Global brands showcase their products featuring cutting-edge technologies at IFA Berlin 2024, the world's leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances, with the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and green technology under the spotlight in driving sustainable development.
Some tech firms have developed products featuring smart management system powered by AI, which allow these products to automatically adjust energy consumption during operation, enabling them to make the most of the energy resources.
A washing machine equipped with AI program is a typical exhibit at the ongoing IFA.
"One of the biggest innovations we are showing this time at the fair is a first-world washing machine. A washing machine that does not use at all any more ribs that you find inside, so it's a ribless washing machine. And also here we use AI for our [smart] programming which basically allows us to save enormously on time or energy when you do the washing," said Dr. Axel Kniehl, an exhibitor from Germany.
The IFA 2024 not only showcases how the advanced technologies are applied in different scenarios but also demonstrates how AI dominates the future global electronic consumption market as the technology continues to amaze consumers.
An energy-efficient washing machine verified by VDE, one of the largest technology organizations in Europe, attracts a visitor from Italy.
"I'm really impressed by this washing machine because it's a A minus 60 percent energy class VDE-tested. Moreover, it's with a smart AI. And it detects the fabrics. It detects the type of cycle that I need, the water and the detergent," said a visitor from Italy.
As a barometer of technological innovation in the consumer electronics industry, this year's IFA, which is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday, has attracted more than 1,800 companies from around the world and notably Chinese firms, which have a strong presence and showcase a wide range of products that blend AI, sustainability, and premium quality.
AI highlights Berlin electronics trade show
A festive atmosphere is building up as people across China have been making preparations to ring in the Spring Festival next week, with lights and decorations set everywhere, and with New Year goods markets all seeing booming sales.
The Spring Festival, which marks the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year, is the most important annual holiday in China, when people across the country return to their hometowns for Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations and family reunion.
In Xi'an City of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, a grand lantern show is in its final stage of preparation before opening to the public ahead of the eve of the 2025 Chinese Lunar New Year. To be lit up on Wednesday, the large light sets presented at the event will draw numerous visitors, with lanterns that replicate 38 cultural relics as the highlight.
Buying New Year flowers has been a custom for Chinese people. In Yancheng City of east China's Jiangsu Province, various flowers which have auspicious meanings are already in high demand.
This year, tulips bred locally have been put on sale, and quickly become a favorable choice for many customers.
"I have never seen this kind of flower before. I think it is really bright-colored. Therefore, I decided to buy some to enhance the festive atmosphere at home," said Zhang Jinjian, a local resident.
The Anchang ancient town in Shaoxing City of east China's Zhejiang Province has a time-honored custom of making aired sausages and spiced duck.
As the Spring Festival draws near, plenty of visitors and tourists choose to purchase these local delicacies as ingredients for their Chinese New Year feast.
"The number of tourists has been increasing, so the sales of our spiced meat have been quite good. Compared with the same period of last year, our sales is expected to increase by about 50,000 yuan (about 6,835 U.S. dollars). We will earn an additional 200,000 to 300,000 yuan (27,335 to 41,000 U.S. dollars) in sales during this whole winter," said Yang Jing, owner of a local spiced meat shop.
In southwest China's Yunnan Province, the "Tiaocai dance" is a time-honored tradition of the Yi ethnic minority group. The dance is presented in the form of serving dishes while dancing to the rhythm. It usually happens on a joyous or grand occasion.
Since the most significant annual festival is around the corner, Yi people have dressed up in traditional costumes, and got ready to welcome the arrival of the Chinese Lunar New Year with the special dance.
People across China make preparations to welcome Spring Festival