the everyday consumer.
Panasonic’s press conference earlier in the day promised “A Better Life, A Better World” with connectivity across its products with fully customisable options so that no two experiences are the same. In addition to this we were treated to the unveiling of the world’s first Ultra HD TV with 4K 50/60Hz input, the WT600.
As well as the WT600 boasting this feat based on HDMI 2.0, it also showcases a My Home Screen feature which merges with The Cloud to create customisable home screens, Partner Home Screens with Eurosport, maxdome, CANAL+ and YouTube to initially cater for a variety of tastes. Gamers will also get to benefit from the 4K format with a Display Port 1.2a, now it is down to game developers to cater for that to make this a selling point to get excited about.
Although some are still to be convinced about home appliance connectivity, Panasonic aim to offer this to consumers via their Cloud based service. They promise products that will “learn your favour” with each use via voice or gesture recognition.
In addition to the UHD TV unveiling and plans to make all appliances adaptable to consumer needs, we also saw Panasonic’s first offering in 4K tablets. The 20in tablet not only packs in Ultra HD technology, it is still as thin and light as consumers will expect for ease of portability.
Similarly, Sony affirmed their commitment to Ultra HD technology, especially at the creative stage. Although a lot of their press conference was centred around their new Smartphone offering, the Xperia Z1, there was a chance to catch glimpses of a new 4K Handycam and the introduction of a UHD video service. However, consumers who wish they had a Smartphone that has the picture taking power to take advantage of hi resolution screens will find a solution in the Xperia Z1. The Smartphone has a mount on the back which allows for QX Cyber Shot series lens attachment.
Not a single mention of 3D by either didn’t come as much of a surprise to the journalists in attendance. Like technology, the innovators are always moving forward to the next big thing and by what I saw today, Ultra HD has a lot of backing to seamlessly integrate itself into everyday life.
