The world is being reshaped by Covid-19, and that includes the realm of technology. So while the IFA, Berlin's annual tech fair that is by far the biggest platform for new tech launches in Europe, has tried to get as close to normal as possible, the exhibition floors looked a bit different than what we're used to. Besides the fact that the 4.000 participants had to wear masks and social distancing measures in place, the class of devices on display was also different than usual. Best known in recent years for giant televisions and virtual reality headsets, this year the IFA has seen displays of a new class of pandemic-inspired gadgets. This is what the IFA had to offer a world facing Covid-19.
![]()
(Image credit: future)
Bob the Mini Dishwasher from Daan Tech
Dishwashers are known to be big and ugly. This is what this little self-contained dishwasher named Bob is trying to escape from. Designed by French Daan Tech, Bob sits on the kitchen counter, takes just 20 minutes to complete one cycle, and comes in one of 24 color combinations. Everything is fine, but where is the Covid-19 link? Bob is also into UV-C sterilization, using ultraviolet light to distort the structure of genetic material, effectively killing bacteria and viruses. So, alongside his dirty plates, cups, and wine glasses, Bob can also work his magic on disposable masks, as well as his dirty wallet and keys. It retails for $299 (£354 / £267 / AU$487) and is available for pre-order now.
![]()
(Image credit: future)
Ataraina OiSHI Creative Technology Portable Air Purifier
Electrostatic technology could be the 'disinfectant of the future', with Covid-19 it was inevitable that we would see a portable air purifier at IFA 2020. Designed to be worn around the neck, the Ataraina OiSHI isn't guaranteed to protect you from you-know-what. However, its three-layer electrostatic filter works to remove the surrounding air bubble of bacteria and viruses, as well as pollen and airborne pollutants. OiSHI - “delicious” in Japanese - from the Japanese company Creative Technology is already being sold in Asia.
![]()
(Image credit: future)
GoBe telepresence robot
Does anyone suffer from video call fatigue? Not surprising, since telepresence has suddenly become a way of life for many of us. However, interacting at a distance doesn't come close to being there in person. The answer is of course to use a remote controlled mobile robot. Designed in Denmark to replace travel with a remote presence, GoBe is all about putting someone "in the room." Basically a 21,5-inch "face shield" on wheels, its pilot robot is fed real-time footage via a zoomable 4K camera. It also has a wide-angle front camera for a full view of the room. “During the global virus outbreak, we saw significant growth in orders,” says Peter Juhl Voldsgaard, CEO of GoBe Robots. "Telepresence robots have now become standard technology that anyone can understand...the experience our technology provides of being almost there in person is unique."
![]()
(Image credit: future)
Neato Robotics D10 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
So honing your sourdough bread skills? If half the flour he stored away during lockdown ended up constantly on your kitchen floor, then maybe you should consider the Neato D10 "smart robot vacuum," which promises not just clean but ultra-clean. clean. Announced at IFA 2020 and claiming to be able to suck dirt from all types of floors, the D10 features a True HEPA filter to capture "up to 99,97%" of allergens and particles as small as 0,3 microns. The D10 runs for 2,5 hours and is programmed through the MyNeato app.
![]()
(Image credit: future)
Fauna Audio Memor Havana Audio Glasses
If your efforts to work productively from home are hampered by kids or noisy roommates, chances are you could benefit from some sturdy noise-canceling headphones. If that's not a major problem, consider these blue light blocking glasses with built in sound. Fauna's Memor and Levia models are equipped with standard blue light filtering lenses to reduce blue light exposure from computers and phones (prescription lenses can also be fitted) and MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) microspeakers, which do not block sound. just like headphones and earphones. As a result, you can have one ear listening to your computer audio (music, Zoom calls, etc.) while the other can listen to incoming mail with your latest Amazon purchase. With Bluetooth and built-in microphones for hands-free calling, Fauna works with voice assistants and has touch control via two touchpads on the temples. It sells for €199 (€235 / €178 / AU€324).
![]()
(Image credit: future)
Hoover's New ``Skin Modes''
If Hoover's new products are anything to go by, your next washing machine will probably come with a mask sanitizing mode. Announced at IFA 2020 by Chinese owner Haier, the brand's new washing machine fashions aim to try to reduce the number of masks and PPE currently thrown away every day. The mask disinfection mode, which runs for 110 minutes at 60°C, and the mask refresh mode, which lasts 45 minutes at 40°C, can be downloaded to the latest "smart laundry" washing machines from Hoover and Candy AXI, H-WASH, Smart Pro, Rapid “Ó and Bianca.
![]()
(Image credit: future)
TCL Ocarina air conditioner
When and if we finally get to work in the office again, life will literally be a breeze. Since the suggestion has been that confined spaces and lack of airflow lead to a higher risk of transmission of Covid-19, you can expect your office windows to remain open first. and second, we will see an increase in the number of new, more efficient air conditioning technologies. For a taste of what's to come, consider TCL's Ocarina, an air conditioning unit designed for the home that can be controlled via Google Home and Amazon's Alexa. Its basic mode is "gentle breeze," which uses the Coanda effect to redirect airflow, resulting in, in TCL's words, "a soft, soothing touch of wind." Ocarina also has a deep clean detox mode that sterilizes most germs and other airborne pollutants in a room. IFA 2020 is Europe's biggest tech fair (although much smaller this year due to global restrictions), and TechRadar will bring you all the breaking news and first impressions of new TVs, wearables and other gadgets as they're announced.